I came across this tool recently. It is a nice summary of self-care activities.
What self-care practices do you find most helpful?
For me, 5 of my “Go-to” self-care activities are:
Walking outside – I try to get outside every day. When I am outside, I try to pay attention to what I see, any compelling scents or sensations. I always feel better after getting outside. I love camping in the mountains and hiking, but this mostly happens in the summer time.
Time with my family – making supper, talking about our day, family movie nights can be great. This one can be tough sometimes with competing schedules and each of us having different needs.
Taking and editing photos – I love taking photos of nature, sunsets or other images that feel inspiring. My favorite editing app is Afterlight. It is a paid app, but only costs a couple of bucks. I enjoy taking photos and then adding or changing colors, textures to see what I can create. I also love taking photos that inspire humor… like this one.
Reading fiction – I enjoy reading about psychology, recovery, and Acceptance and Commitment related books. But at the end of the day, I just don’t have the energy or attention to read ‘serious’ content. I love to read science fiction and I regularly borrow books from the library. I do try to read a professional related book or article 10-15 minutes each day to stimulate my mind and creativity.
Exercise – I try to work out hard 3-4 times a week. This seems very rejuvenating… but I have to be mindful of my tendency to coast.
Watching Netflix – I enjoy series like the Walking Dead, Better Call Saul and Brooklyn 99.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments about your self-care and what fits you and supports your wellness.
Last, I recommend my recent article, “Four Ways that Self-care will Sabotage Your Well-being.”
Getting High on Recovery 