This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn money or products from the links in this post at no additional cost to you. Please check out my full disclosure policy

Do you often feel like you don’t have time to care for yourself? Life gets busy or other things get put on your to-do list and self-care often gets pushed back. I know this feeling all too well, but self-care practices don’t have to be extravagant or take up a lot of time.

There is a way to indulge in self-care with simple ideas that will help you relax, make you smile, and remind you that a self-care routine is important for your mental and physical health. The thought of a lavish spa day sounds nice, and maybe someday I can enjoy one, but in the meantime, I will focus on working self-care into my daily life. 

I enjoy keeping all aspects of my life as simple as possible! I enjoy looking for small things I can do daily, weekly, and simply when I think about it. I want to indulge myself in self-care in simple ways! Below are some ideas that will jive well with your simple lifestyle! They are easy, simple, and relaxing.

What is Self-Care?

The definition of self-care is “the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.” 

Self-care is what it sounds like, taking care of yourself! Physical self-care is taking care of your body physically by exercising and staying healthy. Emotional self-care is taking care of your emotions by recognizing how you are feeling and knowing how to handle those feelings. Mental self-care is having a healthy brain and taking care of your mental state. 

Self-care is taking care of all aspects of your body and ensuring they are happy, healthy, and ready to take on the day. 

101 Self-Care Ideas to Practice for Your Simple Lifestyle

1. Take a bubble bath with a wonderful-smelling candle-lit

A great way to unwind after a long day is to get in a bubble bath, light your favorite candle, play some music, and close your eyes for a bit. Something about a nice, hot bubble bath can cure anything!

2. Paint your nails or get them done

If you don’t usually get your nails done (I don’t), then take some time to paint them. It always makes me feel better when my nails are painted and colorful. If you prefer to get your nails done, then make an appointment to get pampered. 

3. Spend time reading one of your favorite books

I have several favorite books and authors. I love spending time reading when the house is quiet. If you need some inspiration for a book to read, check out some of my favorites here. 

4. Have a cup of your favorite tea

A good cup of tea can always make my day a little better. Fix a cup of hot tea and sit down to breathe for a few minutes.

Do you have a favorite kind of tea? 

5. Try a new type of herbal tea blend

If you love tea as much as I do, then you know how exciting it is to try a new flavor. 

6. Bake your favorite pie or other dessert

Getting in the kitchen to bake always makes me feel happy. If you feel the same way, bake your favorite dessert. 

7. Do your hair/and or make-up one morning, even if you have nowhere to go!

There’s just something about getting fixed up that will make you feel good about yourself. Fix your hair and make-up and make yourself feel pretty.

8. Eat a healthy breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Fix a good, healthy breakfast to start the day off well. 

9. Go for a walk on a beautiful day

Going for a walk is an easy way to boost your mood and get some fresh air. 

10. Spend some time outside getting some much-needed fresh air

If you don’t want to go for a walk, find something else to do. The fresh air is good for you.

11. Spend time in your garden (Veggie, herb, or flower!)

During the spring and summer, spending time in my garden is so peaceful. 

12. Buy a small plant to keep in the house

If you don’t have space for a garden outside, buy a house plant. It’s refreshing to take care of a plant and see it thrive. 

13. Daydream about somewhere you want to travel

I have spent enough time daydreaming about places I want to travel. It always makes me smile and changes my mindset when I dream about places I want to travel.

14. Listen to motivational music

Motivational music will get you pumped up and ready to conquer anything you have before you. 

Related Post: How to De-Clutter Your Home, Mind, and Life for a Simple Life

15. Make a list of positive affirmations to say to yourself

Positive affirmations are a powerful way to change your mindset. 

16. Grab a cup of coffee

Does it make you happy to go to your favorite coffee shop and get your favorite coffee? Then go!

17. Work on your favorite hobby

I work on my hobbies on a regular basis. If you have a favorite hobby, find some time to enjoy it. If you don’t have one, find a new hobby to enjoy!

18. Find a podcast to listen to

Podcasts are my favorite and I have so many good ones to recommend! If you love true crime, you can’t go wrong with a Crime Junkies episode. 

19. Listen to your favorite music or song on repeat

What’s your favorite genre? Music has a way of turning our emotional health around! 

20. Create a playlist with your favorite songs

Create a playlist with your favorite songs to listen to whenever you need a boost. 

21. Create a playlist with upbeat music

Upbeat music can motivate you to get through the day, a workout, or just have it playing when you need a pick-me-up. 

22. Say ‘no’ to something you truly don’t want to do

Saying no to something can be so freeing! Protect your peace and mental wellbeing by saying no to things you don’t want to do. 

23. Listen to a TED talk

TED talks can be super motivating and can put you in a great place mentally to achieve your goals. 

24. Look for positive things throughout your day and write them down

Looking for positive things throughout your day can help you beat any negative thoughts you have. 

25. Make a list of bad habits you want to stop and why your life would be better off without them

We all have bad habits that we want to get rid of. By writing them down and understanding why you would be better off without them is a great start. Small steps are always a win! 

26. Do a mental cleanse

A mental cleanse will make a big difference in your overall mental health. Learn more about doing a mental cleanse here.

27. Treat your face to a pampering session- face mask!

Face masks are great for your skin. Put on a face mask and fall asleep for a few minutes.

28. Make a healthy smoothie

A healthy smoothie is a great option for breakfast, post-workout, or a treat during the day. 

29. Start a gratitude journal.

It’s always nice to remind yourself what you have to be thankful for.

I love writing in my gratitude journal each day. This gratitude journal is great because it also has a section for self-care!

30. Sit on the porch with a cup of coffee

If you have a porch, use it! Sit on the front porch with a cup of coffee and enjoy the early morning. Enjoy watching the world come to life. 

31. Sit on the porch and watch the rain

Have you ever done this? Something about it is so soothing! I love to sit on the porch in the summer and watch and listen to the rain falling. 

32. Watch Netflix or a show you love

Get lost in watching a movie or TV show for a while. It can be nice to zone out and forget about the world for a while. 

33. Go to your favorite bookstore

Whenever I am feeling down, I love to go to a bookstore and find my next book to read. Sometimes I will just walk around and enjoy being somewhere that makes me happy. 

34. Cook breakfast

What’s your favorite meal for breakfast? Get up and cook it! A good breakfast will start the day off right. 

35. Sing your favorite song

If you enjoy singing, turn on your favorite song and have some fun. 

36. Put lavender essential oil in your diffuser and relax

Put lavender essential oil in your diffuser, turn the lights down, and close your eyes. It is so relaxing!

37. Find a quiet space in your home

Find a quiet place to sit, think, read a book, or drink a cup of coffee. Whatever you want to do! Just make sure it’s quiet so you can clear your mind.

38. Do a brain dump to clear your mind

A brain dump works wonders to clear your mind and cut down on stress. 

39. Pick some flowers to make a fresh bouquet in your home

If you don’t have somewhere to pick flowers, buy some from the store. Fresh flowers add a nice touch to your home and will make you smile!

40. Take a nice hot shower

Put a eucalyptus shower steamer in the bottom of the shower so the hot water releases the amazing scent! You will feel relaxed and refreshed when you get out.

41. Sleep in one morning, with no alarm set!

Sleeping in without an alarm is such a great feeling. Getting enough sleep and allowing your body to wake up whenever it wants is great for you!

42. Write down encouraging sentences

Place them around your home or in your car so that you will see them every day.

Related Post: How to Revamp Your Office Space for More Effective Work

43. Cook your favorite meal for dinner

Spoil yourself with your favorite dinner. 

44. Have a movie night with your spouse or best friend

A movie night is so much fun! Find your favorite movie to watch with someone you love. 

45. Listen to an audiobook while doing things around the house

Do you not have much time to sit down and read a book? That’s okay! Listen to an audiobook while doing things around the house. 

46. Spend time outdoors, stargazing, or enjoying the bright moon one evening

The night sky is so beautiful! Take some time to appreciate it. 

47. Practice breathing when you feel stressed out

Deep breathing is a great way to calm down and help you feel less stressed.

48. Spend a full day without getting on social media

Taking a break from social media is always a great idea. It’s great for your mental health. 

49. Snuggle your sweet pet

My sweet pup always makes me feel better. Spend some time snuggling with your pet and enjoying being with each other. 

50. Learn more about yourself. What makes you happy, sad, excited?

Learn your enneagram number and take some time to read about it. Learn what makes you tick and find more ways to love yourself better.

51. Create a vision board

A vision board will help you get excited about the future. 

52. Have a glass of wine

A glass of wine can cure anything, right? Have a glass of wine while you sit down and relax. 

53. Try a new recipe

I love to cook so trying a new recipe is always fun for me! If you feel the same way, get some kitchen therapy on your schedule!

54. Do a skincare routine

A clean face is so refreshing! Do a skincare routine and pamper yourself. A morning and evening skincare routine is important for having healthy skin!

55. Call someone you enjoy talking to

Is there someone in your life that makes you happy to talk to? Call them and enjoy a good conversation and some laughs. 

56. Lift some weights or do a small workout 

The best way to boost your energy levels is to get active. Do a small workout sometime during the day. 

57. Do some yoga

Yoga can be very relaxing! 

58. Clear some clutter in your workspace

Clearing clutter always makes me feel better. It’s like a weight is lifted off my shoulders when I declutter and get rid of things.

59. Drink plenty of water 

Water is so good for you! Your body and your skin will thank you for drinking enough. 

60. Gratitude or happy list

Create a list of things you are grateful for or things that make you happy. 

61. Give your eyes a break

Take out contacts or close your eyes

62. Schedule a nap into your schedule

A nap is always a great idea. 

63. Get some vitamin C

Whether going outside or drinking some orange juice, get some vitamin C in your body!

64. Let the sun into your home

I love to open the blinds and let the sun light up my home. The brightness always boosts my mood. 

65. Plant a flower

Plant a flower so you can take care of it and watch it grow. 

66. Plant a garden

​Plant a small garden indoors or outdoors. You will enjoy taking care of it and benefiting from what it produces. You can learn so much from a garden!

67. Visit the local library

The local library has so much to offer! Find a new book, or a movie, or just enjoy looking around. 

68. Moisturize your skin

Moisturize your skin to make it feel silky smooth!

69. Find something to make you laugh 

Watch a funny movie or watch videos of your favorite comedian

70. Learn something new

Learning something new as a regular exercise is great for your brain. 

71. Make a mantra 

Create a mantra for the month or year

72. Make coffee at home

​Do you have a favorite coffee? Try making it at home! It can be fun to try a new recipe. 

73. Go for a bike ride

Do you enjoy bike riding? Go for a ride to get some exercise and fresh air. 

74. Create a daily routine

Daily routines are important because we thrive off of routines and schedules. 

75. Create a morning routine

A morning routine is a great idea to keep you on track for a great day.

76. Get lost in some video games

If you enjoy video games, spend some time playing. 

77. Listen to worship music

Get your worship and praise on!

78. Do a daily devotion

Spend some time diving into a daily devotion and spending time with God. 

79. Do brain teaser activities

Brain teasers are great for your mental health. They can be fun, too!

80. Look through old photos

Look through old photos and reminisce on good happy times. 

81. Do a puzzle

Puzzles can be so much fun and relaxing! I have gotten into puzzles recently. 

82. Spend time meditating

Meditating is great for refreshing your mind and calming you.

83. Work on drawing or art

Do you love to draw or do other types of artwork? Spend some time creating a special piece of art. 

84. Work on decluttering

Decluttering can be so freeing! Work on decluttering an area of your home (or life). 

85. Get a bear hug from someone 

A bear hug from someone you love can cheer you up. 

86. Order your favorite takeout 

Do you have a favorite place to order takeout? Indulge in some yummy food tonight!

87. Listen to live music

Find a place in your town that has live music or find concert tickets to a band you like. 

88. Take a break from social media 

Social media can bring you down and make you feel awful. Take a break from social media and focus on something more positive.

89. Buy yourself something nice

It’s always fun to spoil yourself a little! 

90. Write out your goals

Writing your goals down is one step closer to achieving them. Put them somewhere you can see them every day.

91. Read a Bible verse

Find a Bible verse that speaks to you and read it, write it down, and memorize it. 

92. Read inspirational and motivational quotes

Look up some motivational quotes and read through them. 

93. Rearrange some furniture

Rearranging furniture or decor in your home can make you feel better. A small change is good now and then! 

94. Go to the hair salon

Get a new hairstyle or touch up the one you already have. I love to try new colors in my hair for fun. 

95. Get a massage

Schedule a massage and enjoy every minute of it!

96. Limit screen time

Limiting screen time can be great for your overall health. It will get you off the couch, allow you to clear your mind, and give you more time for other things you enjoy. 

97. Think back to happy memories

Think back to some happy memories that make you smile or laugh. 

98. Use an at-home massager

We have several at-home massagers that are amazing! Invest in a good full-body massager and you will never want to get off of it.

99. Eat some fresh fruits

Fresh fruits are my favorite. Eat them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! They taste amazing any time of the day. 

100. Add “me time” into your schedule

Having “me time” is so important! Schedule some “me time” a few times a week. 

101. Use an adult coloring book

Spend some time zoning out and coloring in an adult coloring book. 

Do you need help learning how to love yourself? Make sure to tell yourself every day how amazing you are!

Grab these printable self-love affirmation cards to place around your home, car, workplace, and more.

I hope you can find some great ideas from this list to start scheduling time for self-care! Self-care is so important to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Are there some ideas you love for self-care that I didn’t mention here? I would love to hear about them.

Until next time,

Catherine