75 Emotional Self-Care Ideas

Emotional self-care is one of the most important spokes of the self-care wheel. But what does emotional self-care mean, exactly?

It’s all about putting our time and energy into nourishing our mental health and emotional wellbeing. In other words, while eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are important elements of self-care, emotional self-care digs deeper, finding self-care practices that nourish our souls, eliminate negative feelings as much as possible, and help keep us mentally on track and make sure our emotional needs are met. 

Intrigued? Here are 75 emotional self-care ideas to help you get started, from taking a mental health day to writing in a gratitude journal. 

75 Emotional Self-Care Ideas

1. Spend some time diffusing or breathing in calming, grounding essential oils.
2. Journal on what your day looks like when you’re living your best life.
3. Make a plan with your best friend.
4. Take all social media apps off your phone for an entire weekend.
5. Come up with a list of positive affirmations, and keep them where you can see them.
6. Journal on your emotional triggers. What can you do to eliminate them, and if that’s not possible, how can you respond to them in a healthier way? 
7. Take a mental health day.
8. Learn some breathing exercises that work well for you, and practice them.
9. Meditate.
10. Turn off your devices and spend two hours reading a book. 
11. Drink a glass of water. 
12. Plan a trip, whether it’s a long vacation or a day trip.
13. Call a family member and let them know how much you love them.
14. List five things you’re grateful for. 
15. Reduce negative self-talk
16. Light a candle.
17. Brew a cup of herbal tea
18. Play a game that keeps your mind sharp
19. Play a board game with friends
20. Stretch
21. Try a new recipe
22. Say yes to something that pushes you out of your comfort zone
23. Create an inspirational collage (a pinterest board works, too!)
24. Do something you’ve been putting off for a while
25. Plan three things that make you feel excited
26. Paint a watercolor 
27. Try a new hobby
28. Get a massage
29. Get lost in an adult coloring book
30. Hand-write a letter
31. Buy a bouquet of flowers for yourself
32. Turn off the news
33. Reduce negative self-talk
34. Say “no.” 
35. Focus on positive emotions
36. Write out what healthy boundaries mean for you
37. Cuddle with a pet
38. Go outside and get some fresh air
39. Take a long, luxurious bubble bath
40. Binge-watch your favorite TV show
41. Do something nice for someone else
42. Volunteer 
43. Declutter your living space 
44. Take a nap 
45. Schedule “me time” on your calendar 
46. Write down three things you need to let go of
47. Set new goals that make your feel invigorated
48. Listen to a podcast that makes you feel inspired
49. Listen to music that makes you feel joyful and calm
50. Get your favorite takeout dish
51. Dance around in your living room like no one’s watching (and hopefully no one is!)
52. Create a to-do list to help organize your thoughts
53. Go for a long run
54. Prioritize alone time
55. Take up a new hobby 
56. Spend 10 minutes sitting and breathing.
57. List five things in your life that reduce stress, and how you can bring them into your daily life more often. 
58. Try tai chi—a fifteen minute YouTube video counts.
59. Learn a new language
60. Walk around the block
61. Go for a bike ride 
62. Call a friend you haven't talked to in a while
63. Make a list of positive things in your life
64. Try a mindfulness exercise
65. Seek professional help—even if you think someone else "needs" it more.
66. Try guided meditations through an app.
67. Write in a gratitude journal.
68. Dedicate a few moments every day to self-reflection.
69. Engage in any kind of physical activity.
70. Talk to a counselor or therapist. 
71. Practice mindfulness.
72. Spend time in nature.
73. Connect with a loved one.
74. Do something you truly enjoy.
75. Set boundaries

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