If you know me or follow my blog you might be aware that I’m a huge advocate for self-care. Self-care is a term I’ve only really come to know (and love) since starting blogging. Before joining the big ol’ blogosphere, I obviously knew we had to take care of ourselves, take time for ourselves and focus on our physical and mental well-being – but I didn’t realize quite how important and crucial it was. Especially the mental side of the coin. So today I want to share 10 easy ways how to make yourself feel good both physically and mentally every day!
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
My relationship with self-care comes in waves and it’s certainly not as healthy as I wish it was. For example, I tend to be able to focus more on self care when I’m in a good place mentally. Which isn’t necessarily the time when you need to focus on self-care.
And when I’m in a dreadful place mentally? I sometimes just punish myself even more. Which I know I shouldn’t do. It’s something I’m working on and will continue to work on and it’s important to just notice where you’re not in alignment with your focuses and beliefs.
But, like I said, I focus on self-care to an extent every single day. I don’t believe there’s a single day that should go by when you don’t take care of yourself and put your needs first – even just for 10 minutes.
The littlest of things can also make the biggest impact, especially if they’re done repetitively and incorporated into a routine. Want to know how to make yourself feel good every day? Here are 10 little things you can do!
How to make yourself feel good every day in 10 easy steps:
1. Writing down something you’re grateful for every single day: and a perfect excuse to buy a cute new notebook. I’ve been doing this every day for almost a year now and whilst some days it’s hard, it makes you reflect on the good, rather than the bad.
2. Drink enough water: if you don’t like plain water, try an infused bottle crammed with fruit! That way, you’ll stay hydrated and get nutrients and your water will taste sweet and fruity. But whatever you need to do, do it. Because staying hydrated is so important.
3. Stretch: nothing fancy, just super basic stretches of your arms, legs, fingers and neck. Noticing any tightness or pain that might need to be looked at later on in the day.
4. Yoga: I always do Yoga most days of the week and I 100% feel like it’s changed my life both mentally and physically since I started. Yoga has SO MANY incredible benefits, even if you just do 10 minutes a day, you’re going to get that positive boost.
Related reads:
5. Take care of your skin: just making sure all your make-up is off and your skin is clean and taking that time to focus on you. I love my skincare routine and I feel like it’s a great part of your daily self care routine.
6. Eat breakfast: I never miss breakfast, again, I find this is ‘me’ time. I tend to pop a YouTuber I like on to watch whilst I’m eating or an episode of my current favourite series and just chill out in the peace and quiet with some food.
7. Put down your phone down: this is something I’ve really been trying to incorporate more recently and that’s switching off from social media for a few hours every day. Twitter will be there when you get back. I’ve also adopted a one day a week social media detox rule, which I’ve found hugely beneficial!
Related read: Why You Should Have A Digital Detox (+ What To Do Instead)
8. Read: as an avid bookworm and book lover, I’ve always done this and I believe I’m better off for it. But I 100% read every single day. If you don’t like reading novels, find something you do like and just dedicate 10 minutes to reading every single day.
Related read: Best Books of 2020 So Far: 6 Book Recommendations
9. Tidy up: a clear space means a clear head. One of the first things I do every morning is tidy my room (because I work from home). But if you work in an office, tidying your desk could have the same effect. Take pride of your space!
Related read: A Simple Guide To De-Cluttering
10. Do something you enjoy: I usually opt for watching a documentary or binging on my current series I’m watching, playing my favorite video games or watching a film. Please, take time to do something you like even if it feels unproductive. Hustle culture and the need for being CONSTANTLY productive is extremely detrimental to our physical and mental well-being!
Have these 10 ways of how to make yourself feel good opened your eyes to what you should be doing to improve your physical and mental well-being every day?
[…] making self care more important, slowing down, etc. Jenny from Jenny In Neverland wrote this 10 beneficial things you can do for yourself, which I’ll be taking on board. Scarlett from Scarlett London also wrote 10 Ways To Improve […]
Love an excuse to buy a new notebook too. I’ve really started to enjoy reading wellness/ mindfulness magazines there is one called breathe which has little bits of things to do in to relax and give yourself me time.
Jen xxx
Hello
Yoga is my wish one day I will start😛
Since I moved to do my masters, I’ve realised how little I look after myself. I only read for uni, my sleep is all over the place and I’ve not been drinking enough water lately either! It’s about time I started looking after me so thank you for your top tips!
Sian x
http://www.theenglisheverygirl.com
You’re welcome, take care of yourself! xxx
Great positive post Jenny ❤ I always right something down that is positive from the day, even if it wasn’t a great day!
Steph xx
http://www.stephsworld.com
Me too! There’s always something (: xx
I make it a habit of mine to stretch before I do anything else in the morning now!! & Tidying is definitely one of my favourite things to do, it helps me to be 10 X more productive xx
Jamie | http://www.jamies-corner.com
Stretching is sooo good for you!
I completely agree on drinking a lot of water, you don’t realize how water effects you until you drink a lot.
Right!!!
[…] via 10 beneficial things you can do for yourself each day — Jenny in Neverland […]
What a lovely post – I try to do a few of these and I also like to make myself a meal too!
Sarah | http://www.sazsinclair.com xx
I love making myself dinner!
Couldn’t agree more with having a tidy! I always work better in a clear, neat space x
Same here! I’m so more productive when I do (; xx
i really need to start eating breakfast more and looking after my skin better!
Breakfast is a brilliant meal (:
Yes Jenny! Posts like these are so important as just little reminders that self-care often isn’t as hard as you might think! you can easily do a lot of these things in 5 minutes and they really will make a difference to your day, so thank you so much for compiling this list, you’re a star!
Abbey 😘 http://www.abbeylouisarose.co.uk
Exactly! I love the “basic” self care because it really can make all the difference! xxx
I love this! I really need to get into eating breakfast again, i just can’t stomach food so early in the morning! X
Ah really? See I can’t leave the house without eating, regardless of what time it is!
Jenny, I really, really needed this today. Its so easy to get caught up in things and try to think so hard about ‘bigger picture’ things to make you feel better when you’re right – doodling, sketching, stretching … it’s so nice to have time to do these things. I’ve been meaning to start a gratitude journal for ages too, I think it’s such a lovely idea!
Bookmarking this for days when I’m in need of self-care 🙂
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
Awh I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful! A gratitude journal can work WONDERS 💚 hope your day improves. Take some time for you xxx
I love this post. Self care is so important!! The one thing I struggle with is putting my phone down. It just has everything on it. Whether it’s texting my mum, blogging, Facebook, making plans, booking clients in… or taking photos of Jake… I am always off it when playing with Jake though so I guess that’s time away from it haha xxxxxxx
lucylovesbeautyxo.com
At least you have a set time where you’re away from your phone and don’t think about it (: xx
I could definitely use with doing the first one! I always forget about the good things on a day to day basis and it would be so helpful x
Kayleigh Zara 🌿www.kayleighzaraa.com
For sure it definitely helps (:
some great advice. For me reading is such a big part of my “me time” it really helps me relax and shut off from everything.
Same here although it does depend on the book sometimes!
This is absolutely fab Jenny! I definitely agree that having a few hours away from your phone can be hugely beneficial and I always have to have breakfast otherwise I can’t function properly x
Neither can I! I literally cannot leave the house without breakfast!
I love this post! I really do need to start putting my phone and laptop down and walking away from social media for a bit! But being a digital designer and blogger makes that so hard! Great post! xx
http://www.laurenannbeauty.com
Yeah I work for myself and all of that is online – as well as my blog – so it’s incredibly difficult x
I love the idea of writing down everything that you’re grateful for everyday, I think its a brilliant way to make you appreciate the smaller things in life!
Absolutely! I’ve been doing that for almost a year now, it’s nice to look back on.
Love your post! Very useful tips❤️
Thanks x
I’m such a big believer in turning off your phone in the evening and staying off social media and burying your head in a book for a few hours before you sleep. It honestly does wonders for my mental health, when I’m feeling overwhelmed with modern life! Loved reading your tips, so interesting to see how other people switch off! Self care is so important xx
That’s brilliant that you’ve found something which works so well for you! X
I’ve been doing number 1 the gratitude journal on and off for years, I tend to use it more when I’m more depressed to force myself to be positive, and less when I’m ok because I am able to acknowledge my happy positives whilst I experience them xx
That makes sense. I do it every day, regardless of how I’m feeling x
I’m definitely like you, in that I find it easiest to focus on self-care when I seem to need it the least. I think this is a really helpful post! ‘Stretch’ is definitely a helpful tip. Sometimes just getting up and having a walk around can make a difference. I also find that making my bed every day helps in that my room seems so much tidier and comfortable, and if I’m ever starting to feel like my mental health is starting to slip and I’m feeling like I’m slipping into a rut, I always go and brush my teeth. I don’t know why, but it makes me feel fresher and gives me a little bit of a boost.
http://kittypann.wordpress.com
I like that idea – it shows that the little little things really can make a difference (: x
These are all such important self care steps! So often we neglect the very basics, when life is so hectic! I’ve actually been trying to implement most of these things into my life, it’s crazy how hard it is, but I’m definitely getting there! Loved this post <3 x
whatevawears.co.uk
It is really hard, especially keeping up the consistency! I find I’ll be amazing for a few days then slowly slowly slip x
I love this post, really need to take aome more “me” time even if it is reading a book or taking care of my skin xz
You should (: everyone deserves to! Xx
Number 7 is sooo good. Being online all the time can be a bit addictive as we forget about the things around us. I agree so much with this. Every time I switch off my phone I have suddenly so much free time and my mind can relax properly. 🙂
Absolutely! I find it so difficult cos all my work is online & on social media so I need to make even more effort to switch off xx
Even 30 min would be good. Always something 🙂
I don’t practice self-care anywhere nearly as much as I probably should do. I drink lots of water and I read in bed but that’s about it from your list! That said, my “me time” is going out with my daughter when we don’t have anything in particular to do. That time together is so precious and I always feel joyful afterwards. I’ll have to try and incorporate a few more of your tips into my day though, it’s a fab list! X
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Awh I would definitely say that’s a valid method of self care! (: xx
This is such a good list Jenny!
A Sparkle Of Grace
Thank you x
[…] Source: 10 beneficial things you can do for yourself each day […]
I really enjoyed reading this, self-care is incredibly important and is something that I personally need to do more. Some great tips and ideas, I used to love doing yoga daily but I haven’t done it for a year or so now. Xx
It is so so important. Hope you can get back into yoga again soon (: xx
Having just moved its a nice reminder to take time out for myself, def focusing on tidying and working on taking care of my skin when i wind down for the day x
Sounds perfect, moving can be stressful!
Stretching every day has really been the best thing I can do for myself. I’m so much more flexible now and I don’t get as many random body aches! I need to incorporate some of the rest of your list into my life soon. 🙂
Imogen’s Typewriter. <3
Basic stretches are SO useful aren’t they! They take no time or effort either but have a huge positive benefit (: xx
This made me realise how little I care for myself when I’m feeling really low! I suppose that goes with the territory though. I definitely agree with reading- it really does soothe me, and takes me away into a different world for a little while.
It can definitely go the other way when you feel rubbish you just punish yourself even more in a way! xx
I love to do yoga with Adrienne 💕 I love Yoga Girl too. Great posts with good tips. I love reading too and drinking water is sooo important. Self care doesn’t need to be big stuff. It’s those little things which counts
Isn’t Adriene bloody brilliant! I absolutely love her. It totally feels like you’re doing a yoga session with a friend doesn’t it? Xxx
I enjoy escaping to my favorite park for a “mental boost.” I take a blanket and lay out. It’s so peaceful to me. It’s my way of taking a break from everything and everyone for a moment and sitting with myself to recharge.
That sounds so nice and relaxing!
Until Dawn is so good!! Perfect game for this time of year. I love this list, I’m always bad at really taking care of myself, especially mentally. Gonna try a couple of these that I haven’t before (like stretching each day!) Thanks so so much for sharing ♡♡
Omg you okay Until Dawn! It’s bloody brilliant isn’t it? And you’re right it IS good for this time of year xxx
I totally agree with so many of these – particularly stepping away from social media! I find that when I’m really unhappy, Twitter just makes me feel more left out and sad. I need to work harder at breakfast though, but I’m finally in a skincare routine which makes me feel so much more productive and happy – it’s like those 15 minutes of properly looking after myself really make a difference to my mood.
I love all your tips, thanks for sharing!
Beth x
Yeah Twitter does have a knack for doing that doesn’t it! 🙄 I agree I feel the same when I’m washing my face and doing my routine. It helps me switch off just for a little bit xxx
I have to agree about the eating breakfast thing. I think it sets you up for the day. Popping an vlog on is such a great way to start your day.
Love this list.
Em
Emmajaderamselll.wordpress.com xxx
I do that! Literally I just ate my breakfast and watched Katie Snooks’ latest vlog haha! 🙊 xx
I LOVE HER! XXX
Me too! I’m so obsessed with her vlogs at the moment x
Great list! My favourite self-care methods are taking a long, hot bath with a Lush bath bomb. Reading every day. Playing The Sims 4. And cuddling my cat!
The Sims! That’s a great way to zone out for a while if you’re having a bit of a naff day isn’t it? Although I couldn’t get into number 4 😔 xx
This is fantastic, so many fab points. I always mean to try yoga but never get round it it. I’ll check out Adriene on YouTube.
Cora ❤ http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
She’s absolutely brilliant – she has yoga for literally every person, every level, everything 💕
Great post! I always need ah hour in bed watching something I enjoy with a cuppa to wind down before sleep!
Sounds perfect 😍 tea in bed is always nice xx
Sure is! Nice to just wind down and think of nothing but what you are watching!
Even though it isn’t something “small”, I always relax and enjoy cooking. Or simply preparing to cook – since my boyfriend loves his spices and the actual cooking – by cutting up all the veggies and such. [Bonus: mostly healthy food, which also is a boost for me!]
I love cooking too! I find cooking myself a meal and taking time for me in that way can be so beneficial! xx
And baking. Although that’s obviously a lot less healthy, haha. 🙂