50 Easy Self-Care Ideas to Help You Relax and Unwind

Relax and escape by listening to your favorite podcast or exploring a new one on a topic that interests you. This idea is easy to incorporate into your daily life since you can listen even if you're commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.

Keep your mind active, alert, and focused by taking some quiet time to work on a crossword puzzle or brain teaser. Despite the mental effort involved, many people find puzzle-solving to be relaxing and meditative.

The benefits of going for a bike ride are numerous: Not only does this cardiovascular activity improve heart health and boost circulation, but it also exposes you to fresh air and nature, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

Coloring isn't just for kids! This meditative activity encourages mindfulness, creativity, and self-expression. The repetitive and rhythmic nature of coloring also has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to lower stress levels.

Essential oils like lavender or chamomile are known for their calming properties. Try inhaling these scents to help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve your overall mood.

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If you're feeling lethargic, a dance party can serve as a natural energizer. Invigorate both your body and mind by dancing like no one's watching, even if it's only for a few minutes!

Next time you need a pick-me-up, try getting grateful! Writing a thank you card to a friend or family member will allow you to reflect on positive aspects in your life, fostering an appreciative and optimistic mindset.

Few things are more relaxing than a good massage. It helps relax muscles and release tension, promoting the release of endorphins. It can even help improve your sleep!

Reflect on positive memories and experiences by sorting through your favorite photos to create a digital album. It'll make you feel more connected to loved ones near and far and offer an opportunity to express yourself creatively.

Create a list of positive affirmations and repeat them regularly to help shift your thought patterns toward more constructive and empowering perspectives. It may seem like a simple step but it can be very impactful!

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Getting a good night's sleep can do wonders for your overall health and well-being. Tuck yourself in at a reasonable hour to maximize the restoration and recovery that occurs during the early stages of sleep.

Constant exposure to notifications, mails, and social media can be very stressful for the mind. Unplug for an hour or more to give yourself a much-needed break from technology.

A simple phone call with a friend or relative can go a long way toward lifting your mood. It'll also strengthen your bond with them and make you both feel closer to each other!

Need a simple self-care activity? Head outdoors and spend some time soaking up the sun. Not only does sunlight boost your mood by stimulating the production of serotonin, but it's also a natural source of vitamin D, which can help boost your immune system and mood.

Yoga offers a holistic approach to self-care by addressing physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. Attend a local or virtual class and you'll be feeling the benefits in no time!

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There's no doubt that spending time in green spaces is good for you. Multiple studies have shown that along with boosting mood and improving memory, getting into the great outdoors can even reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering stress, heart rates and muscle tension. The practice of submerging oneself in nature is so important to the Japanese they even have a term for it: "forest bathing."

According to the Cleveland Clinic, hugging can reduce levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and give your immune system a boost, too. And doesn't it just feel good? That's because hugging actually raises the brain's levels of oxytocin, a chemical associated with love. So the next time you've got a friend or a family member in front of you, consider smooshing them in an embrace. It'll do you both some good!

Don't have a dog or cat? You might think about getting one. Pets give back to us as much as we give to them—the CDC says that owning a fur baby can help decrease everything from "blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels," to "feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD." And, if you're an animal lover like Ree, you might even love cuddling your pet.

Meditation, which is the age-old act of clearing your mind with the goal of achieving inner peace, has so many health benefits its difficult to list them all. While it takes some practice to achieve, mediation usually involves focusing your attention and relaxing your breathing. Classes, apps, videos and more are available to help newbies get going, but you can always start by taking some time every day to simply inhale and exhale slowly and deeply. Before you know it, you'll feel the stress of the day melting away.

It doesn't matter what it is: mac and cheese, prime rib, or anything else. As Ree will tell you, cooking and eating your favorite meal is a great way to raise your spirits. Don't feel like making the feast yourself? Go ahead and splurge and order in, or go out.

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