50 ways to do self care the right way during lockdown (2024)

Let's face it- lockdown hasn’t been the kindest to most people. For many, anxiety is high and you may have slipped out of your old healthy routines and self care habits. Being truly healthy isn’t just about eating all the right things and spending half your life in the gym. Emotional, mental, and social health is all a vital part of true holistic wellness too. This is why spending time exercising your self care muscles is just as important as exercising your real ones, perhaps even more important!

If you’re the kind of person who always puts yourself last, especially when the list of things is a mile long, that means you are not only neglecting yourself, but you’re also neglecting everyone who relies on you. It may not be apparent in the moment if, for example, you make your child a healthy breakfast but decide to skip breakfast or pick up something greasy and unhealthy from the deli for yourself. However, in the long run, if you keep pouring from an empty cup, eventually there’s going to be nothing left to pour for anyone else. This is why looking after yourself before you can look after others is so important.

So practically, how do you go about including self care in your daily routine? For some, making it part of your to-do list may be your best bet, especially for those with very busy lives. When you get up in the morning, make a to-do list. Alongside things like “clean the kitchen” and “take out the rubbish”, slot in one or more self care tasks. Everyday. They are just as non-negotiable as getting the dishes done or cooking dinner. Below is a list of self care ideas to take inspiration from during lockdown, but consider creating your own list to check off daily. Enjoy!

1. Give yourself a pedicure or a manicure.

2. Read a book or magazine for an hour.

3. Sit on the front porch. Just. Sit.

4. Take a bubble bath—complete with candles and calming music.

5. Pick or buy a bouquet of fresh flowers.

6. Take a leisurely walk without a goal.

7. Put on a homemade face mask (not the type you wear to the supermarket!).

8. Give yourself permission to binge watch your latest show obsession without guilt.

9. Take a nap.

10. Order a takeaway.

11. Do something crafty: coloring, knitting, sewing..

12. Order yourself a new book to read.

13. Watch funny YouTube videos.

14. Sit in the grass and watch the clouds float by.

15. Look at the stars.

16. Have a dance party to your favorite music.

17. Take a mental health day—and feel not an ounce of guilt about it.

18. Burn a candle or diffuse some oils that have scents that bring you joy.

19. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee just how you like it.

20. Take a selfie and post it.

21. Try out a new hobby.

22. Do yoga.

23. Cook breakfast for yourself before anyone else.

24. Sing at the top of your lungs. Preferably in the car and with the windows down.

25. Go for a drive alone.

26. Close yourself in a room and listen to the latest episode of your favorite podcast.

27. Have a 20 minute stretching session.

28. Call a family member for a catch up.

29. Do some journaling.

30. Plan out an extravagant vacation just for fun.

31. Wear an outfit that makes you feel great. Even if you have no reason to (You ARE the reason!).

32. Declutter a spot in your house that’s been bugging you.

33. Write a list of “annoying tasks” that have been weighing on you and knock them out in an hour.

34. Bake a dessert you love. And then eat it.

35. Watch the sun rise or set. Don’t take any pictures or post about it on social media. Just watch.

36. Have a picnic (by yourself even).

37. Go to bed early or sleep in late.

38. Research something that you’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to dive into.

39. Edit who you follow on social media (if they don’t bring you joy, they gotta go—no matter how nice, inspiring, or cool they are).

40. Check out online museums: art, childrens’, history, science—whatever brings you joy that day!

41. Reward yourself with a drink, remembering not to overdo it!

42. Buy a fun treat for yourself when you go shopping.

43. Plan a zoom call with your besties.

44. Spend time out in the garden.

45. Take the time to do your hair and makeup, for no other reason than it makes you feel put together.

46. Write a list of 10 things you’re grateful for and why.

47. Make yourself a batch of infused water to sip on.

48. Write a letter (or an email) to an old friend.

49. Cook a fancy meal for no other reason than you deserve a fancy meal.

50. Say “no” to someone.