10 Important Self-Care Habits to Start Doing Today
Live your best life with these simple, manageable self-care habits for the mind, body, and soul.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
There is a lot of talk about prioritising yourself through self-care practices, because research has shown the benefits include improved overall well-being and lower sickness, mortality, and healthcare costs. Self-care does not fix your problems, nor does it take away hurts and frustrations. What it does do is restore your energy and help you cope and carry on when things are tough. When you take care of different aspects of your personal wellness, you are communicating to yourself that you are worthy and deserving of love and care. These 10 self-care habits are important to start doing today because you are important.
Say Affirmations
Self-talk refers to that mental chatter you have in your head, and it is so important to keep that kind of talk positive and empowering. One of the ways to do is by saying affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements about yourself and your life that help to cultivate healthy mindsets and boost self-confidence, self-esteem, happiness, and self-love. Challenge any negative self-talk habits and keep speaking kindly to yourself to establish this self-care habit.
Related read: Daily Affirmations are Effective and Life Changing
2. Go Outside
Spending time outside is like spending time in a natural sanctuary for rest and renewal. It can relieve stress and restore mental clarity, thereby improving mood. Going outside can look like standing barefoot in your garden, forest bathing, a picnic at the beach after work, or rollerblading in the park. Ideally, it will be a screen-free time that allows you to ground yourself in nature’s calming energy.
Understandably, there are environmental factors that affect whether this is possible – the safety of your area, access to open and natural spaces, air quality, etc. Only take the opportunity to safely and healthily spend time outside when you have it.
3. Move Daily
Moving your body daily (at high or low intensity) is essential for good physical health and is an important self-care habit to have. There are so many ways to move your body, from HIIT to tai chi. Daily movement can lower anxiety and improve your mood with the release of endorphins. Your physical health supports different areas of your life, so prioritising this in a daily routine is really recommended.
Related read: Realising Joy in Movement Makes You Feel Better.
4. Mindful Exercises
Mindfulness practices support self-care and can be considered self-care habits because they encourage empathy, improve self-awareness and awareness of thoughts and feelings, and help manage stress and anxiety, while focusing on the present and remaining non-judgemental. You can choose formal practices (like yoga, meditation, breathwork) or informal practices (like walking and noticing the sounds, sights, and smells; having a sacred space at home for journaling and rituals).
Recommended read: Mindfulness Made Easy using the Days of the Week
5. Sleep
Studies show that getting enough sleep is foundational to a full and balanced life. Sleep supports physical and mental restoration, improves cognitive function, and allows for better emotional regulation. Regularly getting a good night’s sleep can improve your focus, productivity, and resilience. Adopting this important self-care habit means you will need to make sleep a priority by going to bed at a regular time, minimising blue light before bed, and unwinding with a calming bedtime routine.
Related read: Helpful Evening Routine Ideas to Make Life More Wonderful
6. Hydrate
Hydration is a simple but impactful self-care habit. Drinking enough water improves digestion, circulation, skin health, and energy levels. By staying hydrated, you’re providing your body with essential support for optimal performance, leaving you refreshed and energised.
Interesting read: Ways to Better Connect with The Healing Power of Water In Daily Life
7. Laugh
Laughter is a natural stress-reliever and an instant mood booster. It releases endorphins, strengthens social bonds, and helps you view challenges with a lighter perspective. Make time for humour, watch a funny show, or spend time with people who bring you joy. Laughter is a beautiful way to nurture emotional well-being and increase resilience.
Recommended Read: Why You Should Laugh More and How to Do It
8. Have Boundaries
Healthy boundaries are essential self-care practices that protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Boundaries aren’t about limiting others; they are about prioritising yourself. Learn to say no to what drains you and yes to what supports you. Personal boundaries create balance and harmony, allowing you to show up fully and authentically in all areas of life.
9. Self Check-In
Taking time for self-reflection builds self-awareness and encourages self-compassion. Regularly checking in with your thoughts, feelings, and needs helps you understand which areas of your life have balance and imbalance. This self-care habit can empower you to make conscious decisions for a healthier, happier life.
Ideas for Self Check-Ins:
Journal about your thoughts or use prompts.
Record a voice note to reflect and listen back.
Take deep breaths and assess your feelings in the moment.
Recommended Read: Harness the Skill of Journaling for a Happier Mindful Life
10. Practice Gratitude
Practising gratitude is a core self-care habit that cultivates appreciation and shifts focus toward the positive. Reflecting on what you’re thankful for helps build resilience and deepen your connection with life’s blessings. Incorporate gratitude into your morning or evening routine, romanticising life’s small joys and recognising the Universe’s support.
Recommended Read: A Grateful Mindset Helps You Lead a Fulfilling Life and How to Start Gratitude Journaling and Why It Matters
These 10 self-care habits that you can start doing today attend to your whole person in a holistic way. Self-care can be a unique, personal journey that you need to experiment with to see what works for you and what doesn’t. As you choose to incorporate more self-care practices into your days, remember that whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, spending time in nature, or connecting with loved ones - self-care is about honouring yourself and what you need at that moment. Track your habits, celebrate your progress, and embrace the journey to a more balanced, fulfilled life.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to themselves and the world. It is written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life. This blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living. I deeply appreciate every read, share, and purchase.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
[Updated in 2025]
Affirmation: I honour myself by making time for the self-care that nourishes my mind, body, and soul.
To-Do: Pick one habit from this list to focus on this week. Practise it each day and notice how it positively impacts your energy, mindset, or outlook.
Journal Prompt: What is one self-care habit I can start or improve on today to feel more balanced?
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This Book of Affirmations is designed for those who wish to use affirmations but lack the time to find them. This collection provides a variety of affirmations aimed to reshape your thinking on various life themes, foster gratitude, and help establish a mindset that aligns with your desired life.