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,

Self-care habits are essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Prioritising self-care can improve self-esteem, boost confidence, and communicate to yourself that you are worthy of care and attention. Here on Spirited Earthling, we embrace holistic self-care for mind, body, and soul. So, here are 10 essential self-care habits to enhance your well-being, empower your relationships, and support you at home and in the workplace.

hand holding a bouquet of flowers in front of a plain background
  1. Say Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful self-care habit because you are practising positive self-talk and cultivating healthy mindsets. The narrative you tell yourself shapes how you feel and act, so affirmations can significantly boost self-confidence, happiness, and self-love. Regular affirmations can also help you attract positive energy. Start by speaking kindly to yourself, and affirm the life you want to create.

Recommended Read: Daily Affirmations are Effective and Life Changing

2. Go Outside

Nature offers a natural sanctuary for rest and renewal. Simply being outside and breathing fresh air can relieve stress, improve mood, and restore mental clarity. Take time to connect with the earth, whether it’s by walking barefoot, enjoying a meal outdoors, or engaging in forest bathing. Grounding yourself in nature reduces stress and encourages mindfulness. Leave your devices behind and allow yourself to be fully present with nature’s calming energy.

3. Move Daily

Physical activity is fundamental to self-care, supporting cardiovascular health, flexibility, and mental well-being. Activities like walking, yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi release endorphins, improving your mood and lowering anxiety. Engaging in daily movement allows you to disconnect from stressors, offering a moment to focus on yourself and your health.

4. Mindful Exercises

Mindful exercises like meditation and breathwork cultivate present-moment awareness, calm the mind, and reduce overwhelm. These practices provide tools to manage stress and promote a more grounded mindset.

Ideas for Mindful Exercises:

Recommended Read: Mindfulness Made Easy using the Days of the Week

5. Sleep

Getting enough sleep is foundational to a full, balanced life. Sleep supports physical restoration, cognitive function, and emotional regulation. A good night’s sleep can improve focus, productivity, and resilience. Make sleep a priority by going to bed at a regular time, minimising blue light before bed, and unwinding with a calming evening routine.

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.

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 areas of balance and imbalance. This practice empowers 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

Self-care is a unique, personal journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and the activities that nourish you may evolve over time. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, time in nature, or connecting with loved ones, self-care is about honouring yourself. 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. 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.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

[ Updated in 2024]


Affirmation: I honour myself by making time for the self-care that nourishes my mind, body, and soul.

Journal Prompt: What is one self-care habit I can start or improve on today to feel more balanced?

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.


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