One of my main 2018 new year’s resolutions is to take care of myself more.

During this past year, especially during the summer, I’ve been having such a tough time, where I kept beating myself up and blaming myself for every single little thing that went wrong in my life. And to be honest, I don’t think I deserved that much hate – especially considering it was from myself. I’ve had some time to think about it – which is why I ended up listing it as one of my new year’s resolutions.

And since I consider my life strictly connected to this blog – and what I write, in general – I thought it might have been a good idea to list down some ideas about self-care.

So here are 30 ideas to start taking care of yourself more!

1. RE-READ A FAVOURITE BOOK

Harry Potter. I don’t need to say more. You got me.

2. DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS

This is something I’m trying to get into. I’m not an expert or something, but I do notice a difference in my mood when I take some time to do this. I also find it to work better when I have some relaxing music on.

3. TAKE A WALK

If you have a park in the town or city you live in, I highly recommend this. Walking my dog in the park is by far one of my favourite things to do.

4. TAKE A BATH

I think there’s definitely nothing in the world as relaxing – and kinda self-care “basic” – as taking a bath. Especially a bubble one.

5. LIGHT UP SCENTED CANDLES

6. MAKE A BODY SCRUB AND EXFOLIATE

7. COLOUR OR WRITE IN A JOURNAL

8. LISTEN TO A SPECIAL SONG THAT YOU HAVEN’T BEEN LISTENING IN A WHILE

For me, it’s “Baby can I hold you” by Tracy Chapman. It’s the first song I’ve ever heard from her and the one my dad – who passed away recently – introduced me to, so it will always have a special place in my heart.

9. MAKE YOURSELF A HOT DRINK

Chocolate, tea, coffee etc. You choose. For me, hot chocolate during winters is a must.

10. SLEEP MORE (OR GO TO BED EARLY)

I use Sleepyti.me to calculate the time I need to get to bed to wake up at a certain hour. It’s really easy to use. Check it out here.

11. BAKE

I know this isn’t for anyone. Not everybody like baking – or cooking – as much as I do, but I think it can be really relaxing if you don’t put on yourself any pressure. There are tons of ideas on the Internet for recipes with only 2 or 3 ingredients that take literally 10 minutes. So give it a try and don’t be too hard on yourself!

12. READ INSPIRING QUOTES

13. WATCH A MOVIE THAT HAS A SPECIAL MEANING TO YOU

For me, it’s Nemo – as well as almost any other Disney or Pixar movie from my childhood.

14. COZY UP

Put some blankets on and watch your favourite TV show while eating your favourite snacks. Honestly? One of my favourite ones on this list.

15. BUY YOUR FAVOURITE FLOWERS AND LET THEIR SCENT FILL YOUR HOME

16. TURN OFF THE PHONE FOR A FEW HOURS

Allow yourself – especially when it comes to social media – not to constantly compare yourself to everyone else. Even only for a few hours.

Warning: It might feel so good you’d be willing to do it more often!

17. DO YOUR NAILS

18. SAY NO IF YOU WANT TO

Life is seriously too short to do things you don’t really want to do.

19. GET SOME SUNSHINE

Go out. Enjoy a walk in the bright sunshine, enjoy the nature around you. It will raise your mood. Guaranteed.

20. MEDITATE OR PRAY

No better way to stop that constant chatter in your mind.

21. EAT YOUR FAVOURITE DESSERT

This is basically my excuse for baking all the time. Or the other way around. I honestly haven’t figured it out yet.

22. PLAY WITH YOUR PET

Or A pet, in general. Honestly, aren’t Cat cafes the best invention EVER?

23. EXERCISE

Just get your body moving, you don’t even have to sweat.

24. TAKE TIME FOR THAT DIY PROJECT YOU’VE BEEN PROCRASTINATING ON

25. DEEP CONDITION YOUR HAIR

26. WRITE DOWN 5 THINGS YOU’RE GRATEFUL FOR

Actually, I’m trying to be doing this every morning when I wake up. It doesn’t only make me feel happier, but it also keeps me going through my toughest days, because I know I always have something to be grateful for. No matter what.

27. DO YOGA

28. GRAB DINNER FROM YOUR FAVOURITE TAWE AWAY

29. LISTEN TO A PODCAST

You can read some suggestions here. 

30. TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY

Make time to try out something new – consider that one thing you’ve always been curious about. Invest in your education and keep growing.

Last Thoughts

I hope you got some inspiration from this list, as much as I hope you’re having a beautiful day. Take always care of yourself, even when you think you don’t have time for it. Especially when you think you don’t have time for it because it’s when you need it the most.

At the end of the day, honestly, if you don’t care about yourself and your wellbeing, nobody will.

Let me know in the comments if you have other suggestions that you think should be on this list!

What do you do – and how often – to take care of yourself and reset?