11 Fantastic Self Care Ideas To Boost Your Mental Health In 2022

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Are you in need of some self care ideas to boost your mental health in the new year? These are some great ways you can implement self care into your daily life.

Self care is more important now than it has ever been before. If you’re anything like me, you are feeling burned out from the past couple of years and are in need of some self care ideas.

You are going to discover my best self care tips to boost your mental health this year. I hope these self care ideas inspire you take time some time for yourself.

11 Fantastic Self Care Ideas To Boost Your Mental Health In 2022

1. Live Intuitively

We are constantly going, going, going. We’re on the move to work or school. We’re taking care of our families. Sometimes we ignore our needs. I know I’ve skipped lunch or bathroom breaks so I wouldn’t be late to meetings. I’m working on allowing myself to be a little late to listen to my needs. If grabbing a glass of water will make me two minutes late, I should definitely do it. When I end up with extra time, I often feel overwhelmed with all the things I “should” be doing. I had a great conversation with my therapist about this. She recommended thinking through my basic needs and options before making a decision. Am I hungry? Am I thirsty? Am I tired? Do I feel like I want to move my body? Do I want to clean? Do I want to run an errand? If my basic needs are met, I can weigh my options and choose what’s sits well with me in the moment.

2. Prioritize Rest

We live in a society obsessed with productivity. While it’s important to get things done, it’s even more important to take care of yourself mentally and physically. We tend to feel guilty for taking breaks but we need to do this in order to avoid burnout. Forgo your to list and take a nap 🙂 You have my permission to prioritize rest.

3. Vent

Whether it’s talking to friends, therapy, or journaling, find a way to talk about pain points in your life. If that feels daunting, try starting with stream of consciousness journaling. There are no prompts. All you need to do is keep writing until you fill up the page. Write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t need to make sense or be legible. I recommend starting with one page and working your way up to two or three pages. I personally like journaling in the morning before work. If you prefer a guided journal, try the five minute journal. This is nice because you answer the same questions each day (morning and night).

4. Keep Up with Medical Appointments

Many of us don’t enjoy going to the doctor. I’m no different. Over the past few years, I’ve worked on staying consistent with annual check ups, bloodwork, dental cleanings, and eye exams. I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made. I still have nerves about seeing certain types of practitioners. I’ve learned it’s ok to “fire” a medical provider if they aren’t helpful and you don’t enjoy working with them. You deserve to feel supported. I started a Google doc with recommendations and resources. If you also have anxiety around medical appointments, I definitely recommend this approach.

5. Limit Social Media

I think we’re all guilty of spending more time than we’d like on social media. I notice a huge difference when I take time off. Whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with Joe, it’s refreshing to disconnect. I’m trying to make more of an effort to spend time offline. If you need some help, set a timer and kick yourself off after your time is up.

6. Make Something

Get creative. Make something. Bake cookies. Paint. My favorite creative pastimes are baking, puzzling, and watercolor. It allows you to express yourself in a different way and mentally take a break from challenges in life.

7. Set Boundaries

The best thing you can do for yourself and others is set boundaries. My goal this year is to set better boundaries with work. I want to give myself permission to not log on early or log off late. It’s ok for me to only work during my set working hours. I also want to be stricter with myself about actually taking a lunch break (without checking email!). I’d love to hear what boundaries you want to work on.

8. Spend Time in Water

Being in water is the way I heal. Whether I’m in the ocean, lake, or pool, water is incredibly therapeutic to me and I need it in my life. I feel like it is truly the only way to detox myself from whatever is going on in my life. Over the weekend, Joe and I visited Refuge Spa in Carmel. They offer daily admission to their thermal pools. They are a silent facility and do not allow cellphones, which allowed us to fully disconnect. We soaked in the hot and cold pools. It was peaceful and helped me reset.

9. Create a Calming Playlist

Music is the best way to escape. I enjoying curating my own playlists on Spotify. I make playlists for everything: focus/work, movement, relaxing, Christmas, Broadway musicals, Disney…the list goes on and on. Find some songs that bring you peace and create your own playlist.

10. Read Books

Reading forces you to escape and focus on a story. I use reading to relax and get out of my head. I personally love Goodreads for tracking my books and finding recommendations. Some of my recent favorites are Untamed, Malibu Rising and In Five Years.

11. Reset in Nature

Spending time outdoors always boosts my mood. Whether it’s a walk, picnic in a park or just sitting on my balcony, I feel a little better after some fresh air.