Our lives are definitely different, but they’re still happening. Life doesn’t just stop because offices close or masks are required to go into grocery stores. And what if this time in our lives does, after all, have a purpose? What if we give it the purpose of actually stopping, slowing down, and taking care of ourselves (because how often do we truly do that in our normal routines?).
Here are 50 small things you can do for yourself right now, all with just one purpose: to tune in to what you truly need. Do you need to rest and recover to feel better, or do you need to feel accomplished and reorganize your closet? Do you need nourishing whole grains and fresh vegetables to feel your best, or do you need a comforting meal that makes you feel like you’re a kid again? Make your happiness the #1 priority, and make every decision based on the level of joy it will bring you. Put down the computer, take a work break, and spend a few minutes caring for yourself with these 50 little ways.
1. Read a book that makes you laugh out loud
2. List five things you like about yourself
3. Call someone you haven’t talked to in a while, but have been thinking about
4. Put on the fanciest face mask you have in your beauty arsenal
5. Take a nap (with #noshame)
6. Rearrange, decorate, or organize an area of your home that doesn’t make you happy
7. Do facial massage to release tension in your face (and boost glow!)
8. Listen to a podcast that inspires you
9. Add three more veggies to your next meal
10. Check in on your relationship with money
Source: @kayla_seah
11. Go on a walk (but take a different route than you normally take)
12. Meditate while your coffee brews or your pasta is cooking
13. Do the dishes or vacuum the carpet
14. Next time you’re going to exercise, work, or a read, take it outside
15. Snuggle with someone you love (you count!)
16. Set alarms on your phone to take three-minute breaks tomorrow
17. Read an entire chapter of the book you’ve been trying to finish forever
18. Close your eyes and envision your happy place
19. Create your own “feel-good” playlist of all your favorite songs
20. Write down your biggest career goals, and take one small step towards achieving them today
Source: @gabbywhiten
21. Make someone else’s day by texting a compliment or sending a care package
22. Plan the trip you’ve always wanted to go on
23. Sit in Child’s Pose to relax
24. Do the thing you say you never have time to do
25. Catch up on the good news (no scary headlines!)
26. Do something creative like scrapbooking, painting, or cooking
27. Make a donation
28. Put on red lipstick (or whatever item makes you feel your most confident)
29. Have a two-minute dance party
30. Brain dump whatever is on your mind
Source: @crystalinmarie
31. Do some coloring for adults (or kids! No judgment)
32. Eat fresh fruits or vegetables plain, and enjoy the taste
33. Diffuse essential oils (or tap them on your wrists or temples)
34. Do a workout that makes you happy and sweaty
35. Learn how to DIY your favorite cocktail
36. Go on a drive, open the windows, and blast the music
37. Imagine what it would feel like to achieve your wildest dreams
38. Watch a TED Talk that motivates you
39. Spend an extra five minutes in bed
40. Unfollow anyone on social media that doesn’t make you inspired or empowered
Source: @taylranne
