You can stream the podcast here. Or on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, and Pocket Casts. You can also search for Root and Rise Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Practice Yoga

My go-to for yoga routines is Yoga with Adrienne! She has so many different yoga practices on YouTube. She has a routine for anything you could possibly want!

Meditate

For those who are new to meditation (or those who just struggle with practicing it!), try guided meditations! Pro-Tip: Search for guided meditations wherever you listen to podcasts!

Make a cup of coffee or tea

Sometimes just making yourself a delicious drink can be a whole mood in itself.

Take a nap

If you have the luxury of having time to nap, napping is a great way to reset your mood and help restore your energy. Power naps have been proven to be incredibly beneficial as well! I’ve always hated when people tell me to “sleep when the baby sleeps” because there are so many other things I feel like I need to do with that time. But sometimes, that’s exactly what this mama needs!

Give your pet some love!

Pets are great for our mental health! In fact, studies show that having a companion dog (and loving on them!) helps with depression, anxiety, and bad days.

Phone a friend

But not just any friend. Be intentional about who you call. We all have friends we go to for certain things. And some of us might even have friends who are more like energy vampires – making you feel more drained at the end of your interaction with them. Call a friend who helps fill your cup!
Are you a mom? Download the Peanut App. Peanut is a really great (and completely free!) app for making mom friends. It matches you with other moms in your local area based on if you are trying to conceive, your stage of pregnancy (or the age of the child), and your personal interests. I’ve made some wonderful mom friends through that app.

Turn off your phone

Completely opposite of my last idea, consider turning off your phone. Unplug and unwind. Phones can be used as a distraction from our everyday lives and sometimes, we need a distraction from technology. Tune out of your online world and tune in with yourself.

Go outside

If you have kids, you might already know about the magic mood-changing secret of simply getting outside. If not, trust me – give it a try! Hit up a patio (yours or a restaurant) or have your own picnic.

Take a walk

Because I love being efficient, I enjoy calling a friend or listening to a podcast while I’m on a walk. If I’m feeling really overwhelmed and overstimulated, I prefer just listening to the noises of nature (or the city when I lived there).

Have a mani/pedi moment

Whether you go to a salon or DIY your mani/pedi, treat yourself! If you don’t have much time, these nail stickers will be your best friend! They were life-savers for me throughout my entire first year postpartum. Because I definitely did not have time for a full mani/pedi with a baby!

Read

This might be a book, a magazine, this blog, or your horoscope. Whatever you enjoy reading – read away!

Moisturize

I love using coconut oil to moisturize my body. You can thank me later. Or, consider purchasing a quality body cream!

Use a hair mask

I also love using coconut oil for hair masks! However, there are some other great DIY hair masks that you make from basic items in your kitchen, like olive oil or avocados. You could also splurge on a high-end hair mask like this.

Or a face mask!

You might be shocked to hear this, but coconut oil is not my suggestion for this. I love a good sheet mask.

Journal

Check out my Journal Prompts for Anxiety for some ideas!

Color

Now, hear me out, they make adult coloring books for mindfulness. It’s the perfect activity to help you increase mindfulness. (Check out my article on Mindfulness in Everyday Life for more tips on cultivating mindfulness!)

Watch a Ted Talk

I am a huge fan of Ted Talks. There are videos for every topic – science, spirituality, personal growth, therapy, you name it.

Brain dump

I talked about this in my article on Overcoming Postpartum Anxiety. Write out all of your anxieties and fears. I’m afraid you may have misunderstood that statement. When I say write out all of your anxieties and fears, I mean every. single. one.
This may take 5 minutes or it may take 20. There is no right or wrong way to do it. And don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or mistakes. Because it’s not meant to be shared or even read after you write it. This is to purge your brain of everything. Get it all out of your head so you can move forward without it. 

Click unfollow

If you follow along with my blog or social media, you might already know I am a huge advocate for monitoring your social media. Social media can quickly make you feel less than or bring out negative emotions. Unfollow any account that evokes those emotions. If it’s an account you don’t feel comfortable unfollowing, mute them.

Say no

Saying no to others is saying yes to yourself. I understand it’s not as simple as it sounds, but it gets better with practice.

Ask for help

Learning how to ask for help (and that it’s ok to ask for help!) is a form of self-care that we should all be practicing. What is something you are struggling with right now? And who could you turn to for support? The people who love us want to help us. We just have to let them in.

Laugh

No joke – laughter can relieve stress levels. Put on your favorite comedy or pull up a funny video. Looking up #funny on social media is a quick way to get a good laugh in.

Exercise

Go for a run, hit the gym, or take a hike. Whatever your preferred form (or intensity) of exercise is, just get your body moving!

Forest bathing

It might sound wild, but walking in the forest – and fully taking it in – is an evidence-based wellness practice.

Long shower

Add a calming shower bomb to make give it an entire spa vibe.

Drink water

It sounds so simple but water provides so many benefits to our bodies and our lives. Pour yourself a glass and soak it all up.

Set a new goal

Regardless of how challenging the goal is, set a goal for yourself. Make sure it’s something attainable and something you can look forward to achieving. Check out my article on Following Your Dreams for ideas on goal-setting and the actionable steps you can take towards those dreams.

Spend time on your hobby

Pour some of your soul into a hobby. This is soul food. Nothing fills my cup like dedicating time to my hobby (hint: it’s this blog and podcast!)

Enjoy alone time

Setting aside time to be with you, and just you, is important. You can spend this time watching your favorite shows, painting your nails, doing a yoga practice, or journaling. This is your time – do what makes you happy.

Eat foods you are craving

Treat yourself to that food you’ve been craving! Order in or take yourself out for a delicious meal. Guilt-free.

Photographer: Breck Grimm

Go out on a date

Treat yourself to being treated! Dress up, plan something fun, and go enjoy yourself! Filling your “love cup” is a form of self-care too.

Have a therapy session

And not the kind with your friends. I’m talking with a licensed therapist. Your mental health is so important, to you and every relationship you have in life. Care for your mental health, you deserve that.

Practice mindfulness

Having a mindful moment can make a huge impact on your mood and the outlook of your day. Check out my article on Mindfulness in Everyday Life to learn more.

Go for a drive

I don’t know about you, but there is something so relaxing about going for a drive (without screaming children). My friends and I used to just go drive around for fun. We found some beautiful views, had some great talks and discovered some new songs along the way. Driving is also great on your own, you get a lot of time to think, listen to podcasts, or jam out!

Take a bubble bath

Need I say more? I feel like this doesn’t need much explaining.

Garden

Tend to your plants (or go buy some new ones!). I have always found gardening to be incredibly relaxing and rewarding. 

Get a personalized tarot reading from me

If you aren’t familiar with tarot, it can seem a little scary. Tarot is not meant to be used for anything scary. It cannot predict your future. And it is not witchcraft.  Tarot is meant to offer you guidance. 
Sometimes it’s as simple as getting your hands dirty and a reminder to water your plants. Other times, it challenges you to look at your behaviors and mindsets. It can be a great tool for personal growth. If you are interested in a personal tarot reading (or learning more about the practice!) feel free to contact me for more information.

Celebrate yourself

What is something that you have achieved lately? Something that felt challenging that you overcame? Or think about a goal you have met recently. Celebrate yourself. You have done something worth celebrating, I can assure you of that. And you deserve to stop and acknowledge the amazingness that is you.

Customize it!

Honestly, whatever brings joy to your soul is self-care in my book. If it helps refresh, renew, heal, or calm you – it counts as self-care. These self-care ideas and activities are just meant to be a starting point for you. And serve as a reminder that you deserve self-care. We all need self-care. This is what helps us keep loving ourselves. And what prevents us from burning out.

You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Connect with me on Instagram or TikTok to hear more tips!

Need more?

Check out these articles:
How to Overcome Perfectionism
Mindfulness in Everyday Life
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome