Self-care—you’ve probably heard the term, but do you take the time to put it into practice?
Celebrated around the world every July 24, International Self-Care Day serves as a reminder to take time to care for yourself—mentally and physically. The date was chosen to represent that self-care benefits you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In a busy world, it’s easy to forget that among other responsibilities, we need to take care of ourselves. It’s not selfish to practice self-care. In fact, by ensuring our own needs are met, we ensure that we can fulfill our duties to others.
Self-care can take many forms—from exercise or spending time in nature to practicing a hobby or enjoying comfort food. To celebrate International Self-Care Day 2026, here are 8 types of self-care you can practice, and 70 individual self-care activities you can engage in today.
Care for Your Body
1. Eat a balanced meal
2. Take a bath or shower
3. Get a massage or spa treatment
4. Care for your skin with lotion, moisturizer, or a face mask
5. Take a nap or rest
6. Enjoy a comfort food
7. Burn a candle with a pleasant scent
Practice Movement
8. Exercise, while minding your body’s natural limits
9. Go for a relaxing walk or drive
10. Dance by yourself or with friends
11. Practice yoga
12. Stretch your muscles
13. Ride a bike
14. Jump rope
15. Use a standing desk while working
16. Take a day trip
17. Change your environment or scenery periodically while working
18. Blow bubbles to help control your breathing
19. Organize a drawer or room in your home or office
20. Explore somewhere in your neighborhood you’ve never visited, like a park or landmark
Spend Time in Nature
21. Sit outside
22. Take an outdoor walk
23. Look at clouds or stars
24. Go birdwatching
25. Care for a plant
26. Visit an animal shelter
27. Fly a kite
28. Watch a sunrise or sunset
Engage in Hobbies
29. Keep a journal
30. Listen to your favorite music or create a playlist
31. Sing out loud
32. Play an instrument
33. Read a book
34. Draw or doodle
35. Scrapbook
36. Take photos of something you find aesthetically pleasing
37. Make something with craft supplies
38. Color with a coloring book or printed pages
39. Watch your favorite show or movie
40. Bake or cook your favorite meal
41. Learn something new
42. Do a puzzle, like a jigsaw puzzle, sudoku, or crossword
43. Browse your local library or bookstore
44. Write a poem
45. Take a trip to a local museum
46. Do something you loved as a child
Connect with Others
47. Call or text a friend or family member
48. Play with a pet
49. Do a good deed for someone
50. Volunteer in your community
51. Play a game with others
52. Join a class, club, sport, or support group
53. Spend time with family or friends
54. Attend a religious service
55. Write a letter or email to an old friend
56. Hug someone you care about
Take a Rest
57. Establish a regular sleep routine
58. Take breaks while working or exercising
59. Say “no”
60. Ask for help
61. Take a break from social media
Practice Self-Love, Affirmations, and Mindfulness
62. Say something you’re grateful for
63. Meditate or pray
64. Read or say out loud positive affirmations
65. Try a breathing exercise
66. Buy yourself a gift
67. Smile while looking in the mirror
68. Notice five sensations using each of your senses
Get Mental Health Support from a Professional
69. Schedule a therapy appointment
70. Contact a support line
Looking for support? Connect with Spurwink to learn how we are supporting the mental health needs of adults, youth, and families across Maine.
