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Multidimensional Self-Care

300+ Self-Care Activities

In 2016, I challenged myself to complete a yearlong self-care challenge. Every day for 366 days (2016 was a leap year) I experimented with a new self-care strategy. This articles highlights over 300+ self-care activities to help you find new rituals to integrate into your practice.

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Self-Care Activities to Design a Healthy Lifestyle

The following list of 300+ self-care activities is organized by self-care dimension to help you explore new acts of self-care:

The Systemic Dimension of Self-Care

The Systemic Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you eat, move and rest. 

  1. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight
  2. Limit sugar
  3. Practice deep breathing exercises
  4. Track your menstrual cycle and symptoms
  5. Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  6. Get a flu shot
  7. Eat a fermented food
  8. Take a walk in nature
  9. Go paddleboarding
  10. Toss out expired medications
  11. Upgrade your skin care routine
  12. Attend a wellness retreat
  13. Organize your pantry
  14. Practice safe sex
  15. Plan a picnic
  16. Bake something
  17. Run (or walk) a marathon
  18. Make a list of questions to ask your doctor
  19. See a dermatologist
  20. Try reflexology
  21. Hire a registered dietitian
  22. Try a new type of exercise
  23. Go for a swim
  24. Buy a new pillow
  25. Take a Pilates class
  26. Hire a health or fitness coach
  27. Try a new recipe
  28. Clean out your refrigerator
  29. Change your home and auto air filters
  30. Get an acupuncture treatment
  31. Pack your lunch
  32. Exfoliate your skin
  33. Register for a 5k
  34. Use a sugar scrub
  35. Have a healthy snack
  36. Take a walk with a friend
  37. Enjoy a mocktail
  38. Go plant-based
  39. Get a stand-up desk
  40. Prepare a living will
  41. Care for your feet
  42. Get a scalp massage
  43. Include strength training in your workouts
  44. Take a cooking class
  45. Plan your menus in advance
  46. Get a manicure
  47. Get a fluoride treatment
  48. Buy a water filter
  49. Organize your recipe collection
  50. Quit smoking
  51. Buy new gym clothes
  52. Have a pharmacist review your medications
  53. Take a self defense class
  54. Get vaccinated
  55. Give blood
  56. Go kayaking
  57. Buy a new mattress
  58. Use a pressure cooker
  59. Prepare a 3-day emergency kit
  60. Buy new athletic shoes
  61. Drink unsweetened water
  62. Take medications as prescribed
  63. Schedule a walking meeting
  64. Get a pedicure
  65. Visit a friend
  66. Use sunscreen
  67. Volunteer at a community garden
  68. Learn to ferment food
  69. Hire a personal trainer
  70. Do a breast self-exam (BSE)
  71. Go canoeing
  72. Sleep in
  73. Get a deep tissue massage
  74. Build a home treadmill workstation
  75. Enjoy a cup of tea
  76. Unwind in a hot tub
  77. Floss
  78. Set a bedtime alarm
  79. Shop the farmers’ market
  80. Try a morning meditation
  81. Create a personal medical record
  82. Eat colorfully
  83. Make a grocery shopping list
  84. Get CPR certified
  85. Take a hike
  86. Get a mammogram
  87. Spend time in silence
  88. Cry
  89. Get up-to-date with your health screenings
  90. Get a facial
  91. Eat something green
  92. Go cycling
  93. Walk a dog
  94. Take a stretch break
  95. Schedule preventive exams
  96. Say no to something
  97. Cook with an iron skillet
  98. Learn about nutrition
  99. Get an annual physical
  100. Go for a run

The Emotive Dimension of Self-Care

The Emotive Dimension of Self-Care focuses on your how you express yourself—your externalized thoughts. 

  1. Say thank you
  2. Practice deep breathing exercises
  3. Talk about what you do want more than you talk about what you don’t want
  4. Adopt a pet
  5. Go to a writing retreat
  6. Take a bonsai class
  7. Learn to crochet or knit
  8. Make a scrapbook
  9. Get a pedicure
  10. Go to a silent retreat
  11. Go to the symphony
  12. Identify your emotional triggers
  13. Share your story with someone you trust
  14. Establish a new morning self-care ritual
  15. Have your house professionally cleaned
  16. Cuddle
  17. Get a manicure
  18. Enjoy a sunset
  19. Get a scalp massage
  20. Create a self-care survival plan
  21. Listen to the ocean
  22. Speak up
  23. Take a warm shower
  24. Listen to music
  25. Join a support group
  26. Get a relaxation massage
  27. Write a letter of gratitude
  28. Float a river
  29. Get a spa treatment
  30. Write in a journal
  31. Relax by a fire
  32. Watch a funny movie
  33. Hire a therapist
  34. Enjoy a cup of tea
  35. Write poetry
  36. Unwind in a hot tub
  37. Take an art class
  38. Try an evening meditation
  39. Write affirmation statements
  40. Relax with aromatherapy
  41. Accept what is
  42. Volunteer at the food bank
  43. Snuggle with pets
  44. Write a letter of gratitude
  45. Be kind to everyone
  46. Downsize your belongings
  47. Go to the beach
  48. Sit in silence
  49. Cry
  50. Make a list of things you love
  51. Make a list of things you’re grateful for
  52. Turn off social media notifications
  53. Celebrate your successes
  54. Start a blog
  55. Walk a friend’s dog
  56. Go to bed early
  57. Make new friends
  58. Set healthy boundaries
  59. Laugh
  60. Decline an invitation
  61. Learn to play a musical instrument
  62. Ask for help
  63. Give a gift
  64. Take something off your to-do list
  65. Perform a random act of kindness
  66. Create a vision board
  67. Go for a run
  68. Take a tai chi class
  69. Attend a live music event
  70. Take a day off
  71. Take a soothing bath
  72. Apologize
  73. Color
  74. Sing
  75. Take a yoga class
  76. Take a dance class

The Luminescent Dimension of Self-Care

The Luminescent Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you illuminate your inner truth—your strengths, spiritual and cultural beliefs, perceptions, values, personality, preferences, and what makes you uniquely YOU.

  1. Identify your core values
  2. Get a new haircut
  3. Ask for what you need
  4. Hire a therapist
  5. Take an art class
  6. Hire a wardrobe stylist
  7. Vote
  8. Go to an inner child retreat
  9. Understand your personality
  10. Know your strengths
  11. Read old journals
  12. Try a walking meditation
  13. Hire a coach
  14. Accept what is
  15. Share your story with a trusted mentor
  16. Do your best
  17. Create a capsule wardrobe
  18. Be kind
  19. Change your mind
  20. Speak up
  21. Read scripture
  22. Make a scrapbook
  23. Sit in silence
  24. Get clear about what you want to do, be, have and feel
  25. Make a list of things you love
  26. Start a blog
  27. Write a book
  28. Set healthy boundaries
  29. Get your makeup done professionally
  30. Create a vision board
  31. Take a tai chi class
  32. Uncover your personal brand
  33. Go to a yoga retreat
  34. Take a dance class

The Financial Dimension of Self-Care

The Financial Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you allocate your resources—your earning, spending, giving, and saving habits.

  1. Define what your “enough” looks like
  2. Become (and stay) debt-free
  3. Ask for what you need
  4. Downsize your belongings
  5. Hire a financial adviser
  6. Create a capsule wardrobe
  7. Get clear about what you want to do, have, be, and feel
  8. Have leftovers for dinner
  9. Say no
  10. Cook at home more
  11. Reduce your spending
  12. Fund your retirement account(s)
  13. Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  14. Cancel unused memberships
  15. Create a budget
  16. Use a money management app
  17. Hire a CPA
  18. Create a vision board
  19. Get a new professional certification
  20. Create a last will & testament
  21. Set up automatic bill payments
  22. Go window shopping
  23. Review your finances regularly
  24. Opt for generic medications when possible
  25. Shop around for insurance
  26. Review your medical statements carefully

The Cognitive Dimension of Self-Care

The Cognitive Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you think—your mindset.

  1. Tune into your mental health state
  2. Expect good things for your future
  3. Release expectations
  4. Drink alcohol in moderation (if at all)
  5. Weigh the pros and cons before making a decision
  6. Establish a new morning ritual
  7. Research your options
  8. Schedule a walking meeting
  9. Improve your self-awareness
  10. Overcome a fear
  11. Learn to sail
  12. Write in a journal
  13. Listen to a podcast
  14. Create a self-care survival plan
  15. Learn to crochet or knit
  16. Think about what you do want more than you talk about what you don’t want
  17. Hire a therapist
  18. Get clear about what you want to do, have, be, and feel
  19. Work a puzzle
  20. Go to a bookstore
  21. Write poetry
  22. Hire a coach
  23. Create a bucket list
  24. Learn to play a musical instrument
  25. Join a book club
  26. Visit the library
  27. Try a guided meditation
  28. Think the best of everyone
  29. Take a continuing education class
  30. Explore new possibilities
  31. Accept what is
  32. Be kind
  33. Plan your weekly schedule ahead of time
  34. Define what your “enough” looks like
  35. Give yourself permission to change your mind
  36. Sit in silence
  37. Make a list of things you love
  38. Turn off social media notifications
  39. Schedule a planning retreat
  40. Stay hydrated
  41. Start a blog
  42. Get a new certification
  43. Attend a workshop
  44. Start a new journal
  45. Take a nap
  46. Write a book
  47. Set healthy boundaries
  48. Say no
  49. Ask for help
  50. Listen to an audio book
  51. Set weekly goals
  52. Vote
  53. Read a book
  54. Create a vision board
  55. Become the director of your healthcare team
  56. Eat regular meals
  57. Take a day off
  58. Create a manifestation space
  59. Establish your personal brand
  60. Take a yoga class
  61. Travel to another country
  62. Update your insurance policy beneficiaries

The Aptitudinal Dimension of Self-Care

The Aptitudinal Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you contribute to the world—your life’s purpose. 

  1. Take an art class
  2. Delegate something
  3. Hire a business coach
  4. Take a continuing education class
  5. Ask for support when you need it
  6. Take something off your to-do list
  7. Hire a career coach
  8. Make a list of your essential tasks
  9. Create a manifestation space
  10. Do your best
  11. Make your schedule more efficient
  12. Use a planning system
  13. Learn to play a musical instrument
  14. Hire a coach
  15. Make a list of things you love
  16. Designate specific times to check email
  17. Practice active listening
  18. Schedule a planning retreat
  19. Establish a new morning ritual
  20. Start a blog
  21. Attend a workshop
  22. Speak up
  23. Write a book
  24. Say no
  25. Find a mentor
  26. Set weekly goals
  27. Create a vision board
  28. Take a day off
  29. Get a new certification
  30. Start a bullet journal
  31. Create your personal brand
  32. Track your goals
  33. Build something
  34. Download a health app
  35. Take an online course
  36. Make a list of your top 5 goals each week

The Relational Dimension of Self-Care

The Relational Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you connect with others.

  1. Say thank you
  2. Develop a family emergency plan
  3. Understand the personalities of the people closest to you
  4. Practice deep breathing exercises
  5. Cuddle
  6. Become an organ donor
  7. Practice safe sex
  8. Help a neighbor with a project
  9. Ask for what you need
  10. Have the courage to be disliked
  11. Meet new people
  12. Forgive
  13. Hire a therapist
  14. Share your story with someone you trust
  15. Get your family photos updated
  16. Spend time with friends
  17. Hold space for someone
  18. Join a book club
  19. Plan a picnic
  20. Think the best of everyone
  21. Take a walk with a friend
  22. Know your emotional triggers
  23. Volunteer at the food bank
  24. Get CPR certified
  25. Write a letter of gratitude
  26. Speak up
  27. Reconnect with an old friend
  28. Plan a date night
  29. Organize a gathering
  30. Give blood
  31. Be kind to everyone
  32. Ask for forgiveness
  33. Turn off social media notifications
  34. Listen actively
  35. Join a support group
  36. Start a blog
  37. Edit your inner circle
  38. Grow your community
  39. Set healthy boundaries
  40. Say no
  41. Buy coffee for a stranger
  42. Ask for help
  43. Complete a living will
  44. Give a gift
  45. Perform a random act of kindness
  46. Join a civic organization
  47. Create a last will & testament
  48. Have coffee with a friend
  49. Ask questions
  50. Schedule a walking meeting
  51. Find a new mentor
  52. Join Toastmasters
  53. Apologize
  54. Spend quality time with family
  55. Establish your personal brand
  56. Travel
  57. Volunteer at a community garden
  58. Update your insurance policy beneficiaries

The Environmental Dimension of Self-Care

The Environmental Dimension of Self-Care focuses on how you harmonize with nature, your community, and your personal spaces.

  1. Donate something you no longer need
  2. Tidy up your workspace
  3. Take a walk outside
  4. Play with a pet
  5. Have your house professionally cleaned
  6. Plan a trip
  7. Go paddle boarding
  8. Consult a permaculture designer
  9. Enjoy a sunset
  10. Listen to the ocean
  11. Go fishing
  12. Use reusable grocery bags
  13. Repurpose something
  14. Take a road trip
  15. Go on an adventure
  16. Learn to sail
  17. Play in the snow
  18. Relax with aromatherapy
  19. Recycle
  20. Volunteer at the food bank
  21. Snuggle with pets
  22. Compost
  23. Get CPR certified
  24. Spend time in the garden
  25. Take a hike
  26. Add fresh flowers to your home or office
  27. Go to the symphony
  28. Visit a museum
  29. Downsize your belongings
  30. Go to the beach
  31. Buy a houseplant
  32. Change your sheets regularly
  33. Take a self defense class
  34. Plant a tree
  35. Attend a live music event
  36. Go sightseeing
  37. Go berry picking
  38. Take a shorter shower
  39. Use a water filter
  40. Travel
  41. Clean your yoga mat
  42. Volunteer at a community garden
  43. Join a civic organization
  44. Go camping
  45. Take a cold shower
  46. Go canoeing
  47. Buy a new pillow
  48. Go for a swim
  49. Go stargazing
  50. Float a river
  51. Take a bonsai class
  52. Clean out your refrigerator
  53. Change your air filter
  54. Organize a closet
  55. Become a master gardener
  56. Create a music playlist
  57. Make a donation to a charity
  58. Put together an emergency kit for your car
  59. Create a manifestation space
  60. Vote
  61. Rearrange furniture
  62. Make your bed

Which Self-Care Dimension Needs Your Attention Right Now?

Use the Rate Your 8 self-care assessment tool to check in with your needs regularly. Then, revisit these 300+ self-care activities as often as you need to update your self-care routine.

Shop LivingUpp's self-care guides and workbooks.

Information on this website should not be interpreted as providing or replacing medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is intended for adults over the age of 18. LivingUpp is a participant in affiliate programs, which means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases on links to Amazon and other sites at no additional cost to you. 

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