ABC-Z Self-care Ideas

Crystal Krickemeyer
May 30, 2021
3 min read

Over the past month I have recognized the importance of self care. It is similar to investing money into your future - but with self love! The more you have at a younger age, the possibility of an easier future is closer on the horizon.

In the same previous month, I've also realized it's not as easy as some Hallmark advertisements or Facebook post make it out to be. Self love is not just taking more baths or sipping red wine at the end of a long day. Self love takes time, dedication, and you have to be prepared for set backs. As well - you need to set realistic expectations. Maybe when just starting out, you practise one self care activity every day. Then as the task seems as more a part of your daily/weekly/monthly routine, add another to challenge yourself.

Here is a master list of a whole bunch of self care goals! Reading from top to bottom, the goals are harder to achieve. Disclaimer: The ranked activities written on this list are listed by my opinion only. If one task seems easier to you than where it is located on the list, I am so proud you! Or if one task seems to be harder for you than others, keep challenging yourself. You've got this :)

Binge that Netflix series you've been dying to watch.
Bake your favourite dessert just because!
Face mask, make up and dress up! Even if you're staying home.
Go for an evening walk, just to see the sunset even.
Cook a new and fun recipe for yourself, and eat it!
Grab that new book you've been wanting to read. Or re-read your old fave.
Call a friend, just to chit chat!
Make your bed every single day.
Go to the grocery store and buy some of the fun groceries you don't normally purchase.
Buy yourself some flowers! - In addition to their beauty, each day you pass by them it's a reminder you love yourself too.
After a hot, relaxing shower in the morning, blast some freezing water - a big burst of energy will result.
Start using an AM and PM journal (set goals in the morning, talk about what you were grateful in the day and how you pursued your goals in the evening.
Research something foreign to you, like crystal healing or what happened in space today.
Plan a day out with one (or more) with your friends! Socializing is important in protecting cognitive decline.
At the end of the day, make a list of things that made you smile and why they made you smile. You'll be going to bed thinking pleasant thoughts.
Tidy up your space, crowded environments can = crowded mind and thoughts.
Start to journal some of your accomplishments, whether small or large.
Get a good nights sleep, however that tailors to you.
Open a TFSA account to start saving for the future.
Save some money each month for spending on yourself only - not food, without question or reasoning.
Write out a list of chores and get them all done in an hour or two.
Practice yoga in the morning.
Volunteer in your community! It boosts self-esteem and helps erase loneliness.
Exercise regularly, high intensity. Your happy brain chemicals need high intensity to promote their production.
Practice writing down your intense emotions and explain why you feel this way.
Grab a healthier snack than something processed.
Say "no" to someone. They will still love and care for you.

Here's a list of my personal favourite activities I participate in to spruce up my self care!

Grab that new book I've been wanting to read. Or re-read my old fave.
Research something foreign to me, like crystal healing or what happened in space today.
Cook a new and fun recipe for myself, and eat it!
Go for an evening walk, just to see the sunset even.
Write out a list of chores and get them all done in an hour or two.
Face mask, make up and dress up! Even if I'm staying home.
Binge that Netflix series I've been dying to watch.

I hope that these ideas inspire you to try something new today, tomorrow or even next week!

Stay proud.

- Crystal xo

References

Saporita, Nicole, and Zee Krstic “40+ Different Simple Self-Care Tasks That'll Change Your Life This Year.” Good Housekeeping, 12 Feb. 2021, www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/g25643343/self-care-ideas/?slide=41.

Wholefully.com/wholefully. “51 Self Care Ideas To Kickstart Your Self Care Routine.” Wholefully, 7 July 2020,

wholefully.com/self-care-ideas/.