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Why Self Care Is Important for Mental Health + 12 Self Care Ideas

Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty? Like your to-do list never ends, but your energy does? If so, you’re not alone. As women juggling work, family, and everything in between, it’s easy to put ourselves last.

But here’s the things to always remind yourself of: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

In this post, we’ll explore why self-care is important for our mental health and share 12 creative, fun, and totally doable self care ideas to help you feel more grounded, relaxed, and connected to yourself.

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Why Is Self-Care Important for our Mental Health?-12 Self Care ideas

I enjoyed putting together these 12 self care ideas for you and I’m sure the simplicity of some of them will blow your mind.

After reading this, you’ll know how important self care is and why you should start putting yourself first!

Think of your mind like a garden.

Without regular care, the weeds (aka stress, anxiety, burnout) take over.

Self-care is how we tend to that garden—pulling the weeds, planting new seeds, and making space to bloom.

And unfortunately, we women often focus on helping others more than helping ourselves-we put ourselves last.

That is why its so important to build a self care routine and to try to practice it regularly!

After all, we can’t truly care for others if we don’t fill our own cup first, can we?

Here’s how my self-care ideas can support your mental well-being. Self Care:

  • Reduces stress: Taking time to slow down helps calm your nervous system and reduce cortisol (the stress hormone).

  • Builds resilience: When you regularly care for yourself, you’re more equipped to handle life’s ups and downs.

  • Improves your mood: Self-care often includes joyful, soothing activities—things that boost serotonin and dopamine.

  • Strengthens your self-worth: Putting yourself on your own priority list sends a powerful message: I matter.y

So here are some Easy Self Care Ideas you can try out even if you are a very busy woman

You don’t need a spa weekend to take care of yourself.  We often believe self care means to pamper yourself, take a vacation, go to a spa or spend hours on a specific activity.

But in reality, it’s the small moments of self-kindness that add up. Here are some easy self care ideas you can try today:

  • Create a simple morning ritual: Light a candle, stretch, sip tea, or journal for five minutes.

  • Step outside: A 10-minute walk in nature can reset your entire mood.

  • Digital detox: Turn your phone on airplane mode for an hour and just be.

  • Hydrate and nourish: Drink a tall glass of water, make a colorful plate of food.

  • Say no: Set a boundary. You’re allowed to do that, one step at a time!

Loved the Self Care essentials above?Here are Completely Free Ways To show some Self Love Without Spending a Dime

Personal Wellness doesn’t have to cost money. Please don’t overthink selfcare and be creative! Sometimes all your body, mind and soul need is simplicity!

If you’re looking for free ways to treat yourself, try these nourishing ideas:

  • Listen to your favorite music and dance like no one’s watching.

  • Write a love letter to yourself (yes, really—it’s powerful!).

  • Try a YouTube yoga class or guided meditation.

  • Take a long bath with epsom salts or herbs you have on hand.

  • Read a book from your favorite author or listen to a podcast that feeds your soul.


 

And for the Artistic Souls out there, here are Creative Self Care Ideas you'll love

If you’re someone (like me) who loves painting, writing, or making things with your hands, self-care can also be a creative outlet.

These ideas for your personal wellbeing are especially for the artsy, imaginative woman:

  • Start an art journal: Use colors and doodles to express how you feel.

  • Try mindful coloring: Let your mind rest while your hands flow.

  • Make a vision board: Focus on how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve.

  • Play with clay or collage: Getting messy is good for the mind.

  • Host a solo paint night: Light some candles, play music, and paint just for fun

  • BONUS: check out my Art Therapy Course with 30 Therapeutic Exercises to help you with your Personal Development and Self Healing.

image of an ocean and three small elements representing art: a paintbrush, a head an a lotus flower, on the right hand side is a curly haired black woman smiling at the viewer

Interested in taking a creative art therapy video course to focus on some self care? Click here to watch some preview videos and to decide if this is the right course for you!

But maybe all the Self Care Ideas are too complicated and you just want to relax!

Here are some Relaxing Self Care Ideas to Reset Your Nervous System

When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or overstimulated, use these relaxing self care ideas to help your body and mind come back to center:

  • Guided breathing exercises (try 4-7-8 breathing).

  • Gentle stretches in bed before sleep.

  • Warm herbal tea and silence.

  • Lavender or chamomile essential oil on your wrists.

  • Cuddling up in a cozy blanket with a creative hobby.

 

Final Thoughts: Now you know why its important to put your selfcare first!

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury—it’s the foundation for everything else in your life.  Even if its hard to do (we are used to serving others), we should prioritize self care for our mental health- every single day of the week!

I hope my post has helped to demonstrate to you why self care is so important for our Mental Health.

When your cup is full, you have more energy, joy, and patience to pour into others.

So whether you’re exploring self care projects ideas, looking for free ways to treat yourself, or simply want easy self care tips that feel doable… remember this:

You are worth the time. You are worth the love. You are worth the care.Always remember this!

Want more self-love ideas and creativity in your inbox?

Sign up for my free weekly self-care & art therapy emails or follow me on Pinterest for daily inspiration. And check out my Youtube Channel, in this video  I am sharing 10 Self Love Quotes from Famous People.

A tiny request: If you liked this post, please share this?

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I know most people don’t share because they feel that us bloggers don’t need their “tiny” social share. But the truth is that every share counts…

I am building this blog piece by piece, one small share at a time, and try to share as much value as I can. So thank you so much for your support, one “tiny share” can make a big difference!.

A share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog, it’s also a great feedback to know I am sharing value with my dream audience.

Some humble suggestions:
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Thank you so much!

🌞Anike

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1 thought on “Why Self Care Is Important for Mental Health + 12 Self Care Ideas”

  1. Pingback: 29 Spring Self-Care Ideas to Brighten Up Your Day -

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