Benefits of self-care

Self-care can have huge benefits, including:

• Better mental health, with less anxiety and depression.
• Being able to bounce back from difficulties and better cope with stress.
• More energy.
• Better relationships.
• Better physical health.
• More enjoyment, pleasure and happiness in life.
• More ability to look after others without feeling overwhelmed or resentful.

How to start looking after yourself

Self-care doesn't need to be expensive. It doesn't take a lot of time. Anyone can do it. All you need is a desire to care for yourself as you might care for someone else who needs your help.

If you haven't practised self-care in a while – or if you've never made an effort to look after yourself – it will probably feel strange when you begin. It's okay to start small. Set aside 5 minutes every day to do something that you enjoy. If you live with other people, ask them to leave you alone at that time. Or, practice self-care when you are usually alone.

You could:

• Sit down by yourself with a cup of tea or some other small treat you enjoy.
• Write or draw in a journal, noticing the ideas you have.
• Be creative by colouring, sketching, painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking or making music.
• Talk to a friend.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Sing, dance, or listen to music.
• Take a shower and brush or dry your hair.
• Listen to your body, noticing what you need at the moment.
• Make time to have a rest, take a nap or sleep in.
• Daydream.
• Connect with nature by going for a walk or spending time under a tree.
• Notice the birds, the colour of the sky, the texture of a plant.
• Exercise for at least 2 hours every week in a way that suits you. Remember, exercise is good for you even if you don't get hot, sweaty and puffed. You don't have to do all your exercise at once. You can do ten minutes at a time, if you like. Do whatever works for you!
• Pay for something that makes you feel good, like a massage or haircut. If it's hard for you to leave the house, you may be able to get someone to come to your home.
• Do a hobby you enjoy.
• Plant some herbs.
• Cook a special meal.
• Do a short body scan or another meditation that you like. You can find a body scan meditation at the Headspace website (external link).

• Spend time in prayer or another religious practice.
• Read or listen to audiobooks.
• Invite a friend to lunch or a movie.
• Join a group through your local library.
• Watch a TV program that's just for you.
• Find a specialist family violence counselling service if that's relevant to you.
• Take actions to help yourself sleep well. You could:
  • Avoid screens for a few hours before bed, as the light from screens makes it harder to sleep.
  • Make a wind-down routine, such as stretching and taking a warm shower or bath
  • Dim the lights for an hour before bed.
  • Have less caffeine.
• Use services and tools available to improve your quality of life, like:
  • Physiotherapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Special equipment
  • Helpful adaptations, like adding a handle to a steering wheel to make it easier to turn.