We often hear, read, and discuss a lot about self-care for women. While strolling through Pinterest, chatting with a group of friends, or watching a video, we suddenly get drawn in, reading and thinking more about it. Then, we want to explore and learn more about self-care routines, ideas, essentials, and their importance.

 But how many of us decide to start the next day? And how many of us feel motivated in the moment but end up procrastinating until the next article we come across?

No matter how busy we are, we often find time to take care of our loved ones. But what about ourselves? Aren’t we our own loved ones too? If we can find time to care for others, we should also make time for self-care.

35 Simple Self-care ideas for women

1. A mindful morning routine: This doesn’t mean you need to stress yourself with a strict routine or over-schedule your day. Instead, try a few simple steps, like waking up a bit earlier, giving yourself some time before the day starts, and creating a healthy, simple, mindful morning routine. This can drastically improve your life, mental health, energy levels, and productivity.
2. Focus on financial literacy: Finances are definitely important throughout life, even if not the most important or the only thing that matters. So is financial literacy in a woman’s life. It should always be included as part of a self-care routine from childhood onward. We need to have at least basic knowledge of things like learning to plan budgets, retirement plans, investments, etc.
3. Journaling: It might be something challenging to stick to at first , but make it a habit to open your journal and write down whatever is on your mind without the fear of judgment. Let yourself process your thoughts, emotions, ideas, or anything else you want to write. Just try it, and you’ll realize how impactful journaling can be in self-care for women.
4. Vision board or set goals: A vision board isn’t just about manifesting your dreams. It’s about taking a moment to identify what we want in our lives and what we need to put effort into and work towards. Setting goals, creating a bucket list, or making a vision board can help you feel content, connect with yourself, stay motivated, and add purpose to your life.
5. Cook for yourself: Try a new recipe you’ve always wanted to explore, or make something you love but rarely cook because others don’t enjoy it. Routinely cook your favorite food instead of always saving time and prioritizing your loved ones’ favorites.
6. Click a lot of pictures: Once college days are over and life gets busy, we sometimes forget to take pictures just to see ourselves. Definitely, after motherhood, your gallery will be stolen by your kids’ pictures. But still, you need to have some pictures, especially selfies, that are not for Instagram, not limited to special days or outings. Click a lot of pictures to see yourself changing over time.
7. Have a hobby at all times, in all the phases of your life: The benefits of hobbies are nothing new. You need to try and find a hobby that helps you grow and enjoy, and stick to it. For example, gardening is my favorite hobby, and I would recommend it as well.
8. Digital Detox: Have a digital detox hour or day, but regularly. Follow healthy social media practices, and regularly analyze how you are doing:are you overdoing it, is there something affecting your mental health, and more? Try some healthy challenges, like going social media-free for a week, no mobiles first thing in the morning, no oversharing, and no sharenting.
9. Spend quality time with the family: When you are spending time with your family, ask yourself, “Are you doing it right? Are you enjoying it?” We all find time to be with our family, but we might get stuck in our responsibilities, preoccupied with our schedules. Taking care of kids is not the family time I mean. Have some mindful moments with your family;just doing nothing, thinking nothing, completely free and relaxed. Take downtime, have fun, play, or simply sit back and watch your kids.
10. Have a healthy sleep routine: We all have that tendency to procrastinate our sleep time, scrolling through reels, especially after motherhood when we crave some quiet time. This habit can harm our health, productivity, energy levels, and more. So, having a sleep routine and getting plenty of sleep is definitely an important self-care idea.
11. Declutter your space: A cluttered space is enough to make you feel stuck, cluttering your mind and reducing your productivity. Living in a decluttered home brings positive vibes and calmness. You can experience how it brings a freshness to your life.
12. Sit down and enjoy your meal: Many women find it hard to recall the last time they enjoyed a meal without scrolling through their phone, watching their kids or television, finishing tasks, or planning their day. Just sit down, relax, chew, and breathe.
13. Make a playlist: Add all your favorite songs-ones you love, that evoke memories, stir emotions, set a mood, or take you on different journeys of your life. When you want to relax or set a different vibe, just turn on the playlist and enjoy what you love.
14. Take a refreshing shower: Enjoy a mindful bath day, no rushing, no stressing. Just to relax, enjoy, and emphasize self-care.
15. Get a massage: Choose what you prefer, be it a spa day, an at-home oil massage, or a head massage you do yourself. It’s a popular self-care idea, especially when planning a self-care day.
16. Spend some time in nature: Get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and connect with nature. It could be a walk to a nearby park, a morning jog, or something as simple as opening the window or spending time on your balcony or in your backyard. Enjoying the breeze and sunlight is a relaxing experience you need for the day.
17. Set boundaries and learn to say no: Setting healthy boundaries, even with those close to you, is a habit every woman should cultivate from a young age. Know when and how to say no, and feel proud of it, rather than regretting or worrying about what others might think.
18. Look your best: Establish a skincare routine, moisturize your skin, get a new haircut, and dress up, and add a pedicure and manicure session as well. It’s a quick energy booster.
19. More vegetables and fruits: Regularly monitor your diet and make sure it’s rich in plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
20. Connect with others: Put some effort into making and keeping genuine relationships and friends for yourself;the ones you love to spend time with and who help you grow and enjoy life. Call them, talk to them, and build the bond.
21. Establish an exercise routine: No matter how busy you are, make sure to get the necessary exercise to maintain health and fitness. It could be as simple as walking, dancing, Zumba, or yoga. Whatever you enjoy, just be consistent and make it a routine.
22. Reading : At least a few paragraphs a day can benefit you in many ways. It encourages mindfulness, helps you learn new things, improves your focus and concentration, and is excellent exercise for your mental health. Keeping the relationship with the book or paper and me is something I never want to miss.
23. Keep a health journal: Listen to your body and track your health notes, diet, and schedule regular check-ups. It’s a self-care idea every woman should never miss. Just make sure it’s a relaxing way to remind you to take care of your health instead of ignoring it in your busy days, not something that stresses you out.
24. Find a creative outlet: Explore and understand what serves as an emotional release for you to relieve stress, unwind, and refresh. It could be journaling, hitting the gym, gardening, cooking, or pursuing a hobby ;whatever works for you. Find it and stick to it, especially during challenging times.
25. Buy flowers for yourself: If you love the feeling, don’t wait for someone else. Get some flowers for yourself and decorate your home.
26. Make a To-Do List: Just planning a day ahead knowing what you want to do and your top three priorities, can help with time management, stress relief, and productivity. But make sure not to over-schedule.
27. Work on your emotional health: Regularly check in on your emotions-understand why you’re feeling sad, how it made you feel, and what steps to take to process and manage those emotions. This is a great self-care tip for women dealing with different phases, challenges, identity crisis, and emotional regulation.
28. Make a gratitude journal or album to motivate yourself: Add all the things you are grateful for or create an album with pictures of your accomplishments, along with quotes that inspire you. This can be your go-to source of inspiration whenever you feel down.
29. Me-Time: Regularly set aside some me-time, either in your morning routine or at any convenient time. Engage in relaxing activities or simply sit back and enjoy your alone time. However, avoid using this time to plan your day or complete unfinished tasks.
30. Buy Yourself a Gift: Treat yourself to something you’ve really wanted. Regularly check your wardrobe and replace items as needed, especially homewear. What you wear at home matters too!
31. Plan a Girls’ Day Out or Sleepover: Spend time with your tribe-hang out, have a sleepover, and enjoy lots of fun, energy, and emotions. Make sure your meetups don’t just stay in the planning phase;make them happen!
32. Cook and Serve: Prepare something special for your loved ones, or share your homemade snacks with special guests, neighbors, friends, or even strangers in need. Experience the joy of seeing their smiles!
33. Do What You Love: Master your decision-making skills and prioritize your happiness and satisfaction in life. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Give yourself the freedom to live your life by avoiding comparisons, letting go of the urge to please others, and distancing yourself from toxic people.
34. Connect with Your Old Self: Revisit the good times from your childhood and reconnect with your inner child. Visit places you used to love, go through old albums, listen to nostalgic songs, watch favorite movies, or engage in activities that once brought you joy. Relive those moments, talk about them, and smile.
35. Practice Mindful Living: Learn to appreciate the small things in life and enjoy slow living. At the same time, recognize when someone takes you for granted, prioritize self-respect, and ignore negativity.

Reflections From Mindful Portrait

As a busy woman myself, what I’ve learned is that we often overlook our self-care. We’re not just skipping it; we’re not even taking the time to recognize it. We get caught up in our long to-do lists, focusing on checking off tasks, and life keeps moving. 

I want to gently remind every woman who feels disconnected or out of sync with herself to make self-care a habit or routine, and regularly take time to slow down, pause, and think about how we’re living our lives and what we might be missing.