101 Self-Care Ideas For Positivity and Happiness

Science of People Team December 17, 2024 22 min read

In This Article

Self-care is the new buzzword everyone is talking about. But what does it really mean and how can you get it? After years of researching human behavior and...

Self-care is the new buzzword everyone is talking about. But what does it really mean and how can you get it?

After years of researching human behavior and connection, I’ve discovered that the most powerful form of self-care often has nothing to do with being by ourselves…

The #1 Secret to Self-Care

Here’s what most self-care articles won’t tell you: the most powerful form of self-care involves other people.

Research has found that social connection triggers the release of oxytocin https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453098000560?casa_token=bQ2W4oJSfPQAAAAA:8pnPiOk80Te8ACAvTf2Bz0Sq0dZkkeXcoO4tO-lFNLxQ5cBxoJ_QX82iH022FDY8ZUWb5yxWuw (our “bonding hormone”) and serotonin https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763411002168?casa_token=ZV1Q5FZ6xooAAAAA:kdp66QH2VNszd1sPhmoRA7XaWPV8jqXAVzPERHjK0AF27Aq9d2l2QhlUPyWNEkqCweRRFVcBxg (our “happiness chemical”). These neurochemicals create a natural boost to our mental and physical well-being that no amount of solo bubble baths can match.

Even more striking: A 2010 study https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100727174909.htm#:~:text=In%20the%20journal%20PLoS%20Medicine,of%20survival%20by%2050%20percent. revealed that strong social relationships increase our odds of survival by 50%—an effect comparable to quitting smoking and twice as powerful as exercising regularly!

Why is Self-Care Important?

Self-care is a scientifically-backed necessity for our mental and physical well-being—not just a trendy buzzword. Studies have shown that consistent self-care practices reduce stress https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S089718972400048X, improve mental and physical health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7035984/, and increase overall life satisfaction.

Think of self-care like maintaining a car. Just as a vehicle needs regular oil changes and tune-ups to run smoothly, our minds and bodies need consistent care to function at their best. When we neglect self-care, we risk burnout and a whole host of other negative effects.

So, ready to take your self-care strategies to the next level? Let’s explore 101 self-care ideas—with an emphasis on social connection. I’ve organized these by theme to help you find exactly what you need when you need it!

Connection-Based Self-Care Ideas

Create a “friendship time capsule”

Fill a box with mementos, photos, and letters from your friend group. Opening it together in a year becomes both a celebration of your past and present connections.

Call your mom or dad just to say “I love you”

Those random “thinking of you” calls often turn into the most memorable conversations. I’ve learned that timing doesn’t need to be perfect—even a quick check-in during my lunch break can brighten both our days.

Write a heartfelt letter to someone who changed your life

Taking time to express gratitude on paper is powerful medicine. Sometimes the simplest thank you can spark meaningful reconnection and conversations that might never have happened otherwise.

Invite 4-6 friends over for a simple meal where everyone shares a few things they’re grateful for. Research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3010965/ shows that practicing gratitude can greatly enhance well-being.

The first time I tried this, a simple dinner turned into four hours of heartfelt conversation!

Join (or start) a local book club

Books come alive differently when discussed with others. That plot twist you barely noticed might be someone else’s favorite moment—these different perspectives often lead to fascinating discussions about life, not just literature.

Want more? Check out our article on the best books: 121 Good Books You Must Read in 2024 (Sorted By Category)

Self-Care Day Ideas

Plan a friend date at your favorite cafe

There’s something magical about conversations over coffee. When phones are tucked away and pastries are shared, even simple catch-ups can feel like mini-celebrations.

Take a dance class

Moving to music with others creates instant joy. Even if you’re convinced you have two left feet (like me!), the shared experience of learning something new breaks down social barriers faster than small talk ever could.

Interested in trying out dance? Find out why I’m a huge fan of Zumba here: The Psychology of Zumba

Visit a farmers market and chat with vendors

Shopping becomes an adventure when you connect with the people behind the products. The passionate farmer explaining how to prepare that weird-looking vegetable might just become your favorite part of the weekend.

Schedule a solo museum day

Art hits differently when you’re alone with your thoughts. Let yourself linger at pieces that speak to you—there’s no need to match anyone else’s pace or preferences.

Go forest bathing

Immerse yourself in nature’s quiet wisdom. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/forest-bathing/ teaches us that sometimes the best company is a canopy of leaves and the sound of wind in the trees. Research backs it up too: one study found that spending just 2 hours a week in nature boosts physical and mental health!

Physical Self-Care Ideas

Join a recreational sports league

Who knew missing an easy volleyball serve could lead to so much laughter? Community sports leagues offer the perfect blend of exercise and connection, where the post-game hangouts become just as important as the game itself. Indeed, a systematic review found that participating in social sports is hugely beneficial for mental health and well-being (not to mention the physical benefits!)

Take a group hiking adventure

Nature has a way of making conversations flow easier. Pack some trail mix, grab a few friends, and watch how the combination of movement and mountains makes even everyday chat feel more meaningful.

Try partner yoga

Building trust looks different when you’re both attempting to balance in tree pose. The shared wobbles and victories create a unique kind of connection that goes beyond words.

Schedule a solo morning stretch routine

Those first few minutes of gentle movement can set the tone for your entire day. Create a peaceful corner by your window—even just 5 minutes of stretching while watching the sunrise can feel revolutionary.

Here’s a primer on nailing your morning routine: Morning Routine Mastery: 30 Key Habits For Success

Create a bedtime ritual

End your day with intention. Maybe it’s gentle stretching, maybe it’s reading a few pages of that book that makes you smile. The key is consistency—I’ve found that three simple habits beat an elaborate routine every time.

Are you looking to elevate your people skills? Check our comprehensive course:

Beauty Self-Care Ideas

Host a spa night with friends

Between face masks and foot soaks, the best conversations tend to bubble up naturally.

Take a skincare masterclass together

Learning about self-care becomes more fun in pairs. I’ve found that having a skincare buddy makes it easier to stick to new healthy habits.

Create a morning ritual with your partner

Some of the sweetest moments happen during parallel grooming time. Whether you’re both doing your hair or brushing teeth, these simple shared routines build connection.

Practice mindful makeup application

Turn your morning routine into meditation. Taking time to appreciate each step can transform rushing through products into a moment of genuine self-appreciation.

Learn facial massage techniques

Yes, your hands have healing power. A 2008 study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19129675/ found that facial massages reduce anxiety and improve mood!

Taking a few minutes to practice gentle facial massage not only relieves tension but teaches you to literally face yourself with kindness.

Spiritual Self-Care Ideas

Join a meditation circle

Meditating in a group creates a powerful energy that’s hard to replicate alone. The collective silence often feels more profound than solo practice.

Learn about the incredible benefits of mindful meditation here: 14 Amazing Benefits of Meditation That Can Actually Rewire Your Brain

Pick a prayer or gratitude partner and text each other three things you’re thankful for each morning. This simple practice has turned some of my most challenging days around.

Attend a sound healing session

Let singing bowls and gentle vibrations wash over you. These sessions often create unexpected connections—there’s something about shared peaceful experiences that opens hearts.

Walk a labyrinth with intention

Many communities have these ancient meditation tools hidden in plain sight. Walking one mindfully, either alone or with others, provides a moving metaphor for life’s journey.

Start a spiritual book club

Reading sacred texts or spiritual books together adds depth through shared interpretation. The discussions often reveal how differently we all experience faith and meaning. A recent study https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01997/full found that spirituality is positively associated with well-being and healthy habits.

What are your favorite self-care habits?

Self-Care Night Ideas

Host a stargazing party

Gather friends for an evening under the stars. Nothing puts daily worries into perspective quite like contemplating the cosmos together.

Create a bedtime tea ceremony

Transform evening tea into a mindful ritual. Some of my most meaningful conversations have happened over late-night chamomile. Beyond the social connection these ceremonies help foster, decades of research https://scholars.direct/Articles/human-nutrition/jhn-4-017.php?jid=human-nutrition has found that drinking tea is incredibly beneficial for mental well-being and cognitive functioning.

Meeting monthly to share dreams creates fascinating conversations. Even the most practical people find themselves opening up to new perspectives.

Practice evening gratitude calls

Choose a gratitude buddy and spend 5 minutes each evening sharing your day’s highlights. These calls have become my favorite way to end the day.

Host a pajama movie night

Sometimes self-care looks like cozy clothes and favorite films. Create a judgment-free zone where friends can just relax and be themselves.

Creative Self-Care Ideas

Start an art journaling group

Meet monthly to explore creativity together. There’s something magical about watching blank pages transform while sharing stories and snacks.

And it doesn’t have to be just art! There are tons of fun activities to get your creative juices flowing while connecting with friends. Check out this article for some inspiration: 80 Productive (And Fun) Things to Do When You’re Bored

Take a pottery class with friends

Getting your hands dirty together creates instant bonding. Plus, you’ll have handmade mugs to remind you of the experience.

Host a vision board party

Manifest dreams together while sharing magazines and inspiration. The conversations that flow while cutting and pasting often reveal shared goals and hidden aspirations.

Join a community choir

No experience needed—just the willingness to add your voice to others. Science shows that the vibration of voices in harmony creates connection that boosts mental health and well-being.

Create a collaborative art piece

Start a painting and pass it between friends, each adding their touch. The final piece becomes a beautiful symbol of your shared creativity.

Mental Self-Care Ideas

Join a problem-solving group

Whether it’s chess, puzzles, or strategy games, exercising your mind alongside others creates both intellectual growth and meaningful connections. The weekly sudoku club at my local library has become an unexpected highlight.

Practice mindful walking with a companion

Take turns leading each other on silent walks, paying attention to different senses. Sharing observations afterward often reveals how uniquely we each experience the world.

Start a life skills exchange

Trade knowledge with friends—teach what you know, learn what you don’t. These informal learning sessions strengthen bonds while expanding minds.

Create a reading nook

Designate a cozy corner just for books and reflection. Sometimes the best mental self-care is losing yourself in a good story. In fact, a recent study found that reading can actually improve your well-being!

Host a documentary discussion night

Watch thought-provoking films together, then dive into meaningful conversations. The best insights often come from hearing how differently others interpret the same content.

Seasonal Self-Care Ideas

Organize a seasonal intention-setting circle

Gather friends at each solstice and equinox to reflect and plan. Nature’s transitions provide perfect moments to pause and reset together.

Create a spring cleaning support group

Turn tedious tasks into social events. Never thought I’d say this, but cleaning has become something I look forward to with the right company.

Plan summer outdoor movie nights

Set up a projector in the backyard and invite neighbors. These casual gatherings often transform into cherished community traditions.

Start a winter soup club

Take turns hosting warming soup nights during cold months. The comfort of shared meals creates natural opportunities for deeper conversations. Research shows that communal eating is a cornerstone of human connection, with those who regularly eat with others reporting greater happiness and well-being.

Organize autumn nature walks

Document seasonal changes together through photos or sketches. There’s something special about witnessing nature’s transitions as a group.

Budget-Friendly Self-Care Ideas

Exchange services with friends—trade massages for cooking lessons, gardening tips for meditation guidance. The best things in life are often free when shared.

Create a lending library

Share books, games, or tools with neighbors. Building community through shared resources adds richness to life without spending money.

Host a clothing swap party

Refresh your wardrobe while connecting with friends. My favorite winter coat came from a swap—along with the story of its previous adventures.

Curious about the hidden meaning behind your wardrobe choices? Check our article here: Fashion Psychology: What Your Choice in Clothes Say About You

Organize a potluck picnic series

Take turns providing simple ingredients for outdoor meals. Food tastes better when shared under open skies.

Start a walking photography club

Explore your area on foot with cameras in hand. Seeing familiar places through a lens—and through others’ eyes—reveals hidden beauty.

Energy-Boosting Self-Care Ideas

Create morning dance parties

Start your day with music and movement. Whether solo or with roommates, dancing before breakfast sets a positive tone for hours.

Join a sunrise yoga group

Meeting others for early practice builds beautiful accountability. Those pre-dawn drives felt crazy at first, but now they’re my favorite part of the week. Oh, and research shows that exposure to morning sunlight has a host of benefits, including improved mood and sleep quality!

Start a smoothie challenge

Partner with a friend to try new energy-boosting recipes. Having someone to compare notes with makes healthy habits stick.

Practice power posing together

Stand like superheroes with friends before big meetings. It might feel silly, but shared confidence-boosting rituals really work.

Learn about the benefits of power posing (and other confidence-boosting rituals) here: How to Be More Confident: 15 Strategies For More Confidence

Create an energy accountability group

Check in with partners about sleep, movement, and hydration goals. Supporting each other’s basic needs creates a foundation for deeper care.

Mindful Movement Self-Care Ideas

Start a lunchtime walking club

Turn boring lunch breaks into moving meetings. Some of my best brainstorming sessions happen while walking and talking with colleagues.

Try partner stretching sessions

Supporting each other through gentle stretches builds trust and body awareness. No fancy equipment needed—just willingness to grow together.

Join a tai chi group in the park

Flowing together in slow, intentional movements creates a unique kind of moving meditation. The shared peaceful energy is contagious. A meta-analysis found that tai chi, much like other mindfulness-body practices, is excellent for mental well-being.

Create a mindful movement routine

Design a sequence of gentle stretches and movements that feel good in your body. Even 5 minutes before breakfast can shift your entire day.

Practice walking meditation

Try alternating between solo and group walking meditation. Walking mindfully with others has taught me to notice things I missed for years.

Creative Expression Self-Care Ideas

Start an art therapy circle

Share simple drawing prompts and explore emotions through color and shape. The vulnerability of creating together often leads to unexpected connections. According to research https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417997/full, participating in the creative arts is associated with better well-being.

Host a creative writing workshop

Gather monthly to write and share stories. There’s something powerful about hearing your words reflected in supportive silence.

Create a collaborative playlist

Start a mood-boosting playlist and invite friends to add their favorite uplifting songs. The playlist my friends and I started last summer has become my daily soundtrack.

Try expressive dance

Let your body move freely to music without judgment. Whether alone in your room or in a group class, authentic movement liberates stuck emotions.

Start a storytelling circle

Take turns sharing life experiences around different themes. Personal stories create bridges of understanding between hearts.

Want to learn how to tell stories like a pro? Check out our article here: How to Tell a Great Story: Learn Science of Storytelling

Emotional Wellness Self-Care Ideas

Create an emotions check-in group

Meet weekly to share honest feelings in a safe space. Having regular witnesses to our emotional journey makes it less lonely.

Practice mirror work

Spend time looking into your own eyes with compassion. Starting with just 30 seconds can transform your relationship with yourself.

But it’s not just about yourself; mirroring others’ body language is an underrated aspect of building rapport and social connectedness. Learn how to do it here: Mirroring Body Language: 4 Steps To Successfully Mirror Others

Share selected journal entries with trusted friends. Reading my old entries with others has helped me see how far I’ve come.

Try laughter yoga

Join a group that practices intentional laughter. It feels awkward at first, but forced laughter often becomes genuinely contagious. And real laughter has tons of benefits for your mental well-being, according to science https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6125057/!

Create emotional release rituals

Design personal ceremonies for processing difficult feelings. Whether it’s writing letters you’ll never send or screaming into pillows, honoring emotions helps them flow.

Ready to create your own healing rituals? Dive deeper with: How to Process Emotions: 8 Strategies For Inner Peace

Nature Connection Self-Care Ideas

Exchange plants, seeds, and growing tips with neighbors. My windowsill collection started with one gifted succulent and has grown into a thriving community project. A recent meta-analysis https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-024-02457-9 concluded that gardening is a great activity for well-being and quality of life.

Create outdoor meditation spots

Find peaceful places in nature for regular reflection. Sometimes the best company is a favorite tree or a patch of wildflowers.

Organize full moon gatherings

Meet monthly under the moon for reflection and intention setting. These gatherings have a way of making even city life feel magical.

Start a nature art group

Create ephemeral art with found natural objects. Learning to appreciate beauty that doesn’t last changes how we see everything.

Practice earthing with friends

Walk barefoot on grass or sand together. Sharing this grounding practice often leads to grounded conversations.

Digital Wellness Self-Care Ideas

Create phone-free gathering spaces

Phone addiction-driven rudeness (or “phubbing”) is a growing issue these days. Designate areas in your home where devices aren’t welcome. I’ve found that my dining table became a conversation sanctuary once I made this simple change.

For more tips on dealing with phubbing, check out our article here: Phubbing: How to Deal with People Who Won’t Make Eye Contact

Start a digital sunset club

Partner with friends to power down devices an hour before bed. Having accountability makes breaking screen habits easier.

Host analog game nights

Return to board games, cards, and puzzles with friends. There’s something special about entertainment that requires looking at each other instead of screens.

Practice mindful photography walks

Use your camera to notice beauty, then put it away to fully experience moments. Sometimes the best memories aren’t captured digitally.

Create a weekly tech-free day

Choose one day for digital detox. Whether alone or with others, experiencing life unfiltered by screens refreshes your spirit. Indeed, studies show that going tech-free can reduce stress, improve relationship quality and boost your overall well-being.

Comfort Care Self-Care Ideas

Start a cozy corner rotation

Take turns hosting friends in your coziest spaces. Sharing comfort zones creates intimate connections naturally.

Create a comfort food cookbook

Collect beloved recipes from friends and family. My grandmother’s soup recipe has sparked more meaningful conversations than I can count. Plus, research shows that comfort food by itself can be a mood booster.

Build a blanket fort village

Invite friends over for childlike fun. Sometimes the best self-care looks like playing like we did before we knew what self-care was.

Practice comfort rituals together

Share your self-soothing techniques with trusted friends. Learning how others find peace can expand your own comfort toolkit.

Design a sanctuary space

Dedicate a corner of your home to peace and comfort. What started as a simple meditation cushion in the corner has become my favorite space in the house.

Growth-Focused Self-Care Ideas

Form a personal development book club

Meet monthly to discuss books that challenge and inspire. The best insights often come from hearing how others apply what they’ve learned.

Create accountability partnerships

Choose specific goals and check in weekly with a partner. Knowing someone else cares about your growth makes showing up easier.

Don’t know how to find an accountability partner? Check out our handy article here: How to Find a Mentor (& Everything You Need to Know!)

Organize monthly sessions where everyone teaches something new. Teaching what you know builds confidence while learning from others keeps you humble.

Practice regular reflection rituals

Set aside time for weekly review and planning. Sunday mornings with my journal have become my most treasured hours of the week.

Join a growth mindset circle

Connect with others committed to lifelong learning. The energy of shared curiosity creates momentum for everyone involved. Research has shown that having a growth mindset (as opposed to a fixed mindset) is associated with lower stress and better mental health.

Celebration Self-Care Ideas

Create milestone marking rituals

Develop special ways to honor life’s transitions. Even small victories deserve recognition, and celebrating together multiplies the joy.

End each week by exchanging victories with friends. Training our eyes to spot success changes how we see our lives. Recent research found that celebrating success with friends increases perception of social support, in turn leading to improved well-being!

Setting realistic, achievable goals is the first step in this process. Learn about the best goal-setting practices with our article here: SMART Goals: 5 Tips for Successful Goal Setting

Host impromptu dance parties

Keep a playlist ready for spontaneous celebration. Nothing shifts my mood faster than dancing it out to my favorite songs from high school.

Create appreciation ceremonies

Gather friends to specifically celebrate each other. Taking turns in the spotlight helps everyone feel seen and valued.

Design personal holidays

Choose meaningful dates to celebrate what matters to you. Whether solo or shared, having special days sprinkled throughout your year adds richness to life.

Legacy Self-Care Ideas

Start an intergenerational wisdom circle

Connect with people of different ages to share life lessons. The stories I’ve heard from seniors in my community have completely changed my perspective on aging. My personal experiences are reflected in a recent study that found that absorbing wisdom from older folks greatly increased adolescents’ sense of purpose in life.

Create a values vision board

Visualize the impact you want to have on the world. Sharing these visions with others often leads to collaborative positive action.

Begin ethical living circles

Meet regularly to discuss and support each other in living your values. What started as casual conversations about sustainability has transformed my entire approach to daily choices.

Practice random acts of kindness

Create ripples of goodness in your community. The joy of anonymous giving is a special kind of self-care.

Looking for ideas to spark joy? Check out: 62 Unique Ideas to Be a Nicer Person, According to Science

Start a legacy journal

Document the wisdom you want to pass on. Reading through my grandparents’ old letters inspired me to start capturing my own life lessons.

Create a gratitude time capsule

Fill a box with thanks for your current life, to be opened in one year. Including notes from friends adds layers of perspective to this practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On Self-Care

How do I find time for self-care when I’m already overwhelmed?

Start small with 5-minute activities and gradually build up. Even brief moments of intentional self-care can make a difference. Try combining self-care with existing activities, like turning your commute into meditation time or making your coffee break a mini-connection moment with a coworker.

Isn’t self-care selfish when others need my help?

Think of self-care like putting on your own oxygen mask first on an airplane—you can’t effectively help others if you’re depleted. Taking care of yourself actually makes you more available and present for those who need you.

What if I’m an introvert and find social self-care draining?

Balance is key. Choose quieter social activities like one-on-one coffee dates or small group settings. Remember that even introverts benefit from connection—just be mindful of your energy levels and recharge with solo activities when needed.

How much should I spend on self-care?

Effective self-care doesn’t require spending money. Many of the most impactful practices—like walking with a friend, journaling, or having meaningful conversations—are completely free.

How do I know if my self-care routine is working?

Pay attention to how you feel both during and after your self-care activities. Effective self-care should leave you feeling refreshed, energized, or peacefully calm, not depleted or guilty.

Transform Your Self-Care Journey

With so many ways to practice self-care, let’s focus on a few guiding principles to make your journey more balanced and socially fulfilling.

Remember these essential points about balanced self-care:

Combine both social and solo activities for maximum benefit
Listen to your body and adjust your routine as needed
Quality matters more than quantity—even small moments count
Consistency beats intensity—regular small practices trump occasional grand gestures
True self-care should feel nourishing, not like another item on your to-do list

Ready to deepen your connections while taking better care of yourself? Check out our article 30 Days to Better Relationships for more science-backed strategies to enhance your social well-being.