8 Self-Care Activities to Boost Anyone's Mood

When you're feeling worn out and unhappy, turning to self-care activities can help re-invigorate you and improve your overall health. Their benefits can enhance all aspects of your well-being, including emotional, psychological, and social. They can also affect how you think, feel, and act. So, it’s essential to do things that help you live life to the fullest.

The World Healthcare Federation (WHO) defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider” – a definition that primarily focuses on healthcare promotion. But the concept of self-care has been evolving. These days, it usually means doing what it takes to help you cope with life's stressors.

Self-care activities can help you manage stress, lower your risk for illness, and re-energize you. They're a great way to boost your mood and manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. Incorporating small acts of self-care into your day-to-day routine can have a long-term impact. They can make you more resilient to challenges, help you adapt to change, and build meaningful relationships.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight areas of wellness that help you lead a happier life. These include emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social aspects. Below, you’ll find different activities that you can take part in to improve your quality of life.

Journal writing is a great way to engage in emotional self-care since it involves processing and expressing feelings in a healthy way. This practice helps you learn to manage stress and cope with difficult emotions that can arise during tough times. It also allows you to learn more about yourself and encourages self-acceptance.

Spiritual self-care is a broad concept that includes your beliefs and values and involves your meaning and purpose. Connecting with nature allows you to develop an appreciation for the life around you, which in turn nurtures your spirit and can help you feel more grounded in daily life.

Intellectual or mental self-care is about engaging in an activity that stimulates your mind. This includes anything that keeps your brain active, expands your intellect, and broadens your perspective.

Exercise, nutrition, health, and hygiene are all part of physical self-care, which is about enhancing your physical well-being. This broad category covers anything from sleeping well to taking care of your skin.

A soothing soak or shower paired with Dove Beauty Nourishing Body Wash at the end of a long day can bring balance back to a tired body. This sensitive skin-friendly soap uses Nutrium Moisture™ to nourish, safeguard, and treat your skin, keeping it moisturized.

Organizing your home or workspace and clearing up clutter is a form of environmental self-care. This also includes preserving the area around you, feeling safe in your environment, and relaxing in natural places that support your well-being.

Being responsible for your income and expenses is an aspect of financial self-care, which covers financial processes and resources. It includes attaining and maintaining financial security and stability. That’s where savings and financial goals come in.

Any step you take to develop skills that support your career path is part of occupational or professional self-care. This includes participating in activities that provide purpose and reflect your values and interests, which includes employment. It can also look like taking a mental health day when you feel burnt out from work.

The pursuit and maintenance of healthy relationships with loved ones are crucial for social self-care. A support system full of loving and trustworthy people can help you combat depression and anxiety. Leaning on others can help enhance your psyche and strengthen your well-being, so don’t be afraid to reach out whenever times get rough.

Every aspect of wellness can affect a person's quality of life. It's endlessly helpful to create balance in these areas through self-care activities you love and enjoy. Bookmark this article for ideas on supporting and loving yourself to manage feelings of burnout, stress, or depression.