Self-care is by far one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It needs to be made a priority DAILY – yes, I said daily. But it is especially important during times of stress and anxiety.

With so much uncertainty in the world these days it’s no wonder our mental health is starting to feel unmanageable. Taking care of our mental health is more crucial than ever.

For many of us, our self-care routines have been significantly impacted or lost altogether.

The gym, social time, spa days, an evening out at a favorite restaurant, and childcare so we can practice some TLC is no more. The new normal is being at home  – All. The. Time.

The only option we are left with is to figure out how to practice self-care at home.

I get it, it’s not the same BUT the alternative is to not do self-care, which is a recipe for disaster!

Practicing self-care can be hard right now with little ones, significant others, roommates, etc. being at home with us but carving out time somehow, someway is necessary.

I hope this list of 25 totally free self-care ideas to practice at home is helpful. We’ll get through this. Hang in there!

1. Watch a funny movie

Laughter is the BEST medicine! It feeds the soul and boosts your mood.

2. Journal

Release some stress and anxiety by putting pen to paper. I’ve started journaling daily and my mood has definitely improved. It’s helped me put a lot of things into perspective and feel calmer.

3. Meditate

Hands down one of the best (if not the best) forms of self-care. It might be challenging to do a silent mediation these days with everyone at home so guided meditations are a good option.

Try tuning out the noise by popping on some headphones and find a free guided meditation on YouTube. There are lots specific to relieving stress and anxiety.

If you want to learn more about meditation check out my post, Meditation Made Simple

4. Unplug for a day

It can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking to be on social media right now. There is a lot of misinformation being tossed around and it’s easy for us to feed off each other’s stress and anxiety. Shut it down for a day (or more if possible!)

5. Take a bath

Light some candles, grab a book, and pour yourself a glass of your favorite vino. Make it as luxurious as possible.

6. Take a cat nap

I get this one might be hard right now with everyone home but if you can take a cat nap do it!

7. Write a gratitude list

I started doing this every morning and let me tell you, it works! It’s a huge mood booster!

8. Declutter

Having a tidy environment reduces stress and anxiety. Tidy house, tidy mind!

9. Clean out your closet

If you haven’t worn it in 12 months donate it! It will find a good home and someone will love it!

10. Put on real clothes

I’m the first to admit, it can be hard to get out of our sweats or pajamas these days! I think we’re all at that point. Put on some clothes you’d wear in public to get out of a slump.

11. Do your makeup and hair

I don’t know about you, but my hair is suffering these days and makeup has become a thing of the past!

Try doing your hair and makeup. It will make you feel more like your old, put-together self.

12. Stick to a routine

Having a routine lowers stress and anxiety levels. Eat meals, go to bed, wake up, and practice self-care at the same time every day if possible.

13. Call a loved one

For many of us, our former hectic schedules left little time to call friends and family. Use this time to connect with them. It will lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation.

14. Get outside

Enjoy some fresh air and sunshine – safely of course! Enjoy your back-yard balcony or neighborhood (at a safe distance from others).

15. Zoom, skype, or facetime friends and family

Even better than a phone call if this is an option! It’s nice to see the faces we dearly miss!

16. Read

This might be a good time to catch up on some of the books you’ve had on your list.

I’m reading Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo – it’s a huge mood booster! Do yourself a favor and check it out.

17. Listen to podcasts

Listen to a feel-good podcast while cooking dinner, showering, or simply relaxing.

I recommend Marie Forleo’s podcast! It’s ridiculously motivational and funny! (Can you tell I’m a HUGE fan?!)

18. Create a spa day at home

Paint your nails, give yourself a facial, take a bubble bath, use a body scrub, and shave your legs.

19. Do nothing

There’s a lot of talk about using this time to be “productive”. Doing nothing can sometimes be exactly when you need to recharge and improve your mood.

Do it and don’t feel bad about it! You are not wasting time!

20. Be kind to yourself

During times of stress and anxiety, it’s common to become frustrated and irritable (toward yourself and others). Have some compassion for yourself if this happens. Do what’s needed (apologize, acknowledge it happened, etc.) and move on.

21. Take nutrition seriously

It can be easy to fall into bad eating habits when you feel stressed. However, eating badly negatively impacts your mental health.

Load up on foods that make you feel physically and mentally well.

22. Do an activity with those you live with

Play a board game or cards, do a puzzle, and/or cooking together is a perfect way to improve your mood (and the mood of others).

It’s a win-win situation for everyone!

23. Get your creativity on

Some ideas are to paint, bake, sew, draw, and/or color. Creativity has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

If you need some inspiration, check out Pinterest!

24. Make your bed

It’s a small thing but starts the day right. It will make you feel more organized and sets a positive tone for the day.

25. Do a youtube fitness video

My absolute favorite is Fitness Blender! It has something for everyone – hardcore workouts, low impact, stretching, Pilates, and abs (to name a few).

Staying active during this time is incredibly important. It helps relieve mental health symptoms and is one of the best ways to show yourself some love.

Until next time my friend!

If you liked this post you might also like my post on 52 totally free self-care ideas!