61 top self care tips for taking care of you during the coronavirus pandemic.Pandemihttps://www.digistore24.com/redir/334274/nicole05/c thank you and have a good day.

1. 61 Top Self-Care Tips for
Taking Care of You During
the Coronavirus
Pandemihttps://www.digisto
re24.com/redir/334274/nicol
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Even when you're indoors, you can boost your health and wellness.
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way we live, from our work to our
learning to our social lives. Our new reality poses a unique set of challenges for all of us.
Now more than ever, practicing self-care is essential when it comes to taking care of our
emotional health and well-being, says Christine Carter, PhD, a sociologist and senior
fellow at the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California in Berkeley.
"Self-care is not selfish," says Dr. Carter. "This is a time of incredible anxiety and stress.
Focusing on what makes us feel nourished, on what gives us meaning, is part of easing
those feelings and giving us a more solid foundation."
Self-care can include myriad practices that you find both enjoyable and that in some
way promote your physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental health. According to the
definition from the World Health Organization, self-care is the behaviors you do to
take care of your own health and can include hygiene, nutrition, leisure activities,
sports, exercise, seeking professional healthcare services when needed, and much
more.

2. And in the midst of a global pandemic, the need to care for our own health — all
aspects of it — is of the utmost importance because, let’s face it: Navigating this new
normal is not easy. Whether it’s struggling to get your kids to partake in online
learning, productively working from home all day long, sharing tight quarters with
housemates for much longer hours than you’re used to, or being cut off (physically,
at least) from loved ones, we feel you.
So how can you balance your day and also empower the ones you love or share a
common space with to do the same? Fear not! I've got your back.
I've rounded up this list of self-care tips meant to inspire your health and wellness
anytime — while enabling you to feel less stressed and more resilient in anxiety-ridden
days like these.
1. Prioritize Sleep — Your Mood and Immune
System Are Counting On It
When it comes to taking care of your health and well-being, sleep is pretty much always
part of the answer. Getting enough good-quality sleep keeps your immune system
running at its best to fight off infections, like the one caused by the new coronavirus.
Indeed: There are parts of the body’s immune response that happen only during sleep.
Scientists know sleep is also one of the top ways we can help keep stress in check, as
sleep deprivation can make us more sensitive to the effects of stress, ramping up our
reactions (or overreactions). Finally, the brain needs sleep to function; without it you'll be
less patient and focused, make poor decisions, and be more moody, irritable, and
emotional.
2. Work. It. Out.

3. Spending a lot more time at home does not mean you get to be a couch potato.
Staying active not only keeps your body healthy physically (keeping your risk of
chronic health issues down and lowering your chances of acute illness, like
COVID-19), it also helps up your mood and well-being. Exercise releases endorphins
(hormones that make you feel good!), sharpens focus, and aids sleep. Staying
physically active also lessens the risk of mood disorders, boosts energy, and
improves mood overall. Talk about a one-two punch against the midafternoon slump!
RELATED: Gyms, Studios, and Fitness Instructors Offering Online Workouts
Right Now
3. Test Ride a Workout You’ve Never Done
Before
When it comes to fitness, people have a tendency to stick to what they know, says
Kourtney Thomas, CSCS, a St. Louis, Missouri–based strength and conditioning trainer.
But this might be the perfect time to hop out of your comfort zone — while you're
actually still in the comfort of your home. That way, you may feel less awkward or like a
newbie, while getting the benefits of joining a new online class. Check out options like
Zumba, boxing, or dance workouts; or download apps that have a range of options, like
Openfit or Sworkit.

4. 4. Downward Dog Like You Mean It
Are you a yogi or have you considered starting a yoga practice? Now is the time.
Yoga offers a laundry list of health benefits, from busting stress to stretching out
inactive muscles to building strength to providing a burst of physical activity
(depending on the type you do). Why might yoga be an especially useful tool to add
to your coping arsenal right now? It links movement with breath. Because both these
factors can affect our body’s stress reactions, yoga can be a silver bullet in tough
times.
5. Skip, Jump, Hop, and Get Silly
Basically, if it makes you feel like a kid and a little silly, it can be a mood booster. Play in
any form can cause a cascade of positive neurochemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and
dopamine, according to Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, author of Habits of a Happy
Brain, who is based in Oakland, California. Even just a minute of child-like activity can
cause a good-chemicals surge, especially if you're feeling stressed.
6. Play a Game
Monopoly as an anti-stress strategy? A survey by game developer RealNetworks found
that 64 percent of respondents cited game playing as a way to relax, while 53 percent
play for stress relief. While part of the appeal is playing with friends and family in person,
there are tons of virtual options, like Words With Friends, or get your friends together
and choose a game from Houseparty you can play in real time.

5. Top Self-Care Tips for Being Stuck at Home During the Coronavirus
Pandemic
5:13
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7. Avoid Mindless Snacking; Eat Intuitively
Instead
Are you now spending your days within eyeshot or arm's reach of your snack drawer?
Rather than self-impose strict rules on what foods are off-limits, try intuitive eating. It’s
not a diet so much as a way of eating that’s all about giving your body what it needs
when it needs it. Intuitive eating doesn’t restrict any specific foods or have you counting
calories. It’s a practice in which you listen to your body and pay attention to what you
need in the moment. Is it time for a meal or a snack? You eat when you feel hungry, and
you stop eating when you feel full. For inspiration, look no further than Instagram.
8. Swap Out One Coffee for Decaf
Caffeine is one of the most researched substances with more than 10,000 studies to
date, according to a November 2017 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology.
Not surprisingly, that's led to a wide range of conclusions, but one that's fairly consistent
is that having too much can lead to less-than-ideal effects, the researchers conclude.
They note that getting more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily — check your
consumption with this chart from Center for Science in the Public Interest (and
remember that not every cup of coffee is equivalent when it comes to caffeine content; it
depends on the roast of coffee and how strong it’s brewed) — can affect your central
nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and sleep quality. It can even increase anxiety
and stress. So enjoy your buzz, but try limiting your daily amount.

6. 9. Enjoy the Healing Power of Baking
"Self-care comes with the idea of nourishing yourself, on every level. And doing
something creative can promote that feeling of well-being," says the productivity expert
Tonya Dalton, of Asheville, North Carolina, author of The Joy of Missing Out: Live More
by Doing Less. "That can include baking, because for many people that act of creating
something delicious feels like pressing a reset button."
Plus, she adds, it's an easy project for including other family members, like a spouse or
kids. That can give you a sweet burst of social time that ends with a delicious result.
10. Reach for High-Protein Snacks When You
Need an Energy Boost
What should you be noshing on when you feel hungry? Keep high-protein bites on hand
to help you get to the end of your to-do list for the day. You’ve heard it before: Protein
helps you feel full longer and avoid the energy crash you might experience after the high
of a carb-heavy snack subsides. Think hard-boiled eggs, nuts, Greek yogurt, and nut
butters and veggies. (Bonus: You’re literally feet from your fridge, so there’s no need to
pack snacks ahead of time or tote them around for the day.)

7. Rob and Julia Campbell/Stocksy
11. Keep Stress-Busting Foods on Hand
Yes, you read that correctly. Certain foods can actually have a stress-lowering effect.
Warm foods like soup or tea are soothing, and the omega-3s in fatty fish may improve
mood. Avocados are packed with vitamins C and B6, which are known to help reduce
stress. Dark chocolate is antioxidant-rich, which is great for thwarting stress (do savor in
moderation, however, as it’s a calorie-dense food). Other foods that can help include
whole-grain carbohydrates, bananas, oranges, water, and leafy greens.
12. Leave Stress-Inducing Foods in
Not-So-Convenient Places

8. Though you may be inclined to indulge in treats or your favorite cocktail, know that this
may be counterproductive. Foods that exacerbate or mess with stress in a
less-than-savory way include caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars. You don’t have to cut
them out completely, but do limit your intake and enjoy them in moderation.
RELATED: How to Manage Anxiety During the Coronavrius Pandemic
13. Whip Up a Mocktail With Health-Boosting
Ingredients
Give your liver a break and try mixing a healthy mocktail. Steer clear of the sugary juices
and syrups and opt for healthier choices like hibiscus tea, kombucha, sparkling water,
and fresh fruits. You can also combine fun flavors like grapefruit and mint, or green tea
and oranges.
RELATED: 10 Mocktail Recipes So Good You Won't Believe They're Booze-Free
14. Go Punk Like Lady Gaga: Practice Kindness
and Gratitude
Lady Gaga says she practices being kind to others and being grateful for what’s going
right in her life. Clinical studies have found that people who regularly practice gratitude
journaling (writing down what you’re grateful for) report better well-being, physical
health, and increased optimism about the future. Practicing kindness is sometimes
easier said than done (particularly when we’re in tight quarters and tension is high), but
remember that everyone is going through a tough time right now.

9. 15. Practice Positive Self-Talk
A major aspect of self-care is the "self" part, and that includes how you view yourself
and, importantly, the language you use when talking to yourself, says Jen Sincero, a
Santa Fe, New Mexico–based life coach and the author of You Are a Badass: How to
Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. Appreciate the small
tasks you do during the day and remember to tell yourself “good job” — whether it’s a
work task, making time for exercise, or keeping your patience when disciplining your
child. Celebrate your daily successes with positive self-talk. It might feel weird at first,
but your brain will soak up that self-care goodness, and research suggests it can help
begin to turn your thoughts and feelings in a happier direction (according to a paper on
the topic published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology).
RELATED: 9 Tips to Help You Start Working Out and Stick With It
16. Automate Your Joy
If you’re caring for loved ones all the time, it can be tough to put that attention on
yourself with self-care. “One way to get around that resistance is to automate as much
of the legwork as you can,” says Chloe Carmichael, PhD, a psychologist in New York
City and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. One of the
things she does is set her smart home device to play music at a certain time every day.
17. Change Your Passwords to Be Your Mantra
This one is good for your mental health and your digital security. For a password you
use regularly — such as unlocking your laptop or accessing online banking — change it
to an option that's meaningful but still security-minded. For example, if your mantra is "I

10. am enough every day," use the first letters of those words and pair it with numbers and
symbols, as in: 20#IAeeD&21.
Repetition is a powerful trigger for your brain, according to Dr. Breuning. If you think of
that phrase numerous times a day when using your password, it's easy to have it "soak
in" as an affirmation.
18. Make One of Your Pens a ‘Magic’ One
Choose a pen at random and designate that is your “magic” pen that you use only for
writing positive things.
Yes, we acknowledge that this one sounds hokey (and no one’s done a clinical trial yet
to back it up). But this method can help some people change their mindset in a positive
way, and it’s worth giving it a try in case it works for you, says Sincero. We create
powerful connections with objects — just think of your favorite toy as a kid or a memento
from a special trip. And we can tap into this positive connection whenever we want, just
by "assigning" a significant attribute to that object and using it in that way. Try out your
new magic pen by writing a love note to yourself first.
19. Take a Few Minutes to Practice Diaphragm
Breathing
Calm and measured breathing can have immediate effects on your mental and physical
state, whether the tension comes from the relentless news cycle or your ever-present
housemates. Do your breathing practice regularly to start or end your day in a positive
way, or try it in a moment when you need a little more zen. Need guidance? Certain
meditation apps, such as Calm, have free web-based resources that will help you along.

11. 20. Try Alternate-Nostril Breathing
Deep breathing is very useful for slowing down the nervous system, says Henry
Emmons, MD, a psychiatrist in Minneapolis and the author of The Chemistry of Calm. If
anxious thoughts keep pinging around, try this alternative strategy, he suggests. First,
exhale completely, then inhale deeply. On your next exhale, gently place an index finger
against your right nostril to close it off. Inhale using just your left nostril. Then move your
index finger to the left nostril to close that one off and exhale through only the open right
nostril. Continue alternating sides and repeat for 15 rounds.
RELATED: 5 Ways to Practice Breath-Focused Meditation
Getty Images
21. Give Yourself a Meditation Break

12. You don’t need any special equipment or space for this one; you can do it anytime,
anywhere. Simply put, meditation is thinking deeply or focusing your mind for a set
period of time. The benefit: Meditation can help reduce stress, ease symptoms of
depression and anxiety, and regulate negative thinking. If you’re looking for another tool
to add to your arsenal to combat stress, consider it. Just as with deep breathing, you’ll
be happy to know there’s no shortage of meditation apps available.
RELATED: A Guide to 7 Different Types of Meditation
22. Try Chilling Out With Music
Turn off the TV with the talking head in favor of some mood-boosting tunes. Music
therapy employs music to help people cope with physical or emotional needs, according
to a definition from the University of Minnesota. And it’s actually been found to lessen
symptoms in people with mood problems, such as anxiety and depression, and lift
self-esteem. And you probably don’t need a clinical study to tell you that blasting your
favorite jam will put a smile on your face.
23. Relax with an Audiobook
Audiobooks can transport you somewhere else just like paper books can — and they
may have additional benefits too. Carmichael suggests turning on an audiobook, then
laying down and closing your eyes to listen. “If you have racing thoughts, sometimes
your inner monologue needs something else to latch onto for a while,” she says. You
may even find it easier to focus on the story because you don’t have to keep your eyes
open.
24. Practice Mindful Listening

13. Mindful listening is another way to soak in the present moment and let go of lingering
worry and stress, says Dr. Emmons. Take a few seconds and sit back, really listening to
all the sounds around you, even if that's just the hum of an overhead fan or the panting
of the dog at your feet. Try to integrate this into your day as tiny, 10-second breaks. The
more you do it, the more habitual it will become, Emmons says.
25. Stand Up and Stretch
Although embarking on a full-on workout is helpful for taking care of yourself, sometimes
all you need is just to change your body position for about 15 to 30 seconds to give
yourself a restart, Emmons says. When you make a conscious and physical shift, like
standing up and stretching, your mind recognizes the change and responds in a
beneficial way. Consider it a mini-break for mind and body alike. Try standing up and
stretching your arms high overhead, bending over to touch your toes, or sitting on the
floor in a cross-legged position for a hip-opening stretch.
RELATED: 5 Quick Stress-Reducing Yoga Poses
26. Call a Friend or Family Member — Social
Connection Can Do Wonders for Your Mental
Well-Being
There's ample research connecting social interactions with mental and physical
well-being, and even longer life. A study published in September 2017 in APA PsycNet,
the journal of the American Psychological Association, noted that high-quality, close
relationships and feelings of social connection are so associated with a range of benefits
that it should be considered a public health priority. Make it a priority for yourself, and
perhaps even create a schedule for catching up on the regular.

14. Daniel Allan/Getty Images
27. Use Social Media Mindfully
Social media and other virtual tools allow you to connect with friends and family even
when you’re apart. But they can also have unintended consequences if and when using
them becomes excessive or consuming. How can you make sure you’re using them
wisely? The more personal your social media interactions, the better, experts say (think
direct-messaging people rather than mindless scrolling). Use it intentionally. Be selective
about who you follow and what tools you’re using. And take time to disconnect. If you’re
feeling isolated, make a point to call a friend or family member once in a while rather
than shoot out another text or Facebook comment.
28. Avoid Nonstop News Consumption

15. It’s important to stay informed and alert to critical updates in your area, especially those
that affect your health. But no one needs to listen to the same alerts and see the same
headlines repeatedly, especially during times when the news can be upsetting. Experts
recommend limiting news consumption to two or three sources a day to help cope with
the anxiety it may bring, and checking in at regular times (not continuously) throughout
the day for updates. Consider making one of your sources a local news source. And if
you can, avoid checking the headlines just before bed.
RELATED: How to Avoid Headline Anxiety During a Global Pandemic
29. Reap the Health Benefits of Laughter by
Watching Funny YouTube Videos
When it comes to stress relief, laughter may seem like a whimsical fix, but it really
works, according to Mayo Clinic. Short-term, you're enhancing your intake of
oxygen-rich air, which helps your heart, lungs, and muscles. Plus, you're releasing
feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can ease tension and add to an overall
sense of well-being. Research has even linked humor and laughter to improved immune
function, since it can produce antibodies and activate the body's protective T-cells.
RELATED: Why Comedy Is Hannah Gadsby’s Perfect Antidote to Stress
30. Try Creative Writing
Creative writing offers unique benefits, says Phil Jamieson, founder of copyediting
service ProofreadNow in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire. He says it can foster
self-expression, build confidence, clarify thoughts, and bolster empathy and
communication skills. Research published in January 2018 in Advances in Psychiatric
Treatment linked this type of writing to improved emotional and mental health.

16. You don’t have to be a pro to give it a try — get out a notebook or open up a Word
document and channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickens, or Beyoncé. You can even
make it a social endeavor by joining an online writing class.
31. Treat Yourself by Buying a New Outfit
Online
When you're working from home, exercising from home, eating at home, socializing at
home (sense a theme?), it's easy to get into a PJs-all-day kind of rut, Carter notes. "It
seems superficial, but how we dress does impact our self-esteem," she says. Just
because you're not heading out doesn't mean you can't spiff up a bit. Try buying a new
outfit that's comfy enough for the couch but makes you feel good, too.
32. Recall a De-Stress Success
Remember, mindset really is everything. Dwelling on stress or dreading how long you
might have to put up with it can actually make the stress worse. It’s very common, says
Michelle Gielan of New York City, the author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of
Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change: You’ve handled tough situations before, and
recalling them can not only lower your stress levels, but also make you feel more
resilient and upbeat overall, she says.
RELATED: 20 Tips for Building and Cultivating Your Resilience
Gielan suggests writing down a list of wins that have arisen from stressful situations
you’ve conquered — from acing a huge presentation to making a big move to
overcoming an injury — as a quick reminder that you have the skills you need.

17. 33. Figure Out What Works Best for You When
It Comes to Hacking Stress
Everyone deals with stress in different ways, and the stress-buster that works for you
may not work for your best friend. Take Everyday Health’s stress personality test,
developed with the mental health expert Heidi Hanna, PhD, a member of the Everyday
Health Wellness Advisory Board, to help you better understand your stress personality
and some of the best ways to cope with the challenges you face.
RELATED: Is Stress Making You Sicker? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
34. Get Your Finances in Order for More Peace
of Mind
Financial wellness isn't just about how much you have socked away in savings or
retirement; it's about how secure you feel when it comes to your finances. That involves
the perception that you have enough money to do what you want, so you don't have to
worry about falling short. According to a survey by PwC, financial matters are the top
source of stress for many people — so stressful, in fact, that it was worse than all other
stressors combined. Getting control can help. Start with a free personal-finance app that
can boost your budget skills, such as Mint or PocketGuard.
35. Train Your Brain to Be More Resilient
Being resilient means navigating life’s ups and downs with strength and conviction. Take
the Everyday Health Resilience Assessment to learn what skills you can work on to
become more resilient. This tool was developed with Everyday Health Advisory Board

18. member Amit Sood, MD, executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and
Well-Being and a former professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota. (There’s likely never been a better time to boost these skills!)
Stocksy
36. Learn From the Best — Pick Up These
Resilience-Boosting Books
You learn by example, and the examples in these books about resilience are some of
the most inspiring ones out there. The list includes some straightforward self-help
options, like Freedom From Anxious Thoughts and Feelings, and memoir-style stories
like Unbroken, the story of the World War II prisoner of war Louis Zamperini. Pick one
that resonates with you and put your extra downtime to productive use.

19. 37. Check Out These Editors’ Top Movie Picks
With a Resilience Theme
Not in the mood for reading? Immerse yourself in these inspiring TV shows and movies
about strength in harrowing circumstances. The stories about how others have faced
adversity and persevered in spite of it are ones we can all learn from.
38. Declutter a Pesky Part of Your Home
Can tidying up really change your mood? According to Mayo Clinic, clutter can lead to
more stress and anxiety, and that when people describe their spaces as "disorganized,"
they're more likely to have higher levels of cortisol, the hormone related to the stress
response. It can make you feel more distracted, and may even affect your sleep. Take
15 minutes a day to tackle the messiest part of your home — even if it's just a "junk
drawer" that's always full.
RELATED: Why Decluttering Is an Important Part of Self-Care (and When It Isn't)
39. Join a (Virtual) Book Club
While nonessential gatherings aren't in swing right now, you can still swap opinions and
discover great reading by joining a virtual book club. Some are run by small local
bookshops, while others are much larger and national — for example, Quarantine Book
Club, where you're joined by the author. Or why not recruit a group of friends and start
your own?

20. 40. Learn a New Language
Learning some phrases in a new language can put you in a vacation-prep frame of
mind. Or spend some time practicing a language you already have some knowledge of.
It's another way to challenge your brain and hone a practical skill. A December 2017
study published in Frontiers of Psychology suggests language learning may promote
healthy cognitive aging, and could even have a role in delaying incidence of dementia.
Voila!
41. Travel Through Food
Even if you can’t travel abroad, you can take a trip there. “I’m eager to return to
vacations and family gatherings. However, in the meantime, I’m learning how to adjust
my expectations and goals to focus on enjoying the simple things in life,” says Lara
Effland, a clinical director of Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center in Denver.
One of the ways Effland does that is by mixing up what’s on the menu. She suggests
looking up a recipe from a place you’ve never been before or would love to travel to right
now, making it, and letting your taste buds take you away.
42. Take an Online College Course (for Free)
Staying a lifelong student is a great way to boost your brain power and practice
self-care, according to Scott Kaiser, MD, director of geriatric cognitive health for Pacific
Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica,
California.

21. Best of all, plenty of colleges and universities across the globe have put free courses
online, so you can audit classes from Stanford, MIT, Harvard University, Sorbonne
University, and many more via platforms like Coursera and edX. Try starting with Yale's
incredibly popular free class about happiness, The Science of Well-Being. Kaiser says
the brain responds favorably to cognitive challenges (like learning new materials), and in
turn, that can increase your levels of hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
iStock
43. Get Your Creativity On With Coloring Books
and Other Art Therapy
Coloring and other creative and artistic endeavors, like drawing, painting, or knitting can
be relaxing for a lot of people. For some people it’s a chance to tune out other
distractions and focus on one thing at a time. For others, it’s an outlet to express
emotions (maybe you paint with bold, bright colors because you’re experiencing strong
feelings). Don’t underestimate the power of art to ease your mind and bring you joy!

22. 44. Send a Card
Self-care can mean doing something nice for the ones you love. “This can be as simple
as writing and sending a card,” says Effland. Not only does it strengthen your
connection with the person you’re corresponding with, but knowing you might be
brightening their day can have the same effect on yours, she says.
45. Listen to an Uplifting Podcast
There's plenty of difficult and challenging news in the world today, and it can be tough to
take a break from it. But it's worth making the effort. One good way? Listen to a podcast
that not only gives you good advice on self-care but also makes you feel lighter and
brighter. Here are some picks to get you started: Feel Better, Live More, Where There's
Smoke, Inspire Nation, and Good Life Project.
46. Donate to a Cause You Believe In
Feeling generous? It's not just the recipients who will thank you — your brain will
appreciate it, too. A study published in October 2018 in Psychosomatic Medicine found
that all types of generosity have feel-good effects, but when the cause is especially
meaningful to you or you know the recipient personally, it has an additional effect of
decreasing stress and anxiety. Other research has found that spending money on
others, rather than yourself, can have a significant impact on your happiness level.
47. Get a New Subscription

23. Looking for some extra motivation to stick to a new hobby or workout? There are plenty
of subscription options ranging in price and theme — and designed to help you stick
with your health, wellness, or fitness goals (like meditation apps or fitness studios’ online
class offerings). You can even make it a way to pick up new hobbies — check out Adults
and Crafts, for example, which sends DIY crafts every month, or The Plant Club, a way
to expand your indoor plant collection monthly.
48. Skip the Kitchen — Order Your Favorite
Takeout Dish Instead
Much like donating to a cause that feels personal to you will give you a greater sense of
meaning, so will supporting a local restaurant that's part of your community. Plus, you
get tasty food without the effort. Win-win!
49. Outsource
If your weekends are lost to a sea of chores, housework, or repairs — and if your budget
allows — consider hiring help, Carmichael says. If scrubbing your floors and
bathroom(s) is the item on your to-do list you always seem to put off, but it’s driving you
nuts that it’s not getting done, consider hiring someone to help clean your home —
either on a regular basis or just on occasion when you need the extra hands. Or
consider other options that can help you outsource some of your everyday tasks, like
meal delivery kits, takeout, or gardening help.
Even if it’s an expense, the time it might open up for you to relax or catch up on a
project that you find more rewarding may be worth your while.
50. Start or Maintain Your Home Garden

24. Whether you have a magnificent and expansive yard or you're nestled into an urban
jungle, you can tailor a home garden to your needs. Multiple studies have shown that
gardening has mental health benefits, according to a 2017 review published in the
journal Preventive Medicine Reports. "Tending plants, indoors or outdoors, brings a level
of engagement to the task, and that adds to the benefits we see with interacting with
nature," says Viren Swami, PhD, a researcher and professor of social psychology at
Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England.
Outdoors? Try a quick garden builder like the Seedsheet (starting at $24.99), which
gives you a head start on your green thumb with seeds embedded in weed-blocking
fabric. Indoors, you can start a shelf of succulents or try an herb garden with your
culinary favorites. Check out optimal lighting conditions and what type of maintenance is
required for seeds and plants before you buy (that information can usually be found on
package labels or online descriptions).
51. Try Virtual Therapy and Stress Management
Tools
Online therapy tools and virtual therapy apps are relatively new, but there’s mounting
evidence that they deliver measurable benefits to those who use them, particularly with
shorter-term stress management, according to a review published in 2018 in the journal
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. Several online therapy tools and mental wellness
apps can help you learn coping skills and stress management. Choose one that fits your
needs.
52. Talk About It
The pandemic has sent anxiety and depression levels upward, and it's also led to more
people feeling like they're just not thriving. (According to a CDC report from earlier this
year, 40 percent of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance
abuse.) Even if you’ve never sought counseling or therapy for mental health before, now

25. may a really useful time to do so, says Jennifer Gentile, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at
Boston Children’s Hospital. We’re experiencing really tough circumstances and it’s
taking an emotional toll on us, she adds.
"Insurance is covering this more now, and there's a higher level of comfort many people
find in being able to stay home and do an appointment via telehealth," says Dr. Gentile,
who is currently treating adults and adolescents virtually using the hospital’s telehealth
platform. You don't have to make a long-term commitment (counseling can consist of a
few sessions or even just one) or wait until you feel like you're struggling more.
Sometimes, it's just nice to have a check-in, Gentile says.
53. Reframe Your Anxiety
We often think of anxiety as a negative mental state we’re eager to move out of, but it’s
not always bad. “Anxiety can be a healthy thing to feel,” says Carmichael. It can be a
signal that maybe you need to prepare a little more for something (like a big
presentation), be on guard (like if you’re trying an activity you’ve never done before), or
get moving (like if you’re growing restless in a stale job or relationship), she says. “You
wouldn’t have anxiety if you didn’t have goals and things you wanted to do,” she says.
You can use the restlessness of anxiety as a gift. Next time you feel that anxious energy
cropping up, name your anxiety. Then ask yourself: How can I point this energy at the
right target? Maybe sometimes that’s using it to meet a deadline or get one step closer
to a goal. Maybe other times it is learning to breathe through it.
54. Try Aromatherapy
Certain scents can have a calming effect, according to a review published in January
2017 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In that analysis,
which looked at studies that had evaluated the effects of aromatherapy on depressive

26. symptoms, aromatherapy was shown to offer relief in a wide variety of participants, and
the use of essential oils for massage was the most beneficial. Consider scents like
lavender, jasmine, lemon balm, clary sage, and bergamot.
RELATED: Can Essential Oils Help Asthma?
55. Light a Fire
In a study published in Energy Research & Social Science in November 2020 of nearly
150 people in Sweden who own fireplaces, people often performed trivseleldning, or
“cozy fire making,” at the end of the workday to create an atmosphere of coziness and
well-being. In the study, they reported associating a fire with characteristics like
harmony, calmness, happiness, and joy.
No fireplace? If you can, stream Netflix or YouTube on your TV. There are a number of
videos you can play of a roaring fire in a fireplace, complete with crackling sounds.
56. Show Self-Love by Giving Yourself a
Mani-Pedi at Home
Taking care of your body in a way that feels like a luxurious break can boost feelings of
well-being, Dalton says. Are your nails in need of a little TLC? There are oodles of DIY
tutorials and tips for a home mani-pedi, like this guide from the beauty blogger Love &
Specs.
57. Give Yourself a DIY Facial

27. Why limit your home spa experience to a DIY mani-pedi when you might have all the
ingredients for a facial in your pantry? Face masks can be really beneficial for your skin
because they’re occlusive, meaning they seal in their ingredients against your skin until
you wash off the mask — giving those ingredients time to absorb. Check out some
recipes like the oatmeal and turmeric face mask from Karissa's Vegan Kitchen, the
oatmeal avocado face mask from Fit Foodie Finds, or a range of honey-based face
masks from Don't Mess With Mama.
58. Take a Long, Relaxing Bath
Why is a warm bath so incredibly relaxing? Research suggest one reason may be that it
reduces inflammation. According to a study in the December 2018 Journal of Applied
Physiology, just one hot bath can calm your stress response. Another reason is that
you're simply allowing yourself to take a break, Carter says. "You're taking time away
from your to-do list and things you think you 'should' be doing," she says. "When that
happens, you automatically feel like you're dropping into self-care mode."
59. Start (or Restart) a Daily Flossing Habit
Flossing itself may not be your favorite thing to do, but you likely feel better (and your
teeth, cleaner) after doing it, making it an example of one of those small,
health-enhancing behaviors that help you take care of you.
It’s a ritual that way too many people skip, according to Tripti Meysman, DDS, founder of
the Minneapolis-based CityTooth dentistry practice. But she says it's crucial for more
than oral health. Flossing (along with brushing and keeping up with your professional
cleanings) helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the whole body. More than 500
bacterial species can be found in dental plaque, according to the American Dental
Association. Flossing doesn't get rid of them completely, Dr. Meysman says, but it can
go a long way toward improving oral health overall.

28. 60. Show Your Animals Some TLC
Feeling tense? Playing with your pet or just spending some extra time taking care of him
or her shows you care and may help ease your anxieties, too. There’s evidence that
taking time playing with dogs may help reduce stress, increase energy and happiness,
and even boost how socially supported people feel — a winning combination for days
when you need to be productive and focused while hunkering down at home. The
bottom line: Make time for your animal friends; it’s time well-spent.
61. Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
The pandemic has made many people skip routine medical care. So the big question is:
Are you up-to-date on all of your annual appointments and necessary-for-your-age
screenings? If you’ve put off any of your routine appointments, take the time to schedule
them now.

29. 5. Skip, Jump, Hop, and Get Silly
Basically, if it makes you feel like a kid and a little silly, it can be a mood booster. Play in
any form can cause a cascade of positive neurochemicals like serotonin, oxytocin, and
dopamine, according to Loretta Graziano Breuning, PhD, author of Habits of a Happy
Brain, who is based in Oakland, California. Even just a minute of child-like activity can
cause a good-chemicals surge, especially if you're feeling stressed.
6. Play a Game

30. Monopoly as an anti-stress strategy? A survey by game developer RealNetworks found
that 64 percent of respondents cited game playing as a way to relax, while 53 percent
play for stress relief. While part of the appeal is playing with friends and family in person,
there are tons of virtual options, like Words With Friends, or get your friends together
and choose a game from Houseparty you can play in real time.
Top Self-Care Tips for Being Stuck at Home During the Coronavirus
Pandemic
5:13
Volume 90%
7. Avoid Mindless Snacking; Eat Intuitively
Instead
Are you now spending your days within eyeshot or arm's reach of your snack drawer?
Rather than self-impose strict rules on what foods are off-limits, try intuitive eating. It’s
not a diet so much as a way of eating that’s all about giving your body what it needs
when it needs it. Intuitive eating doesn’t restrict any specific foods or have you counting
calories. It’s a practice in which you listen to your body and pay attention to what you
need in the moment. Is it time for a meal or a snack? You eat when you feel hungry, and
you stop eating when you feel full. For inspiration, look no further than Instagram.
8. Swap Out One Coffee for Decaf
Caffeine is one of the most researched substances with more than 10,000 studies to
date, according to a November 2017 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology.
Not surprisingly, that's led to a wide range of conclusions, but one that's fairly consistent

31. is that having too much can lead to less-than-ideal effects, the researchers conclude.
They note that getting more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily — check your
consumption with this chart from Center for Science in the Public Interest (and
remember that not every cup of coffee is equivalent when it comes to caffeine content; it
depends on the roast of coffee and how strong it’s brewed) — can affect your central
nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and sleep quality. It can even increase anxiety
and stress. So enjoy your buzz, but try limiting your daily amount.
9. Enjoy the Healing Power of Baking
"Self-care comes with the idea of nourishing yourself, on every level. And doing
something creative can promote that feeling of well-being," says the productivity expert
Tonya Dalton, of Asheville, North Carolina, author of The Joy of Missing Out: Live More
by Doing Less. "That can include baking, because for many people that act of creating
something delicious feels like pressing a reset button."
Plus, she adds, it's an easy project for including other family members, like a spouse or
kids. That can give you a sweet burst of social time that ends with a delicious result.
10. Reach for High-Protein Snacks When You
Need an Energy Boost
What should you be noshing on when you feel hungry? Keep high-protein bites on hand
to help you get to the end of your to-do list for the day. You’ve heard it before: Protein
helps you feel full longer and avoid the energy crash you might experience after the high
of a carb-heavy snack subsides. Think hard-boiled eggs, nuts, Greek yogurt, and nut
butters and veggies. (Bonus: You’re literally feet from your fridge, so there’s no need to
pack snacks ahead of time or tote them around for the day.)

32. Rob and Julia Campbell/Stocksy
11. Keep Stress-Busting Foods on Hand
Yes, you read that correctly. Certain foods can actually have a stress-lowering effect.
Warm foods like soup or tea are soothing, and the omega-3s in fatty fish may improve
mood. Avocados are packed with vitamins C and B6, which are known to help reduce
stress. Dark chocolate is antioxidant-rich, which is great for thwarting stress (do savor in
moderation, however, as it’s a calorie-dense food). Other foods that can help include
whole-grain carbohydrates, bananas, oranges, water, and leafy greens.
12. Leave Stress-Inducing Foods in
Not-So-Convenient Places

33. Though you may be inclined to indulge in treats or your favorite cocktail, know that this
may be counterproductive. Foods that exacerbate or mess with stress in a
less-than-savory way include caffeine, alcohol, and refined sugars. You don’t have to cut
them out completely, but do limit your intake and enjoy them in moderation.
RELATED: How to Manage Anxiety During the Coronavrius Pandemic
13. Whip Up a Mocktail With Health-Boosting
Ingredients
Give your liver a break and try mixing a healthy mocktail. Steer clear of the sugary juices
and syrups and opt for healthier choices like hibiscus tea, kombucha, sparkling water,
and fresh fruits. You can also combine fun flavors like grapefruit and mint, or green tea
and oranges.
RELATED: 10 Mocktail Recipes So Good You Won't Believe They're Booze-Free
14. Go Punk Like Lady Gaga: Practice Kindness
and Gratitude
Lady Gaga says she practices being kind to others and being grateful for what’s going
right in her life. Clinical studies have found that people who regularly practice gratitude
journaling (writing down what you’re grateful for) report better well-being, physical
health, and increased optimism about the future. Practicing kindness is sometimes
easier said than done (particularly when we’re in tight quarters and tension is high), but
remember that everyone is going through a tough time right now.

34. 15. Practice Positive Self-Talk
A major aspect of self-care is the "self" part, and that includes how you view yourself
and, importantly, the language you use when talking to yourself, says Jen Sincero, a
Santa Fe, New Mexico–based life coach and the author of You Are a Badass: How to
Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. Appreciate the small
tasks you do during the day and remember to tell yourself “good job” — whether it’s a
work task, making time for exercise, or keeping your patience when disciplining your
child. Celebrate your daily successes with positive self-talk. It might feel weird at first,
but your brain will soak up that self-care goodness, and research suggests it can help
begin to turn your thoughts and feelings in a happier direction (according to a paper on
the topic published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology).
RELATED: 9 Tips to Help You Start Working Out and Stick With It
16. Automate Your Joy
If you’re caring for loved ones all the time, it can be tough to put that attention on
yourself with self-care. “One way to get around that resistance is to automate as much
of the legwork as you can,” says Chloe Carmichael, PhD, a psychologist in New York
City and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. One of the
things she does is set her smart home device to play music at a certain time every day.
17. Change Your Passwords to Be Your Mantra
This one is good for your mental health and your digital security. For a password you
use regularly — such as unlocking your laptop or accessing online banking — change it
to an option that's meaningful but still security-minded. For example, if your mantra is "I

35. am enough every day," use the first letters of those words and pair it with numbers and
symbols, as in: 20#IAeeD&21.
Repetition is a powerful trigger for your brain, according to Dr. Breuning. If you think of
that phrase numerous times a day when using your password, it's easy to have it "soak
in" as an affirmation.
18. Make One of Your Pens a ‘Magic’ One
Choose a pen at random and designate that is your “magic” pen that you use only for
writing positive things.
Yes, we acknowledge that this one sounds hokey (and no one’s done a clinical trial yet
to back it up). But this method can help some people change their mindset in a positive
way, and it’s worth giving it a try in case it works for you, says Sincero. We create
powerful connections with objects — just think of your favorite toy as a kid or a memento
from a special trip. And we can tap into this positive connection whenever we want, just
by "assigning" a significant attribute to that object and using it in that way. Try out your
new magic pen by writing a love note to yourself first.
19. Take a Few Minutes to Practice Diaphragm
Breathing
Calm and measured breathing can have immediate effects on your mental and physical
state, whether the tension comes from the relentless news cycle or your ever-present
housemates. Do your breathing practice regularly to start or end your day in a positive
way, or try it in a moment when you need a little more zen. Need guidance? Certain
meditation apps, such as Calm, have free web-based resources that will help you along.

36. 20. Try Alternate-Nostril Breathing
Deep breathing is very useful for slowing down the nervous system, says Henry
Emmons, MD, a psychiatrist in Minneapolis and the author of The Chemistry of Calm. If
anxious thoughts keep pinging around, try this alternative strategy, he suggests. First,
exhale completely, then inhale deeply. On your next exhale, gently place an index finger
against your right nostril to close it off. Inhale using just your left nostril. Then move your
index finger to the left nostril to close that one off and exhale through only the open right
nostril. Continue alternating sides and repeat for 15 rounds.
RELATED: 5 Ways to Practice Breath-Focused Meditation
Getty Images
21. Give Yourself a Meditation Break

37. You don’t need any special equipment or space for this one; you can do it anytime,
anywhere. Simply put, meditation is thinking deeply or focusing your mind for a set
period of time. The benefit: Meditation can help reduce stress, ease symptoms of
depression and anxiety, and regulate negative thinking. If you’re looking for another tool
to add to your arsenal to combat stress, consider it. Just as with deep breathing, you’ll
be happy to know there’s no shortage of meditation apps available.
RELATED: A Guide to 7 Different Types of Meditation
22. Try Chilling Out With Music
Turn off the TV with the talking head in favor of some mood-boosting tunes. Music
therapy employs music to help people cope with physical or emotional needs, according
to a definition from the University of Minnesota. And it’s actually been found to lessen
symptoms in people with mood problems, such as anxiety and depression, and lift
self-esteem. And you probably don’t need a clinical study to tell you that blasting your
favorite jam will put a smile on your face.
23. Relax with an Audiobook
Audiobooks can transport you somewhere else just like paper books can — and they
may have additional benefits too. Carmichael suggests turning on an audiobook, then
laying down and closing your eyes to listen. “If you have racing thoughts, sometimes
your inner monologue needs something else to latch onto for a while,” she says. You
may even find it easier to focus on the story because you don’t have to keep your eyes
open.
24. Practice Mindful Listening

38. Mindful listening is another way to soak in the present moment and let go of lingering
worry and stress, says Dr. Emmons. Take a few seconds and sit back, really listening to
all the sounds around you, even if that's just the hum of an overhead fan or the panting
of the dog at your feet. Try to integrate this into your day as tiny, 10-second breaks. The
more you do it, the more habitual it will become, Emmons says.
25. Stand Up and Stretch
Although embarking on a full-on workout is helpful for taking care of yourself, sometimes
all you need is just to change your body position for about 15 to 30 seconds to give
yourself a restart, Emmons says. When you make a conscious and physical shift, like
standing up and stretching, your mind recognizes the change and responds in a
beneficial way. Consider it a mini-break for mind and body alike. Try standing up and
stretching your arms high overhead, bending over to touch your toes, or sitting on the
floor in a cross-legged position for a hip-opening stretch.
RELATED: 5 Quick Stress-Reducing Yoga Poses
26. Call a Friend or Family Member — Social
Connection Can Do Wonders for Your Mental
Well-Being
There's ample research connecting social interactions with mental and physical
well-being, and even longer life. A study published in September 2017 in APA PsycNet,
the journal of the American Psychological Association, noted that high-quality, close
relationships and feelings of social connection are so associated with a range of benefits
that it should be considered a public health priority. Make it a priority for yourself, and
perhaps even create a schedule for catching up on the regular.

39. Daniel Allan/Getty Images
27. Use Social Media Mindfully
Social media and other virtual tools allow you to connect with friends and family even
when you’re apart. But they can also have unintended consequences if and when using
them becomes excessive or consuming. How can you make sure you’re using them
wisely? The more personal your social media interactions, the better, experts say (think
direct-messaging people rather than mindless scrolling). Use it intentionally. Be selective
about who you follow and what tools you’re using. And take time to disconnect. If you’re
feeling isolated, make a point to call a friend or family member once in a while rather
than shoot out another text or Facebook comment.
28. Avoid Nonstop News Consumption

40. It’s important to stay informed and alert to critical updates in your area, especially those
that affect your health. But no one needs to listen to the same alerts and see the same
headlines repeatedly, especially during times when the news can be upsetting. Experts
recommend limiting news consumption to two or three sources a day to help cope with
the anxiety it may bring, and checking in at regular times (not continuously) throughout
the day for updates. Consider making one of your sources a local news source. And if
you can, avoid checking the headlines just before bed.
RELATED: How to Avoid Headline Anxiety During a Global Pandemic
29. Reap the Health Benefits of Laughter by
Watching Funny YouTube Videos
When it comes to stress relief, laughter may seem like a whimsical fix, but it really
works, according to Mayo Clinic. Short-term, you're enhancing your intake of
oxygen-rich air, which helps your heart, lungs, and muscles. Plus, you're releasing
feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can ease tension and add to an overall
sense of well-being. Research has even linked humor and laughter to improved immune
function, since it can produce antibodies and activate the body's protective T-cells.
RELATED: Why Comedy Is Hannah Gadsby’s Perfect Antidote to Stress
30. Try Creative Writing
Creative writing offers unique benefits, says Phil Jamieson, founder of copyediting
service ProofreadNow in Mount Vernon, New Hampshire. He says it can foster
self-expression, build confidence, clarify thoughts, and bolster empathy and
communication skills. Research published in January 2018 in Advances in Psychiatric
Treatment linked this type of writing to improved emotional and mental health.

41. You don’t have to be a pro to give it a try — get out a notebook or open up a Word
document and channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickens, or Beyoncé. You can even
make it a social endeavor by joining an online writing class.
31. Treat Yourself by Buying a New Outfit
Online
When you're working from home, exercising from home, eating at home, socializing at
home (sense a theme?), it's easy to get into a PJs-all-day kind of rut, Carter notes. "It
seems superficial, but how we dress does impact our self-esteem," she says. Just
because you're not heading out doesn't mean you can't spiff up a bit. Try buying a new
outfit that's comfy enough for the couch but makes you feel good, too.
32. Recall a De-Stress Success
Remember, mindset really is everything. Dwelling on stress or dreading how long you
might have to put up with it can actually make the stress worse. It’s very common, says
Michelle Gielan of New York City, the author of Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of
Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change: You’ve handled tough situations before, and
recalling them can not only lower your stress levels, but also make you feel more
resilient and upbeat overall, she says.
RELATED: 20 Tips for Building and Cultivating Your Resilience
Gielan suggests writing down a list of wins that have arisen from stressful situations
you’ve conquered — from acing a huge presentation to making a big move to
overcoming an injury — as a quick reminder that you have the skills you need.

42. 33. Figure Out What Works Best for You When
It Comes to Hacking Stress
Everyone deals with stress in different ways, and the stress-buster that works for you
may not work for your best friend. Take Everyday Health’s stress personality test,
developed with the mental health expert Heidi Hanna, PhD, a member of the Everyday
Health Wellness Advisory Board, to help you better understand your stress personality
and some of the best ways to cope with the challenges you face.
RELATED: Is Stress Making You Sicker? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
34. Get Your Finances in Order for More Peace
of Mind
Financial wellness isn't just about how much you have socked away in savings or
retirement; it's about how secure you feel when it comes to your finances. That involves
the perception that you have enough money to do what you want, so you don't have to
worry about falling short. According to a survey by PwC, financial matters are the top
source of stress for many people — so stressful, in fact, that it was worse than all other
stressors combined. Getting control can help. Start with a free personal-finance app that
can boost your budget skills, such as Mint or PocketGuard.
35. Train Your Brain to Be More Resilient
Being resilient means navigating life’s ups and downs with strength and conviction. Take
the Everyday Health Resilience Assessment to learn what skills you can work on to
become more resilient. This tool was developed with Everyday Health Advisory Board

43. member Amit Sood, MD, executive director of the Global Center for Resiliency and
Well-Being and a former professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester,
Minnesota. (There’s likely never been a better time to boost these skills!)
Stocksy
36. Learn From the Best — Pick Up These
Resilience-Boosting Books
You learn by example, and the examples in these books about resilience are some of
the most inspiring ones out there. The list includes some straightforward self-help
options, like Freedom From Anxious Thoughts and Feelings, and memoir-style stories
like Unbroken, the story of the World War II prisoner of war Louis Zamperini. Pick one
that resonates with you and put your extra downtime to productive use.

44. 37. Check Out These Editors’ Top Movie Picks
With a Resilience Theme
Not in the mood for reading? Immerse yourself in these inspiring TV shows and movies
about strength in harrowing circumstances. The stories about how others have faced
adversity and persevered in spite of it are ones we can all learn from.
38. Declutter a Pesky Part of Your Home
Can tidying up really change your mood? According to Mayo Clinic, clutter can lead to
more stress and anxiety, and that when people describe their spaces as "disorganized,"
they're more likely to have higher levels of cortisol, the hormone related to the stress
response. It can make you feel more distracted, and may even affect your sleep. Take
15 minutes a day to tackle the messiest part of your home — even if it's just a "junk
drawer" that's always full.
RELATED: Why Decluttering Is an Important Part of Self-Care (and When It Isn't)
39. Join a (Virtual) Book Club
While nonessential gatherings aren't in swing right now, you can still swap opinions and
discover great reading by joining a virtual book club. Some are run by small local
bookshops, while others are much larger and national — for example, Quarantine Book
Club, where you're joined by the author. Or why not recruit a group of friends and start
your own?

45. 40. Learn a New Language
Learning some phrases in a new language can put you in a vacation-prep frame of
mind. Or spend some time practicing a language you already have some knowledge of.
It's another way to challenge your brain and hone a practical skill. A December 2017
study published in Frontiers of Psychology suggests language learning may promote
healthy cognitive aging, and could even have a role in delaying incidence of dementia.
Voila!
41. Travel Through Food
Even if you can’t travel abroad, you can take a trip there. “I’m eager to return to
vacations and family gatherings. However, in the meantime, I’m learning how to adjust
my expectations and goals to focus on enjoying the simple things in life,” says Lara
Effland, a clinical director of Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center in Denver.
One of the ways Effland does that is by mixing up what’s on the menu. She suggests
looking up a recipe from a place you’ve never been before or would love to travel to right
now, making it, and letting your taste buds take you away.
42. Take an Online College Course (for Free)
Staying a lifelong student is a great way to boost your brain power and practice
self-care, according to Scott Kaiser, MD, director of geriatric cognitive health for Pacific
Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica,
California.

46. Best of all, plenty of colleges and universities across the globe have put free courses
online, so you can audit classes from Stanford, MIT, Harvard University, Sorbonne
University, and many more via platforms like Coursera and edX. Try starting with Yale's
incredibly popular free class about happiness, The Science of Well-Being. Kaiser says
the brain responds favorably to cognitive challenges (like learning new materials), and in
turn, that can increase your levels of hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
iStock
43. Get Your Creativity On With Coloring Books
and Other Art Therapy
Coloring and other creative and artistic endeavors, like drawing, painting, or knitting can
be relaxing for a lot of people. For some people it’s a chance to tune out other
distractions and focus on one thing at a time. For others, it’s an outlet to express
emotions (maybe you paint with bold, bright colors because you’re experiencing strong
feelings). Don’t underestimate the power of art to ease your mind and bring you joy!

47. 44. Send a Card
Self-care can mean doing something nice for the ones you love. “This can be as simple
as writing and sending a card,” says Effland. Not only does it strengthen your
connection with the person you’re corresponding with, but knowing you might be
brightening their day can have the same effect on yours, she says.
45. Listen to an Uplifting Podcast
There's plenty of difficult and challenging news in the world today, and it can be tough to
take a break from it. But it's worth making the effort. One good way? Listen to a podcast
that not only gives you good advice on self-care but also makes you feel lighter and
brighter. Here are some picks to get you started: Feel Better, Live More, Where There's
Smoke, Inspire Nation, and Good Life Project.
46. Donate to a Cause You Believe In
Feeling generous? It's not just the recipients who will thank you — your brain will
appreciate it, too. A study published in October 2018 in Psychosomatic Medicine found
that all types of generosity have feel-good effects, but when the cause is especially
meaningful to you or you know the recipient personally, it has an additional effect of
decreasing stress and anxiety. Other research has found that spending money on
others, rather than yourself, can have a significant impact on your happiness level.
47. Get a New Subscription

48. Looking for some extra motivation to stick to a new hobby or workout? There are plenty
of subscription options ranging in price and theme — and designed to help you stick
with your health, wellness, or fitness goals (like meditation apps or fitness studios’ online
class offerings). You can even make it a way to pick up new hobbies — check out Adults
and Crafts, for example, which sends DIY crafts every month, or The Plant Club, a way
to expand your indoor plant collection monthly.
48. Skip the Kitchen — Order Your Favorite
Takeout Dish Instead
Much like donating to a cause that feels personal to you will give you a greater sense of
meaning, so will supporting a local restaurant that's part of your community. Plus, you
get tasty food without the effort. Win-win!
49. Outsource
If your weekends are lost to a sea of chores, housework, or repairs — and if your budget
allows — consider hiring help, Carmichael says. If scrubbing your floors and
bathroom(s) is the item on your to-do list you always seem to put off, but it’s driving you
nuts that it’s not getting done, consider hiring someone to help clean your home —
either on a regular basis or just on occasion when you need the extra hands. Or
consider other options that can help you outsource some of your everyday tasks, like
meal delivery kits, takeout, or gardening help.
Even if it’s an expense, the time it might open up for you to relax or catch up on a
project that you find more rewarding may be worth your while.
50. Start or Maintain Your Home Garden

49. Whether you have a magnificent and expansive yard or you're nestled into an urban
jungle, you can tailor a home garden to your needs. Multiple studies have shown that
gardening has mental health benefits, according to a 2017 review published in the
journal Preventive Medicine Reports. "Tending plants, indoors or outdoors, brings a level
of engagement to the task, and that adds to the benefits we see with interacting with
nature," says Viren Swami, PhD, a researcher and professor of social psychology at
Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England.
Outdoors? Try a quick garden builder like the Seedsheet (starting at $24.99), which
gives you a head start on your green thumb with seeds embedded in weed-blocking
fabric. Indoors, you can start a shelf of succulents or try an herb garden with your
culinary favorites. Check out optimal lighting conditions and what type of maintenance is
required for seeds and plants before you buy (that information can usually be found on
package labels or online descriptions).
51. Try Virtual Therapy and Stress Management
Tools
Online therapy tools and virtual therapy apps are relatively new, but there’s mounting
evidence that they deliver measurable benefits to those who use them, particularly with
shorter-term stress management, according to a review published in 2018 in the journal
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics. Several online therapy tools and mental wellness
apps can help you learn coping skills and stress management. Choose one that fits your
needs.
52. Talk About It
The pandemic has sent anxiety and depression levels upward, and it's also led to more
people feeling like they're just not thriving. (According to a CDC report from earlier this
year, 40 percent of U.S. adults reported struggling with mental health or substance
abuse.) Even if you’ve never sought counseling or therapy for mental health before, now

50. may a really useful time to do so, says Jennifer Gentile, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at
Boston Children’s Hospital. We’re experiencing really tough circumstances and it’s
taking an emotional toll on us, she adds.
"Insurance is covering this more now, and there's a higher level of comfort many people
find in being able to stay home and do an appointment via telehealth," says Dr. Gentile,
who is currently treating adults and adolescents virtually using the hospital’s telehealth
platform. You don't have to make a long-term commitment (counseling can consist of a
few sessions or even just one) or wait until you feel like you're struggling more.
Sometimes, it's just nice to have a check-in, Gentile says.
53. Reframe Your Anxiety
We often think of anxiety as a negative mental state we’re eager to move out of, but it’s
not always bad. “Anxiety can be a healthy thing to feel,” says Carmichael. It can be a
signal that maybe you need to prepare a little more for something (like a big
presentation), be on guard (like if you’re trying an activity you’ve never done before), or
get moving (like if you’re growing restless in a stale job or relationship), she says. “You
wouldn’t have anxiety if you didn’t have goals and things you wanted to do,” she says.
You can use the restlessness of anxiety as a gift. Next time you feel that anxious energy
cropping up, name your anxiety. Then ask yourself: How can I point this energy at the
right target? Maybe sometimes that’s using it to meet a deadline or get one step closer
to a goal. Maybe other times it is learning to breathe through it.
54. Try Aromatherapy
Certain scents can have a calming effect, according to a review published in January
2017 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. In that analysis,
which looked at studies that had evaluated the effects of aromatherapy on depressive

51. symptoms, aromatherapy was shown to offer relief in a wide variety of participants, and
the use of essential oils for massage was the most beneficial. Consider scents like
lavender, jasmine, lemon balm, clary sage, and bergamot.
RELATED: Can Essential Oils Help Asthma?
55. Light a Fire
In a study published in Energy Research & Social Science in November 2020 of nearly
150 people in Sweden who own fireplaces, people often performed trivseleldning, or
“cozy fire making,” at the end of the workday to create an atmosphere of coziness and
well-being. In the study, they reported associating a fire with characteristics like
harmony, calmness, happiness, and joy.
No fireplace? If you can, stream Netflix or YouTube on your TV. There are a number of
videos you can play of a roaring fire in a fireplace, complete with crackling sounds.
56. Show Self-Love by Giving Yourself a
Mani-Pedi at Home
Taking care of your body in a way that feels like a luxurious break can boost feelings of
well-being, Dalton says. Are your nails in need of a little TLC? There are oodles of DIY
tutorials and tips for a home mani-pedi, like this guide from the beauty blogger Love &
Specs.
57. Give Yourself a DIY Facial

52. Why limit your home spa experience to a DIY mani-pedi when you might have all the
ingredients for a facial in your pantry? Face masks can be really beneficial for your skin
because they’re occlusive, meaning they seal in their ingredients against your skin until
you wash off the mask — giving those ingredients time to absorb. Check out some
recipes like the oatmeal and turmeric face mask from Karissa's Vegan Kitchen, the
oatmeal avocado face mask from Fit Foodie Finds, or a range of honey-based face
masks from Don't Mess With Mama.
58. Take a Long, Relaxing Bath
Why is a warm bath so incredibly relaxing? Research suggest one reason may be that it
reduces inflammation. According to a study in the December 2018 Journal of Applied
Physiology, just one hot bath can calm your stress response. Another reason is that
you're simply allowing yourself to take a break, Carter says. "You're taking time away
from your to-do list and things you think you 'should' be doing," she says. "When that
happens, you automatically feel like you're dropping into self-care mode."
59. Start (or Restart) a Daily Flossing Habit
Flossing itself may not be your favorite thing to do, but you likely feel better (and your
teeth, cleaner) after doing it, making it an example of one of those small,
health-enhancing behaviors that help you take care of you.
It’s a ritual that way too many people skip, according to Tripti Meysman, DDS, founder of
the Minneapolis-based CityTooth dentistry practice. But she says it's crucial for more
than oral health. Flossing (along with brushing and keeping up with your professional
cleanings) helps reduce the amount of bacteria in the whole body. More than 500
bacterial species can be found in dental plaque, according to the American Dental
Association. Flossing doesn't get rid of them completely, Dr. Meysman says, but it can
go a long way toward improving oral health overall.

53. 60. Show Your Animals Some TLC
Feeling tense? Playing with your pet or just spending some extra time taking care of him
or her shows you care and may help ease your anxieties, too. There’s evidence that
taking time playing with dogs may help reduce stress, increase energy and happiness,
and even boost how socially supported people feel — a winning combination for days
when you need to be productive and focused while hunkering down at home. The
bottom line: Make time for your animal friends; it’s time well-spent.
61. Schedule a Doctor’s Appointment
The pandemic has made many people skip routine medical care. So the big question is:
Are you up-to-date on all of your annual appointments and necessary-for-your-age
screenings? If you’ve put off any of your routine appointments, take the time to schedule
them now.

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