11 'offbeat' self-care ideas

When we talk about practising self-care, we tend to focus on the very clean, very healthy methods that help us look after our well-being.

And sure, these are great and better for you and sometimes these can be exactly what you need. 

In fact, I wrote a blog a while back about how to practise self-care using lots of these very route-one, albeit effective methods.  

But can we be real for a minute? 

We are all human and let's face it, sometimes you don’t want to go for a walk or eat an apple or have a shower. 

Sometimes you need something a little stronger and more effective to cut through and reset your mood. 

So this time around, I thought I’d share 11 offbeat ways you can practise self-care. 

Do something arty 

It doesn’t matter how you choose to be creative and what you enjoy - just do it!

Do you want to paint a picture? Complete a page of your adult colouring book. Make something out of clay? Write a song? Play guitar? 

Then go for it. 

I’ll say it again, it doesn't matter how you choose to express yourself, just simply doing something creative can help to boost your energy and reduce your stress levels. 

Do something you’ve been putting off for a while 

Have you been meaning to clean behind the cooker, tidy the shed or declutter your wardrobe? 

There are lots of little jobs in life that we put off and put off again. I sure know I’m guilty of procrastinating and ignoring those more boring jobs. 

But you’d be surprised how amazing you’ll feel if you just tick one of those things off your list. And most of the time, they don’t actually take as long as you think they will. 

So set aside half an hour and tick something off your to-do list. 

Eat your favourite food 

Whenever you read this sort of guide, the advice tends to be that you should make and eat something healthy to boost your mood. 

While scientifically, this is perhaps the better thing to do. And obviously, it’s better for your long-term health. 

But sometimes a fruit smoothie or hearty salad just won’t cut it. Sometimes, your brain calls for a bacon sandwich, a bowl of pasta or a whole Easter egg. 

Yes, I said it. An Easter egg. I am not ashamed to say that while these are on sale, I will dabble in an egg or two even when it’s not Easter weekend. 

So, why not boost your mood with your favourite food? 

Have a glass of red wine (or your favourite drink) 

On a similar note, a glass of water is always hailed as being a great cure for most things, and that’s because it usually is. But sometimes, you want something more comforting. 

If your favourite drink is a frothy coffee, Kombucha, G&T or in my case, a glass of red wine, then go for it! 

You can sit in the garden, get comfy on the sofa or choose the perfect drink to accompany you in a long hot bath. It’s whatever and wherever you feel best.  

Write something down

I appreciate that not everyone writes lists as obsessively as me, but I find writing things down to be so cathartic. 

Just getting down a list of your thoughts or the tasks you need to complete that day can help to clear your mind. 

But it doesn't have to be a list, there are lots of other ways you can express yourself and feel better through writing. 

Whether it’s a simple list, journal entry, a text message to a loved one, a blog post or maybe even a poem, getting the ideas out of your brain and onto paper (or your device) can work wonders. 

Start a new Pinterest board 

Do you love Pinterest as much as I do?

It’s such a great way to save ideas and find inspiration. It can be perfect for your business or your hobbies, or even just because you love looking at beautiful photographs. 

And it’s a very welcome distraction. In fact, you can lose hours to Pinterest (trust me). 

Starting a new board, looking through and finding exciting new pins can be such a calming exercise. You could even do the same with Instagram or TikTok, scanning through content and saving your favourites to inspire you later. 

Have a bloody good cry 

I’m putting it out there, sometimes you just need a bloody good cry. 

And in those moments, don’t try to stay strong and hide away. Unless you’re in the middle of the supermarket or a meeting, maybe… 

But if not, just let it out. 

Play a game on your phone 

Imagine if 10 quiet minutes on Candy Crush could bring a smile to your face and reset your whole day. 

Well, guess what? It can. 

If you’ve got a game, whether that’s on your phone or a console, it can be an excellent way to blow off some steam, and let's face it, do something meaningless that can bring joy and be a great distraction for a little while. 

Get under the duvet and practise hygge 

Sometimes you just need to get under your cosy warm duvet and take a moment to yourself. 

If you’ve not heard of the concept of hygge, it’s all about being warm and cosy and what better way to do that than from under your duvet? 

Whether you choose to read a book, watch TV, take a nap or simply just lay there with your thoughts, get yourself snuggled up and look after yourself. 

Change your bed sheets

Speaking of cosy blankets, is there anything nicer than getting into a fresh bed with clean sheets and pyjamas? 

It’s definitely one of my favourite self-care moments. So, if you haven't got long but want to treat yourself, think about putting some fresh sheets on the bed, even if you don’t get to enjoy them until the evening. 

You’ll look forward to it all day. 

Watch a stand-up comedy 

The final suggestion on the list is to watch a stand-up comedy or your favourite comedy show. 

Between Netflix and Amazon Prime, there are loads of great stand-ups readily available, but you also have apps like ITV Player and Channel 4 that host loads of comedy series and panel shows. 

So pop on your favourite and laugh yourself happy.