20 Self-Care Ideas for 2026

Welcome to the new year! It’s time to put 2025 in the rear-view mirror and start putting ourselves first with a self-care routine that gives us the inner strength to deal with whatever the new year brings. 

It’s no secret that people who don’t give themselves the care that they give to others will usually end up stressed and burned out. To stop this from happening, develop an attitude of nurturing. Take care of your mind, body, and soul every day, in small ways and occasionally (but regularly) bigger ways too. Self-care is non-negotiable these days, but you have to make an effort to make space for it. Here are a few ideas for things to do that rebalance, re-energize, and replenish. 

Do something physically energizing 

Whatever floats your boat, make time for it if it makes you feel good. This could be a series of stretches, Pilates or yoga, a run, a swim, or a walk. Just get that activity up. 

Stretch it out 

Hunched over a desk or in a car most of the day? Our bodies were not designed to do half the things we put them through. Definitely aren’t meant to be cooped up. So stretch it out. Find a set of effective stretches that stops your body from feeling ten years older than it really is. Your muscles will thank you for it. If you want to do even more for yourself, get a professional involved; book a massage! A trained massage therapist can do an entire stretch therapy session with you, or if you prefer, just incorporate some effective stretch techniques during your regular massage session.

Take a bath 

It’s a self-care cliché, but for a good reason. If you have the time, shut the door, put on some music, and take a magazine or book with you. Lie back and let the stresses of the day dissolve away into warm, sweet-smelling water. I have a list of go to’s from rose water, to CBD bath oil, to lavender essential oil, to good old faithful Epsom salt.

Try a mini-meditation 

Begin or end your day with just one minute of deep breathing, while focusing your awareness on your body, inner thoughts, and feelings. This is an exercise that’s also useful to do during the day when you feel stressed and need to take time out. 

Be still 

Find a quiet place outside, find somewhere comfortable to sit, and be still. Pretend there’s nobody else around and focus on the quiet and stillness. 

Unplug just for a day 

There actually was a time when we were able to manage without social media and instant messaging, so just for a day. Switch them all off and embrace a notification-free existence. It’s very freeing, and you may end up wanting to do it for even longer. You will also receive a huge thank you from your nervous system.

Write a Gratitude List 

Focusing on all of the things that you're thankful for will put a happy spring in your step. Try to think of three things every morning or evening. Or when you feel down, refocus with three things to be happy about. 

Dance like nobody’s looking 

They aren’t! Dancing is incredibly freeing, so stick on a few dance anthems or whatever makes you want to move and shake your booty. 

Take a walk 

Have you really taken the time to explore the area you live in? Walk around, slowly, and really notice the details. Be curious about your neighborhood. 

Make an appointment with a counselor 

Find someone non-judgmental to talk to about your innermost thoughts; It doesn’t have to be a therapist or psychologist; it could also be a spiritual mentor. 

Sleep 

Are you getting enough? We suspect not. Why not take a quick nap if you feel tired, or try an earlier bedtime, and give your body a bit more downtime? Save your time, that badge of honor for running on fumes, self-gratuitous “hustle”…there isn’t one.

Do something new 

That thing you’ve always wanted to try? Do it. 

Journal your thoughts 

It only has to take you 10 minutes – get whatever is on your mind down in writing and out of your head. That’s writing! Not your notes on your phone.

Spend quality time with people you love 

Hanging out with the people you love most in the world is good for your soul. If they're far away, give them a phone call. 

Take a full day of rest every week 

You deserve it, and your mind and body will thank you for it. 

Do an activity mindfully and slowly 

Pick an everyday activity, like laundry, and focus on it while you’re doing it. Savoring the moment makes dull things much more absorbing if you’re prone to zoning out. No multi-tasking.

De-clutter your life 

You don’t have to do it all at once, but decluttering is very therapeutic. Start with an email inbox, work up to your desk or a closet, and feel the benefits of less clutter. 

Make a personal mission statement 

If you don't have a personal mission statement, create one. Think about this year and what you want to do with it. Who is it you would like to be? 

Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine 

Even better, have both…while writing your mission statement. In the bath! An exception to the multi-tasking clause.

Book a massage or a spa treatment! 

We may have mentioned this before, but taking the time to invest in yourself is a supreme act of self-care, and we think you should indulge in it as often as you can. 

Have a great 2026!