Self-care is about the things we can do to look after our own mental health
Young people told us that when they are struggling they are usually told to see a professional. They don’t often get much advice about how they could help themselves.
So, we spoke to professionals and looked at academic research. Then we drew up a list of strategies young people use (you can see the process in this self-care infographic). We also published a report following a consultation with young people and their families online.
We're sharing these strategies with you to help you to manage your wellbeing. It’s up to you to decide what helps. If it works, keep doing it. If it doesn’t, stop and try something else. And you can help us build an evidence-base for these activities by letting us know what works by clicking on the ‘Did this activity help your mental wellbeing’ button on each page. This will help us decide which ones to research further. We've also created a booklet to help you create your own self-care plan as part of our and another booklet with advice for young parents and carers on looking after their wellbeing.
These activities are not a substitute for seeing a mental health professional. Sometimes we need outside help and advice. Getting help is good. No-one should feel bad about it. That’s what this site is about.
This self-care section was developed by Common Room and young people from mental health support group Hearts & Minds.
These strategies were identified by young people aged 11-25 though some strategies might not be appropriate for all ages without support or guidance of a trusted adult.
Return to On My Mind landing page.
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Photography
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Drawing or painting
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Gaming
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Rewards
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Sport
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Youth Groups
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Spending time with animals / pets
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Goal-setting
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Physical exercise
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Organise your day
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Hope box
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Warm bath
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Getting a job
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Self-talk
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Massage
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Yoga
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Sleep
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Learning a language
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Virtual reality therapy courses
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Spiritual healing
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Silence
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Problem solving
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Tai Chi & Qigong
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Be kind to yourself
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Walking
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Volunteering & taking care of others
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Online chat or peer group support
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Baking & cooking
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Water therapy
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Unsupported online, computer or app-based CBT
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Face-to-face informal support
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Boardgames
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Little actions to release tension
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Chinese herbal medicine
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Spending time in nature
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Spending time with supportive people
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Writing things down
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Going on day trips or holiday
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Listening to your body
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Noticing your triggers
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Homeopathy preparations
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Mindfulness
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Creative writing
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Herbal/plant-based remedies
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Revision
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Faith and religion
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Daydreaming & Visualisation
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Acceptance
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Distraction techniques
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Going to the cinema
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Understanding negative thoughts and feelings
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Coding
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Positive thinking
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Listening to podcasts
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Pilates
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Reducing consumption of stimulants and other drugs
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Crying
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Thinking about things
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Personal care & hygiene
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Over the counter medications
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Psychoeducation
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Drama
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Apps delivering self-help strategies
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Meditation
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ASMR
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Relaxation techniques
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Playing
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Shopping
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Email support
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Time away from technology
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Confronting your fears
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Dance
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Alone time
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Telephone support
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Making music
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Ecotherapy
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Laughter / humour
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Being outside
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Spending time with friends
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Aromatherapy and fragrance
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Listening to music
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Challenge negative feelings
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Text message support
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Books & Reading
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Letting off steam
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Setting boundaries
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Activism
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Colour therapy
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Light therapy
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Watching YouTube, TV or Films
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Eating a balanced diet
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Crafting
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Developing a balanced sense of self