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 #SelfcareSummer campaign 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.
Return to On My Mind landing page.
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Playing
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Warm bath
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Herbal/plant-based remedies
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Pilates
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Boardgames
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Telephone support
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Positive thinking
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Daydreaming & Visualisation
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Chinese herbal medicine
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Drawing or painting
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Listening to podcasts
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Massage
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Developing a balanced sense of self
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Alone time
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Physical exercise
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Unsupported online, computer or app-based CBT
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Silence
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Spending time with animals / pets
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Yoga
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Personal care & hygiene
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Photography
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Hope box
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Shopping
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Light therapy
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Noticing your triggers
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Laughter / humour
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Meditation
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Writing things down
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Dance
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Face-to-face informal support
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Tai Chi & Qigong
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Crying
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Youth Groups
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Thinking about things
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Self-talk
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Activism
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Email support
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Reducing consumption of stimulants and other drugs
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Crafting
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Rewards
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Problem solving
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Goal-setting
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Text message support
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Online chat or peer group support
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Revision
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Time away from technology
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Going on day trips or holiday
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Sleep
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Be kind to yourself
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Water therapy
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Spiritual healing
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Baking & cooking
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Aromatherapy and fragrance
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Homeopathy preparations
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Listening to your body
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Relaxation techniques
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Faith and religion
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Ecotherapy
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Watching YouTube, TV or Films
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Apps delivering self-help strategies
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Challenge negative feelings
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Psychoeducation
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Creative writing
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Spending time with friends
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Books & Reading
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Avoiding certain foods
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Sport
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Making music
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Spending time with supportive people
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Distraction techniques
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Understanding negative thoughts and feelings
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ASMR
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Going to the cinema
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Virtual reality therapy courses
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Setting boundaries
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Colour therapy
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Coding
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Mindfulness
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Organise your day
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Confronting your fears
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Letting off steam
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Spending time in nature
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Getting a job
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Being outside
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Drama
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Little actions to release tension
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Learning a language
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Acceptance
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Walking
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Volunteering & taking care of others
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Over the counter medications
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Psychic intuition
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Gaming
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Listening to music