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