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