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