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