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