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.
These strategies were identified by young people aged 11-25 though some strategies might not be appropriate for all ages without support or guidance of a trusted adult.
Return to On My Mind landing page.
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Drawing or painting
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Over the counter medications
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Be kind to yourself
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Playing
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Tai Chi & Qigong
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Creative writing
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Psychoeducation
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Acceptance
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Self-talk
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Listening to your body
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Goal-setting
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Going on day trips or holiday
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Colour therapy
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Thinking about things
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Watching YouTube, TV or Films
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Hope box
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Time away from technology
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Positive thinking
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Being outside
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Spending time with supportive people
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Apps delivering self-help strategies
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Confronting your fears
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Spiritual healing
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Yoga
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Chinese herbal medicine
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Pilates
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Noticing your triggers
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Problem solving
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Spending time with friends
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Drama
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Distraction techniques
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Setting boundaries
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Volunteering & taking care of others
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Learning a language
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Letting off steam
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Rewards
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Massage
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Going to the cinema
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Homeopathy preparations
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Sleep
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Avoiding certain foods
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Reducing consumption of stimulants and other drugs
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Mindfulness
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Gaming
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Crafting
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Dance
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Boardgames
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Virtual reality therapy courses
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Shopping
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Crying
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Books & Reading
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Understanding negative thoughts and feelings
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Ecotherapy
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Personal care & hygiene
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Activism
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Revision
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Email support
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Organise your day
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Face-to-face informal support
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Making music
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Relaxation techniques
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Youth Groups
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ASMR
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Water therapy
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Baking & cooking
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Alone time
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Text message support
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Listening to music
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Listening to podcasts
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Herbal/plant-based remedies
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Silence
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Writing things down
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Challenge negative feelings
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Online chat or peer group support
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Spending time in nature
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Telephone support
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Light therapy
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Sport
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Unsupported online, computer or app-based CBT
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Spending time with animals / pets
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Getting a job
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Little actions to release tension
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Physical exercise
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Meditation
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Photography
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Coding
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Aromatherapy and fragrance
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Developing a balanced sense of self
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Faith and religion
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Walking
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Warm bath
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Daydreaming & Visualisation
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Laughter / humour