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