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