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