10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Mental Health

This blog shares 10 simple self-care practices to boost your mental health. In navigating the stressors of daily life, prioritizing our needs aren’t always at the forefront of our minds. We may be restrained on time or energy to attend to ourselves. However, without taking those steps, we are more prone to feeling overwhelmed or burnt-out.

Self-care practices are often thought to only apply to relaxing or meditative practices. While this is true, and slow, relaxing practices help our mental health – you can think outside of the box with this one. What are some things that truly make you feel that you’re taking care of yourself?

In this blog, we’ll review 10 simple self-care practices to boost your mental health. It’s important to consider that you can implement these with planning. Maybe you want to plan it out ahead of time, incorporate it into your daily schedule, or practice these throughout the day.

In therapy in Simi Valley, our therapists are experienced in helping you explore what truly works for you. Make sure to read our blog on How to Validate Yourself!

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Reflect on the positives about yourself

Reflecting on the positives about yourself can look like:

Giving yourself some credit.

Focusing on what’s going right, instead of what’s going wrong.

Highlighting what you bring to the table.

Naming 3 things you love about yourself.

Acknowledging accomplishments, big or small.

Thanking yourself for what you do for yourself.

Feeling proud of how far you’ve come.

Praising yourself for holding personal, professional, or physical boundaries.

Consider reading our blog on How to Sit with Discomfort.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Take a moment to stretch

If you’re like me, you may find that you’re sitting throughout the day. You may be sitting at a desk, working on your computer, creating something with your hands, or standing in one position frequently. Perhaps you’re always on your feet, such as if you’re working in retail or food service.

When we’re staying still in one position, our bodies can feel stiff, sore, or noticeably immobile. You may also notice that you’re hunching over, such as at your desk, in bed, or standing, to try to relieve your back. It’s important to get some blood flow and engage our muscles as often as we can throughout the day! Some simple stretches include:

Neck Stretch. Tip your right ear to your right shoulder while extending your left arm down. Gently hold your head in a stretch with your right hand, and hold for 30 seconds. Release, and repeat on the left side.

Bear Hug. Wrap your arms around your shoulders like a hug, and gently pull tighter. Release, and wrap your alternate arms around your shoulders, and repeat.

Cat-Cow. Position yourself on all fours on the ground. Inhale and press your chest forward, dropping your belly down and curving out your spine. Hold, then exhale and press your back up to the ceiling, curving out your spine the opposite way.

Standing Calf-Stretch. In a lunge position, put both hands on the wall in front of you and gently bend your front leg. Hold for 30 seconds, and repeat with alternating legs.

Looking for more to read? Check out 4 Self-Care Tips for Busy People.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Hum your favorite song

Did you know that humming can actually alleviate stress and anxiety? This is because the act of humming stimulates your vagus nerve, which controls your “rest and digest” state. While it can lower anxiety, it can also slow your heart rate and release relaxing hormones.

Humming boosts cardiovascular health by increasing nitric oxide in your nasal passages. Nitric oxide is naturally produced by your body, and is an important molecule for blood vessel health. It widens your constricted blood vessels, and decreases stress on the heart and vascular system.

Furthermore, humming can distract you, and create space from distressing thoughts. This is because it activates our parasympathetic nervous system, which controls our “fight or flight” response. Next time you feel some stress coming in, take a moment to hum something, and test this out!

Anxiety therapy in Simi Valley, CA can help you cope. Make sure to read our blog on Signs It’s Time to Start Anxiety Therapy.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Groom yourself

Doing a little touch up can increase our confidence and self-esteem. Let’s say that we’re just having a hard start to our day. We may be struggling with depression, where it’s hard to find motivation to practice hygiene or get ready for the day. What can grooming yourself look like?

Washing your hands.

Brushing and flossing your teeth.

Brushing your hair.

Applying hair or facial hair care products such as serums or oils.

Trimming or filing your nails.

Showering or bathing.

Washing your face.

Moisturizing your face or body.

Getting a haircut.

If you feel that you’re struggling with depression, make sure to read our blog on 4 Signs to Start Therapy for Depression.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Tidy up a small part of your space

Cleaning even a little section of your space can help you feel motivated and encouraged to continue cleaning. Let’s say, for example, you have the chair in your room. You know, the chair that everything gets piled up on and seemingly stays that way. It’s stacked to the top with clothes, ready to be folded and put away.

Maybe there’s a bit of trash piling up in your car, such as receipts, trash, or more. In your kitchen, there could be a pile of dishes ready to be washed and put away. Furthermore, you know your room has been collecting dust, and you want to begin wiping it all away.

Pick a small section of the chosen area and come up with a game plan. Tackle some specific things to start. This could look like putting away clothes that you know are clean. Maybe you want to start by picking up empty water bottles or cans from the room. Or, you start with sweeping down already cleared areas of dust.

By bringing a small trashbag along with you as well, you can easily tidy up and clear up your space. From there, you may get into it, and want to continue. However – try to stay on task, and don’t jump from one area to another until it’s complete.

Working with a therapist in Simi Valley can help you work towards goals. Consider reading 5 Signs You’re Overwhelmed.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Step outside for some fresh air / sunlight

When we’re cooped up inside all day, whether it’s at home or at work, we can feel sluggish. It’s important that we’re taking some time to get some fresh air and sunlight. Even if it’s a foggy, rainy, or snowy day – getting outside can still give you a little boost.

If you’re lucky to live by nature, consider sitting outside for a bit when you have a chance. Take in the nature around you, if there are flowers, trees, fields, and even animals roaming around. Otherwise, consider taking a moment outside.

Whether it’s sitting somewhere, going for a brief stroll, or taking a few deep breaths outside. With sunlight, it’s good to get some vitamin D in the morning. Find some time throughout the day to step outside for some fresh air and hopefully sunlight.

Enjoy your time outside as you would have as a child. Read our blog on 5 Ways to Connect with your Inner Child.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Get up and move your body

Aside from some stretching exercises, consider getting up and moving your body. According to The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, shaking your body has many benefits. When we randomly shake our body and limbs, we can stimulate the release of accumulated stress hormones and allow them to dissipate. This may look like just flailing your arms, moving your chest left and right, or breaking out in random movements.

Perhaps you want to move your body in an intentional way too. If you know that going to the gym makes you feel good (as you literally release endorphins from working out), try to push yourself to go. Getting there is the hardest part, but then the gym is your oyster.

You may also want to take a stroll, whether brief or a few miles. Maybe you want to get outdoors and go for a hike. Ride a bike down a path or trail. Take a jog or run. Go climb some rocks, whether indoor or outdoor. Regardless, try to break free from being stagnant.

Trauma therapy in Simi Valley pairs you with trauma-informed therapists. Make sure to read our blog on How to Process Trauma.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Nourish yourself with hydration and nutrition

I wholeheartedly believe in allowing yourself to eat what feels good. Having a sweet treat or our favorite food can leave us feeling happy and satisfied. It’s something we may look forward to, or even reward ourselves with after a hard day. With that, consider adding in something nutritious and nourishing.

Perhaps you already have a balanced diet and eat a variety of foods. Keep in mind to remain hydrated throughout the day as well. There are many online recipes for not-so-boring or time-consuming healthy snacks or dishes to make. If you struggle with hydration, consider adding electrolytes into your mix.

You may also want to look into the realm of taking vitamins or supplements. It’s always recommended to consult with your primary care physician first before taking vitamins or supplements. This is important, as some may interfere with medication or diagnosed medical conditions.

Make sure to read our blog on Taking Responsibility for your Mental Health.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Set a timer to engage in reading or learning

Are you someone that likes the idea of books and reading – but don’t feel motivated to read? It’s fun going to bookstores, reading the blurb, and being intrigued by the concept. However, when the book comes home with you, it may be sitting on your shelf, collecting dust.

The same may go for topics you’re interested in. Whether it’s psychology, history, science, wellness, botany – you want to learn more. When we’re done with primary school, there are little opportunities to keep learning. Learning as an adult promotes personal growth, enhances career opportunities, and can boost self-confidence.

By setting some time aside to be productive, you’ll feel productive, and in turn feel good about yourself. Maybe you want to read one chapter of a book, or research something for 10 minutes. You may find that after doing so, you’ll want to engage in more naturally.

Looking for more mental health content? Read our blog on 5 Ways to Quickly Ground Yourself.

10 Simple Self-Care Practices to Boost Your Mental Health: Reach out to a loved one

Reach out to a loved one that makes you feel supported and safe. This could be a family member, friend, or colleague. When we’re feeling down, it can be hard to make a connection with others. This is especially true if we tend to isolate ourselves or have little energy for interaction.

However, you can reach out to a loved one in several ways. Sending a quick text, letting them know that you’re thinking of them. Asking if they have some space to chat. Sending something that makes you think of them. Calling them up. Writing and sending them a letter or postcard.

We can feel stronger and less alone when we reach out for connection. As humans, it’s important to have community. Navigating life alone can be difficult and discouraging. Therefore, reach out to someone in a positive way today.

Think of any other simple self-care practices that boost your mental health? Hopefully this blog has inspired you to find those glimmers of hope and contentment throughout the day. If you’re looking for additional support, consider contacting us for in-person or virtual therapy!

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.