30-Day Self Care Challenge Ideas (with printable)

If you are struggling to find ways to practice self-care, here are 30 self-care ideas that are quick, easy, and will make all the difference in the world for you!

This 30-day self-care challenge will give you ideas for showing yourself self love by taking time for yourself … and coming out the other side glowing!

Front cover for 30 day self care challenge. Watercolour moon in pink with blue and pink flowers decorating it

It’s hard to fit in looking after ourselves and yet if we don’t, who is going to take over all our roles and tasks when our body finally screams that it’s time to rest?

Even during your busy schedule, try to take at least 10 minutes for yourself. If you’re in tip-top condition, the rest of the family will be too.

You might choose to do the self care challenge ideas in order or mix it up.

If you prefer to choose a card each day, you can purchase the self-care challenge cards in my Etsy shop.

Grab the free printable challenge tracker to help motivate you.

Jera’s Jamboree receives payments for affiliate advertising. This is at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. As a Cratejoy affiliate I earn if you click on a link and shop from my link. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

30-Day Self-Care Challenge

1. Deep Breathing

The great thing about deep breathing is that you can do it any time of the day!

Take some nice, deep breaths while you do any activity through the day. Set a timer if you feel that will help you. In time, it will become automatic.

There are so many different breathing techniques. Find one that you love!

2. Affirmations

Positive affirmations are a great way to practice self-love and don’t take much time at all!

Choose 4-5 different affirmations that you want to work on and repeat them every day. Here are a few of my favourite ones:

I choose to practice self-care so that I can be the best for my family
I am strong, capable, and powerful
My kids don’t need a perfect mum. They need me

Read my tips on how to turn your affirmations into powerhouses for change in your life.

3. Bath

You deserve to take time away from everyone to recharge.

Find time to sit and soak without your phone.

Grab your self care box, turn on relaxing music, and close your eyes. Even if it is for ten minutes, it will make a huge difference for you.

All the goodies in a spa pamper hamper (blue themed) — Oh So Pretty Gift Boxes

4. Listen to Music

There is something so powerful about listening to music.

Create a new playlist filled with some of your favourite songs, and then have a dance party!

woman with headphones and mobile dancing with a pink background

5. Smell Your Favourite Smells

Your brain creates pathways for certain smells. Those smells are associated with memories you have, whether good or bad!

Smell things that make you happy and keep you relaxed. This could be diffusing lavender essential oil, wearing perfume, or smelling some dryer sheets.

6. Beauty Face Mask

You deserve a little pampering time! Grab a beauty face mask and put it on tonight when the kids are in bed. Enjoy your favourite tv show while you leave it on for a bit.

7. Read a Book

Get lost in a fiction book. This will help you forget about your challenges as you dive into a whole new world. This also helps you sit down and rest while you read, so it is a win-win!

vector image - a woman is sitting cross legged in a chair with a pile of books around her

8. Be in Nature

Taking a walk in nature is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It is so grounding and helps you breathe in some fresh air too.

Take a walk or go on a hike.

9. Cup of Tea

Enjoy a nice, hot cup of tea today. Herbal tea is not only super healthy for you but will also soothe your soul as you sit and feel the warmth of the mug. Relax while you drink, and make sure to drink it while it is hot!

10. Talk to Someone

Today is the day you let everything out. Find someone you trust and share anything and everything with them. This could be your mum, partner, best friend, or therapist.

If it is hard to talk about your problems, listen to what words you use when you’re talking. Turn that negative self talk into a positive. Your mood will be lighter.

Either way will help take a load off of yourself for a bit.

11. Journal

Journaling is so great for letting out your feelings and challenges, especially if it is hard to trust people.

Grab a pen and your notebook and write for ten minutes straight.

Write down everything that comes to your mind.

Finish off with writing down 3 things you are grateful for.

leather journal with a blue colour, a pen is next to the journal and blue and pink roses at the top of the image — Your Journal Shop

12. Workout

Try to get in a nice, quick workout.

When you work out, you will release endorphins which will help you to be happier.

It will also help you release tension in your body. You will feel so much better today, even if you work out for just ten minutes!

13. Manicure

Go and get yourself a beautiful manicure. If you cannot go someplace, have a friend or partner paint your nails. If all else fails, take that time for yourself and give yourself one! You will feel so pretty afterward.

14. Skincare Routine

Spend ten extra minutes tonight on your face care routine. Wash your face, put on your serum, and finish off with your nighttime cream. This will help you unwind as you take care of yourself. Plus, your skin will be glowing tomorrow!

15. Take a Nap

We all need power naps, but often don’t get one.

Forget about the housework and chores, calm your mind, and go cuddle up in your bed.

Meditate and deep breathe until you fall asleep.

16. Eat Your Favourite Food

Foods affect us in so many ways.

Find a food you have been craving and sit down to enjoy it thoroughly. This could be some candy, dessert, or a dinner.

This will make you happy as you listen to your body!

17. Start a New Hobby

Make time to find a new hobby.

Find something that you have always wanted to try but never took the time. Try it out today and see how you like it!

18. Buy Something New

You deserve to buy something you want rather than need every now and again.

Figure out a budget, and go splurge on something you have wanted for a long time. Don’t feel guilty and just enjoy!

19. Paint with Kids

Painting is a calming activity that is used as a form of art therapy.

Grab some watercolours or finger paint and enjoy spending time with your kids, all the while relaxing and releasing your emotions.

20. Watch Your Favourite Show

Binge-watch your favourite show.

Chances are, you probably have a lot to catch up on.

21. Shave Your Legs

Do you take time to shave your legs, or are you always in a rush and forget or do it quickly and poorly?

Take time to slow down and shave your legs.

Put on shaving cream and enjoy this time taking care of your body.

22. Massage

If you can, go get a massage. Maybe a friend or partner can give you one. And if all else fails, give yourself a hand massage. It will make a difference.

woman soaking her hands in a bowl of flowers and water.

23. Sit and Do Nothing

How often do you actually sit down and simply do nothing? Try it out!

For ten minutes, enjoy not doing anything.

How do you feel?

You can take time to do nothing; it is good for you!

This is one of the hardest things to do for me … but I’m learning!

24. Drink Water

Do you drink enough water each day? Most of us don’t, and our bodies suffer because of it.

Try to drink as much water as possible each day. The recommendation from the NHS is to drink between 6 – 8 glasses a day.

Take a water bottle into every room you go to. When you drink plenty of water, you will have more energy, your skin will glow, and you will be happier!

4 personalised water bottles in shades of grey, white and pink — The Paper Shed Cuts

25. Get a Plant

There is just something about having a plant that brings you peace.

Spend time in your garden. If you do not have any plants, go get one!

Succulents are great to start with because they don’t require you to take care of them that often.

Plan a fairy garden and make it a fun family activity by getting the kids involved.

26. Bake Something

How many delicious recipes do you have in your Pinterest folders that you have never tried?

Go through your folders and find one that makes your mouth-water and bake it!

Enjoy the process and even if it doesn’t turn out as you want it to, be proud that you did something simply because you wanted to.

That is the joy of self-care.

27. Take a Hot Shower

Instead of your quick 5 minute shower, take a nice, long, hot shower.

Get the steam going and enjoy that time to yourself.

Imagine all your worries draining away with the water. You’ll feel brand new!

28. Create Something

Find a craft you want to try and do it.

Make a handmade card for a friend, a wreath for your door, or a fun decoration for your house.

Find a craft kit that will have everything you need and make something just for you.

When you are creative, it opens your mind to new possibilities and helps you work through challenges.

29. Do Your Hair

Take time to do your hair in any way you’d like.

Do you have a new hairstyle you want to try?

Even if you just spend 20 extra minutes curling your hair, do it!

It’s totally okay to dress up for yourself and to feel beautiful even if no one else sees you.

You see yourself, and that is all that matters.

Young woman in hair curlers wearing sunglasses and holding a heart shaped lolly

30. Meditate

Meditating is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Try to meditate for as long as you possibly can, or at least ten minutes. Do a guided one if it is too hard to focus on your own.

Practicing mindfulness, being present in the here and now, helps our minds and bodies to align and takes away our stress.