Self-Care Ideas for Staying at Home: Tips and Tricks

The best self-care ideas at home are small and simple: switch off your phone, move your body, write a few lines in a journal, clear some clutter, learn something new, enjoy your skincare and run a warm bath. We first wrote these tips during lockdown, but they work just as well on any quiet day at home. Pick one or two and make a little time for yourself.

Why check in with yourself?

Life at home can slip into autopilot. Every so often it is worth asking: how am I doing, and am I happy with where things are? We all fall off track in one way or another, and that is completely okay.

Self-care is simply making time to look after yourself. Whether it is switching off your phone, enjoying your skincare or clearing out a box of things you no longer need, it is a chance to release the old and welcome the new. Most importantly, enjoy the process.

Simple self-care ideas for staying at home

1. Disconnect, to connect

It can be really hard to switch off your phone, but it might be one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. Constant news, social media and emails can weigh on you more than you think.

Disconnect from the noise so you can reconnect with yourself. Read a book, go for a walk or try something new. Find your joy away from your devices, and you will thank yourself for it.

2. Meditate, unwind, exercise

When you spend a lot of time at home, tension can build up in the body and you may notice more aches than usual. Meditating, unwinding and moving your body are gentle ways to ease that tension and let go of stored-up pressure.

A few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser can make a meditation corner feel calm and welcoming. And finally, breathe deeply. You owe it to yourself.

3. Journal

Daily, weekly or monthly journaling is a lovely self-care idea. Many people find that putting thoughts on paper helps them feel calmer and more reflective. Try one of these prompts at home:

• What made you feel good today?
• What have you learned over the past year?
• What do you want to bring more of into your life? What are your goals and dreams?
• What limiting beliefs are getting in your way? Are you ready to let go of them?
• How can you show more kindness to yourself and others?

4. Get rid of the old

Decluttering is one of the simplest self-care ideas there is. Holding on to lots of unused things can quietly weigh on you, and clearing them out brings a fresh feeling to your home.

Be honest with yourself: do you really need all of it? Clear out old clothes, objects and furniture, then enjoy how much lighter your space feels. Finish with a fresh citrus scent such as lemon oil in the diffuser to mark a new start.

5. Learn something new

More time at home is a chance to do something you have always wanted to do. Maybe it is a dream you have carried since you were a child. Listen to what you are drawn to.

Gardening, drawing, music or starting a blog are all great places to begin. Pick up a book to guide you, or sign up for an online class. Why not?

How to make skincare part of your self-care

A daily skincare routine can bring a little structure and self-love to your day. Each morning or evening, take your favourite facial serum or oil and gently massage your face from the centre outwards. It is a soothing, mindful moment that helps your skin look fresh and glowing.

Want more ideas? Try our 4 self-care Sunday recipes or browse our natural skincare range.

Why a bath is great self-care

A warm bath is one of our favourite ways to slow down at home. Let the water ease your body and help the tension drift away.

• It can ease everyday muscle tension and soreness.
• It is a calming way to relax and unwind.
• It can soften and soothe the skin.
• It makes a comforting end to a busy day.

Add essential oils, carrier oils and soothing salts for an even more enjoyable soak that leaves you fresh and rejuvenated. For a morning boost, try our stimulating bath with lemon and rosemary.

Keep going and enjoy the process

Keep challenging yourself to learn new things and find joy in simple pleasures. Head outside for a daily walk and some fresh air, or learn to cook something you have always wanted to try. There is nothing stopping you, so go for it. Freely and fiercely.

For a calm routine that goes with these ideas, read our simple mindfulness routine for stress relief.

Using essential oils safely

• Some citrus oils, such as lemon, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Our bergamot is FCF, with the sun-sensitising part removed, but using the serum in the evening is still a simple extra precaution.
• Keep oils out of reach of children and away from the eyes.
• Speak to a qualified practitioner if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition.

FAQs

What are some easy self-care ideas to start with?

Begin small. Switching off your phone for an hour, going for a daily walk, journaling for five minutes or running a warm bath are all gentle, low-effort ways to look after yourself.

How do I start a journaling habit?

Keep it simple and use a prompt, such as "what made me feel good today?" Writing a few lines at the same time each day, in the morning or before bed, helps the habit stick.

Can I use the DIY facial serum every day?

Yes, most people enjoy it as part of an evening routine. Patch test first, and stop using it if your skin feels irritated.

Which essential oils are nice for a relaxing bath?

Lavender, rosemary and citrus oils such as lemon are popular choices. Stir a few drops through Epsom salt or a carrier oil before adding them to the water.

How can I make screen-free time easier?

Set a specific time, move your phone to another room and have something ready to do instead, such as a book, a walk or a craft. Removing the temptation makes it far easier to switch off.

The bottom line

Self-care at home is about small, kind habits: less screen time, gentle movement, a journal, a tidy space, a new skill, a skincare routine and a warm bath. Start with one today. Find lavender, lemon, rosemary and more in our essential oils collection.