What It Means
Self-care is taking time to do the things that help you live well and look after both your body and your mind. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says it can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness and raise your energy. It looks different for each person, and finding what works can take some trial and error.
Try It: Check Today's Self-Care
Tick what you managed today. Each line comes from NIMH's self-care tips.
Pick one small one for tomorrow. NIMH says small acts of self-care can have a big impact.
A good day for looking after yourself. Notice which ones felt best.
How People Say It
- "Tonight is a self-care night, phone off and an early bed."
- "My self-care is a walk at lunch."
- "I need to take better care of myself."
The Breakdown
Signs your self-care has slipped
- You've stopped doing the small things you enjoy.
- Your sleep has drifted later and later.
- You haven't really talked to a friend in weeks.
- You feel tired and short-tempered most days.
NIMH's everyday tips
| Area | What NIMH suggests |
|---|---|
| Movement | About 30 minutes of walking a day; shorter bits add up |
| Sleep | A regular schedule, and less blue light from screens before bed |
| Connection | Reach out to friends or family who can support you |
| Rest | A relaxing activity, such as music, reading, time in nature or a low-stress hobby |
A short self-check. Run through the four rows above and mark the one you've neglected most this week. Start there, with the smallest version you can manage.
Starting the conversation. Asking for room to rest is part of it: "I'm running on empty. Can you take bedtime tonight so I can get a walk in?"
Good to Know
NIMH says to seek professional help if you've had severe symptoms for 2 weeks or more, and to get help right away if you have thoughts of suicide or of hurting yourself. Self-care supports your health, and a doctor or a licensed mental health professional is the right next step when stress or low mood won't lift. If you're thinking about suicide or are in crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). Call 911 in an emergency.
FAQ
What does self-care actually mean?
NIMH defines it as taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your physical and mental health. Everyday examples are walking, sleeping on a schedule, calling a friend and doing something relaxing.
How much exercise counts as self-care?
NIMH says 30 minutes of walking every day can lift your mood and improve your health. If you can't do 30 minutes at once, smaller amounts add up.
When is self-care not enough?
NIMH advises seeking professional help if you've had severe symptoms for 2 weeks or more. Thoughts of suicide or of harming yourself need help right away.
Do It in Buhata
Habit streaks (Plus) and Body
Pick one self-care habit, such as a daily walk, add it to Habit streaks (Plus) in Buhata, and log the walk in Body.
Open BuhataRelated Terms and Categories
- Sleep hygiene
The everyday habits and bedroom setup that make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep, like a steady wake-up time and a quiet, cool room.
- Self-compassion
Treating yourself with the kindness you'd offer a friend when you struggle; researcher Kristin Neff describes three parts: self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness.
- Mental health day
A day off work taken to rest and recover from stress or strain, usually drawn from sick leave or PTO under the employer's own policy.
Sources
National Institute of Mental Health, "Caring for Your Mental Health"; 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Last updated .