Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: self-care ideas

It's Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, a perfect occasion to think about how you are feeling and what steps you can take for your wellbeing. Self-care is a term that often gets misused these days- it's not all about spending a fortune on face masks and face creams. Instead, it's about nourishing your soul and making the time for yourself that you need. You'll find a number of helpful self-care ideas below that can make a real difference to your mental health.

Why is self-care important?

In these modern times it's common to be spread too thin, juggling kids, work, responsibilities and your relationship- which leaves very little time for you to focus on yourself. As the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup, so make a little time for yourself as much as possible- even 30 minutes helps.

Self-care ideas that you can try anytime:

Journaling

With a million thoughts and worries flying around in your head, journaling can help get your mind straight and feel calmer. You needn't approach journaling as a rigid write-what-happens-every-day activity. Instead, pick it up when you feel your mind is busy, and spill out however you feel or whatever is on your mind. Use it to be honest about how you feel about things, people, or whatever- anything you need to get out, do it! 

Reading

Sitting quietly with a book is one of life's greatest pleasures. No matter what you enjoy reading, be it fiction, cookery books, or even true crime, make time to get cosy in a quiet place for a little time to ignore your phone and lose yourself in the pages. You could also try winding down by going to bed half an hour earlier and reading by lamp light before drifting off.

Spend time in nature

Nature's restorative effects on the soul are well documented. Try to get some time in nature everyday- even 15 minutes spent walking through the park and listening to the birds can help soothe you. Try walking in a local forest and taking in the gentle sounds around you- the crunch of your shoes on the ground, the leaves in the breeze, or the feel of the fresh air going in to your lungs. 

Take the time to see loved ones

Schedule time when you can to meet up with friends and family. Meeting a friend to catch up for an hour can help you feel more connected and surrounded by support, even if you only talk about simple things. Community is the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week this year, because having people around you is vital for your wellbeing. Make time to visit those you love and care about regularly to give yourself a sense of community.

Try some breathing exercises

5 minutes spent doing some simple breathing exercises can help to calm your mind and make you feel more grounded. You needn't wait until you feel stressed- try them whenever you get a spare 5 minutes to access some calm that helps regulate your stress levels over the day. Our box breathing video provides relief within only a couple of minutes!

Practice gratitude

Thinking about what you are grateful for every day is proven to improve happiness. It can also help you cope better when life is difficult. To practise gratitude keep a notebook around and note down a few things every day that you are grateful for. Everything counts, from the sound of rain outside to a delicious pizza!

Get some fresh air and move your body

Getting outside does wonders for clearing the cobwebs from your brain, and moving your body at the same time makes you feel good. If you're not keen on running or cycling, try just going for a walk every day, or doing some gardening. 

Time for rest

There might be work left unfinished, dishes in the sink or laundry to be sorted, but your wellbeing needs prioritising. Take breaks from the busyness and make time to relax and do what makes you feel chilled out. A warm bath, laying on the sofa to watch a comedy show or sitting in the sunshine for a little while can all help you feel better. 

Get to bed earlier

We know how it feels when you've had a rough day and all you want to do is squeeze in a bit more phone scrolling or another episode of the show you're bingeing, but an early night can work wonders for your energy levels and mental health. Sprinkle some lavender oil on your pillow case, snuggle under the covers and enjoy the warmth and cosiness. 

Try a peaceful activity

Certain activities can make you feel instantly better. Try one of the following and see how it makes you feel:

• play around with some watercolour paints (don't worry how it turns out, just have fun!)
• yoga. If you don't fancy an in-person class, try following a YouTube video at home
• tai-chi. This ancient practice helps focus the mind on gentle, mindful movements
• stretching. Spend 20 minutes stretching out your limbs, back and neck to release the tension
• colouring
• listening to peaceful music.