10 Things to Do to Start Nurturing Yourself and Be Happier

I was told that taking care of ourselves is like tending to a garden; if we don’t wean ourselves the flowers wilt and die. I’ve tried various ways to cultivate my own self care I’ve found 10 practical steps that can change how we feel daily.

From setting boundaries to doing things that bring us joy these have made a difference for me. But finding the right approach can be overwhelming and I often wonder which ones really work.

Let’s break these down and see how they work for you.

1. Mindfulness Daily

When I take a moment to practice mindfulness daily I find it changes my whole perspective. It’s like hitting the reset button on my mind. By doing mindfulness meditation I can step back from the craziness of life and connect with myself.

During these moments I focus on my breath, I breathe in and out and ground myself in the present. Breathing exercises are a big part of this practice. They clear my mind and calm me.

I close my eyes and take deep breaths, the air fills my lungs and releases tension with each exhale. This simple act changes my mood and sharpens my focus and makes life easier.

Try mindfulness in your life. Start with just a few minutes a day. Use mindfulness meditation and breathing exercises to get to know your thoughts and feelings better.

Over time you’ll see how this practice grows your overall happiness and well being. Let’s make mindfulness a daily habit; you deserve that peaceful space.

2. Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is key to my well being and happiness. I’ve learned that boundary setting isn’t just about saying no; it’s about creating a safe space for myself. When I set clear boundaries it helps me protect my personal space and prioritize what’s important to me.

I start by identifying my needs and values.

What do I want to protect?

Whether it’s time for myself, emotional energy or even my physical space, knowing what’s important helps me communicate those boundaries to others. I remind myself it’s okay to be assertive. When I express my boundaries clearly I often find people respect them more than I thought.

I also practice self compassion. I feel guilty about saying no but I remind myself setting boundaries is an act of self love. I focus on the benefits; less stress, more joy and better relationships.

Ultimately setting boundaries allows me to nurture my happiness so I have the energy to fully show up in my life and relationships. Taking these steps feels powerful and I hope you do too.

3. Get Moving

Getting physical transforms not just my body but my mind and spirit.

I’ve found that being active makes me feel more energized and grounded. Whether it’s the gym or the great outdoors, movement is key to my happiness.

Here’s how I self care through physical activity:

1. Group Workouts: Working out with others keeps me motivated and accountable. Shared energy and encouragement makes it fun!
2. Outdoor Activities: I love hiking, cycling or just walking in nature. Fresh air and sunshine fixes my mood instantly.
3. Mix It Up: I try different activities—yoga, dancing or swimming. Variety is key to not getting bored.
4. Set Realistic Goals: I focus on achievable fitness goals, celebrating small wins** along the way. This builds my confidence and keeps me committed.

Putting these into practice has made a huge difference.

4. Sleep First

After getting physical, I’ve realised that another important way I self care is to prioritise sleep. I’ve found that good sleep hygiene is key to my overall happiness. Having a consistent sleep schedule helps my body know when to wind down. I stick to a bedtime routine that tells my body it’s time for rest and I can just slip into sleep mode.

Having a sleep conducive environment has helped too. I keep my bedroom dark, quiet and cool and limit screen time before bed. I practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching to release the day’s stress and fall asleep.

Sometimes I take power naps during the day to recharge. These short breaks really boost my mood and productivity.

By sleeping well I not only feel happier but more energized and ready to take on life. Trust me, self care through sleep is a game changer.

5. Get a Hobby

I know it’s easy to overlook but cultivating a hobby has become one of my favourite ways to self care. Doing activities that bring me joy not only fuels my passion but also gives me space for artistic expression and creativity.

6.Spend Time in Nature

Whenever I go outside I feel an instant lift. There’s something magical about being surrounded by trees, flowers and birdsong. I often take nature walks to get away from the chaos of daily life. With each step I breathe deeply and clear my mind and ground my thoughts.

I’ve found that adding outdoor meditation to these walks takes it to another level. Sitting on a park bench or finding a quiet spot under a tree I connect with the world around me. I focus on my breath and let the sounds of nature wash over me.

I need this time. It recharges my mind and helps me see the beauty in the world. Whether it’s a walk or a moment of stillness nature reminds me what’s important.

7. Connect With Loved Ones

Life can get crazy but making time to connect with loved ones is one of the best ways to cultivate happiness.

I’ve found that just reaching out can lift my mood. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Make phone calls – Set a day each week to call friends or family. Hearing their voices is a comforting reminder of our connection.
2. Share experiences – Whether it’s watching a movie together or cooking the same recipe, doing things together—even from afar—can create lasting memories.
3. Send messages – A text or a handwritten note can brighten someone’s day and remind them they’re loved.
4. Plan a visit – If you can, plan a get together. Spending time in person can deepen the connection and create shared experiences you’ll treasure.

8. Nourish Your Body

Nourishing my body is a big part of my happiness journey as I’ve found that what I eat directly affects my mood and energy.

I’ve learned that healthy eating isn’t a trend; it’s an investment in my well being. Focusing on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains—has made a big difference in how I feel daily.

One strategy I’ve adopted is meal prep. Setting aside time each week to plan and prep my meals helps me stay on track. It’s so much easier to make healthy choices when I have healthy meals ready to go.

And cooking is therapeutic! I enjoy creating colourful, delicious meals that feed my body and soul.

I’ve also learned it’s okay to indulge sometimes. Balance is key and treating myself helps me maintain a healthy relationship with food.

By nourishing my body I’m supporting my physical health and cultivating a happier, more energised mind.

9.Limit Screen Time

Eating well has definitely lifted my mood and energy but I’ve also come to realise that managing my screen time is a big part of my happiness too.

I’ve started embracing a digital detox, and it’s been a game-changer. Here’s what I’ve learned about limiting screen time:

1. Explore Screen Alternatives: Instead of binge-watching shows, I’ve turned to reading books or picking up hobbies like painting or gardening. It feels so rewarding!
2. Nature Breaks: Spending time outdoors has a rejuvenating effect. I’ve made it a point to take short walks, and the fresh air does wonders for my mood.
3. Mindful Moments: I practice mindfulness by engaging in activities that don’t involve screens, like cooking or practicing yoga. This keeps me grounded and present.

10. Thoughts and Writings

Since I’ve been putting my mental health first, writing in a book and thinking about things have become big parts of my path to happiness.

I’ve learned that putting down my feelings and thoughts helps me understand them better. Self-discovery questions like “What am I thankful for today?” or “What did I get through this week?” help me think more deeply about my thoughts and feelings.

Writing in a gratitude book has changed everything for me. I write down three things I’m thankful for every night, no matter how small.

This simple habit shifts my attention from what’s lacking in my life to what’s plenty. It helps me train my mind to find happiness even when things are bad.

Also, writing down my hopes and dreams in a book keeps me going. It’s a place where I can talk about my hopes and fears without worrying about being judged.

So, if you’re stuck or stressed, write in a book. You might be pleased with what you find and how it makes you feel.

My Final Thought

It makes me happy to think about what’s coming next as I finish this journey of self-care. Imagine being fully present, full of energy and happy every day when you wake up. What would happen if you did it today? Now is the time to make decisions that will change your life in ways you never thought possible. Are you ready to jump in and find out how cool this can be? Your better self is ready!