Feeling tired, stressed, or overwhelmed? Don’t forget to take care of yourself! These self-care DIY projects are a great way to get started.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps me cover the costs of running the blog! It’s a win-win!
If you’re anything like me, you carry a lot of stress in your day-to-day life. And despite everyone around you saying you need to prioritize self-care, it can be hard to find the time.
Self-care means different things to different people. It can be a hot shower, a long walk, seeing a band you love in concert, watching a favorite movie, reading a book, making art, etc.
For me, self-care is often crafting/making. Particularly when I’m making with no real end goal in mind. (As in, I’m not making something that’s needed on a timeline, or something that needs to be perfect.)
If you also find that crafting is relaxing, the projects on this list will serve double duty. You get to make them, and use them!
Let’s get to the list!
10 Relaxing Self-Care DIY Projects to Nourish Your Soul
01. Bath Bombs
A nice bath is sometimes all it takes to settle the mind and ease the nerves. It’s also great for stiff or sore muscles–and taking care of your physical state is just as important as taking care of your mental state! Bath bombs are simple to make and elevate the bath experience. Plus they make fantastic self-care gifts for friends and loved ones! Just make sure any additives you include are safe for skin and sensitive areas!
02. Whipped Body Butter
Body butter can be such a wonderful, luxurious thing to have on hand. The ingredients that you use to make it will determine how expensive the project is, but the process isn’t a difficult one. Aim for additives–like fragrance oils–that are calming like lavender. Or, if you want something a little more invigorating, try citrus oils. (I’m partial to all things citrus, or vanilla. Or both!) Make sure whatever you use is skin-safe and that it doesn’t contain any ingredients that you’re allergic to!
03. Magnesium Lotion
I love magnesium. As someone who deals with chronic pain, magnesium is a lifesaver. But sometimes I just don’t want to take more pills and I don’t have time for an Epsom salt bath. This is where a lotion like this comes in. Magnesium is a mineral that absorbs well through the skin. It helps with pain, but it can also improve your mood and your sleep. (Read more about that here) Do yourself a favor and make this lotion you can apply before bed.
04. Bath Salts
Baths, baths, and more baths! I know a lot of people think of baths when they think of self-care–it may be a little cliche, but for good reason. Nothing beats settling into a tub full of warm water. Bath salts make that experience even better! Plus, bath salts give you all the benefits of magnesium mentioned above because bath salt, or Epsom salt, is just magnesium sulfate.
05. Shower Steamers
Don’t have time for a luxurious bath? No problem! Get a dose of essential oils and aromatherapy with a shower steamer! Eucalyptus is a great scent for shower steamers, and it is amazing for congestion/sinus issues. Shower steamers are an awesome self-care project, but they’re also perfect for gifts and favors. This is one project I haven’t tried yet, but it’s high on my to-do list!
06. DIY Journal
Journaling is great for self-care, but sometimes finding the “perfect” journal feels so overwhelming. If that’s the case for you, why not make your own? It’s not difficult, and you can customize it to be whatever you want it to be. Whether it’s a place for writing affirmations, tracking your goals, or writing letters you’ll never send, a custom self-care journal is a fun project.
07. Affirmation Cards
If you love affirmations, why not make your own affirmation cards? There are so many ways you can go about it, too! There are tons of templates online you can download (there are even some on Canva!) but you can also just brainstorm affirmations that resonate with you and then write them out on index cards or pieces of paper. If you don’t know where to start, ChatGPT can generate affirmations for you, or you can find lists online.
08. Lavender Sleep Spray
Lavender is well-known as a particularly calming scent. It’s often used in sprays, candles, lotions, and even tea. Lavender is said to calm nerves, reduce stress, and aid in sleep. If you need more of any of those things in your life–calm and sleep specifically–give this lavender sleep spray a try.
09. Self-Care Jar
Sometimes when you need to treat yourself to some self-care, you’re too overwhelmed to decide on something helpful. That’s where this self-care jar comes in. Fill it with easy self-care ideas (like “take a nap”, “go for a walk”, “color a picture”, etc.) that you can draw on in those moments when you can’t decide or just don’t want to do anything. This would be a great girls’ night craft–everyone decorates their jars and then works together to come up with ideas to put in those jars. This is also a great project to do with kids to encourage them to start prioritizing self-care when they’re young!
10. Lavender Aromatherapy Candle
More lavender–but on a list of self-care DIYs, that’s to be expected! If you love candles, this could be a great project to tackle. And if you’re into all things metaphysical, why not add some lovely crystals that represent calm, peace, and security? Amethyst would be a good tumbled stone to include on the top of your candle! This is another DIY that would be tons of fun with a group.
Will you try any of these self-care DIY projects?
Crafting is one of my best methods of self-care. Whether I’m working with clay, sewing, coloring, or beading, I love being able to create something new.
What are some of your favorite self-care DIY projects? What are other forms of self-care that you enjoy? Let me know in the comments below!
For more fun projects to try, check out my archive of free patterns and resources.
Happy making!
