creating your sustainable bliss list (and 37 self-care ideas to include)
written by Jasmine Irven
We’ve written a number of blogs on coping with feelings of stress and overwhelm; steps you can take when you’re feeling overwhelmed, different ways to practise self-care, ideas for simple pleasures you can incorporate into your life to upgrade your happiness, simple ways to reduce stress, and advice on how to stay calm amidst chaos.
While we hope these resources are helpful in providing some guidance when you’re experiencing feelings of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm, the truth of the matter is that we are all impacted differently, and respond differently, when these feelings hit.
And so, it’s important to have your own list of ideas, self-care practises, and steps you can take when you’re feeling off; a list we’re calling your sustainable bliss list. 💫
You can have a number of lists outlining steps to take when you’re experiencing different feelings (and I’d recommend doing so), but for your sustainable bliss list I want you to focus on steps you can take that are simple, and will bring you happiness.
This list should be somewhere accessible; in your journal, phone, etc., and should be a list of actions you can take when you’re feeling off in your daily life.
consider asking yourself:
Can I put a label on my feelings? (You don’t always have to be able to explain why you’re feeling a certain way, but if you can identify the overall feeling it may be helpful in knowing which approach to take).
When was the last time I felt this way?
What steps have I taken in the past when I’ve felt this way? Which steps were helpful? Which actions caused more harm than good?
What do I enjoy doing?
What makes me feel good?
What are simple steps I can take to boost my mood?
These questions will help form the basis of your bliss list.
While I truly believe this is something you need to go inwards for, to determine what works for you individually, what you find helpful, and what brings you joy, I’ve curated a list of 37 things you might consider putting on your list!
Try to keep your list to 10-15 things so that you don’t become overwhelmed by the list itself.
P.S - I also recommend trying to do 1-2 of these things daily - regardless of how you’re feeling! If you can begin to incorporate some of the things that make you genuinely happy into your daily life, you’re creating a safe + beautiful environment for yourself, with hopefully less stress to begin with.
inspiration for your bliss list
Make a cup of tea or coffee and sip it slowly
Open a favourite book or start a new one
Doodle, paint, draw, CREATE
Write, journal, or brain-dump to clear your mind
Meditate (y’all know this is always on my list)
Call a friend
Text a family member
Donate to a cause you believe in
Have sex and/or pleasure yourself
Give yourself a massage
Take a bath or shower
Do a face mask
Book an appointment (nails, hair, massage, reiki, etc.)
Go on a walk
Workout
Dance
Cook or bake
Make a list
Disconnect
Watch a movie with popcorn
Curl up in bed
Treat yourself to a dinner out
Make a summer mocktail
Drink water
Take a break from the task at hand
Clean/ tidy your space
Watch an inspirational YouTube video or TED Talk
Go on a drive
Explore a new area
Book a vacation
Brainstorm your goals
Ask for help
Take a mindful moment
Rest
Open the windows + blinds
Sit in the sun
Listen to music
Indulge (whatever that means to you)
You know yourself best! What makes you feel incredible? Where do you feel most at peace? Be truthful with yourself, and make a list of all of your favourite rituals, practises, and routines.
There you have it! This is your sustainable bliss list; a list you can refer to this whenever you’re feeling off. These are things you can rely on to bring yourself a little care and love in times of stress, so nothing is off limits.
Take a deep breath. Give yourself grace. And remember, regardless, be kind to yourself. 💛
Sustainable Bliss Collective endorses products & brands we genuinely love and support. If you end up making a purchase through one of our affiliate links, it will not cost you anything but we may earn a commission. Learn more here.
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about the author
Hey there! I’m Jasmine, founder of the Sustainable Bliss Collective, a Certified Meditation Teacher, and lover of all things self-care, slow-living, and personal development.
I believe that ambition and self-care can coexist, and as such I hope to encourage and inspire you to take care of yourself, breathe deeply, connect with who you are, manifest your dreams, enjoy the blissful moments of each day, and make an impact in this beautiful world we call home.
Connect with me on Instagram here!
