8/3 - Color Outside the Lines: Creative Self-Care Ideas You Haven't Tried
Color Outside the Lines:
7 Creative Self-Care Ideas You Haven’t Tried
As I've said before, when most people hear “self-care,” their minds jump to bubble baths, scented candles, or maybe journaling with a cup of tea. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those go-to comforts, let’s be honest — sometimes they just don’t hit the spot, especially if they're things you've been doing for a while. You need something new and fresh....something different.
True self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s not a checklist or a trend; it’s about tuning in to what you really need — mentally, emotionally, physically, and creatively. And sometimes, the best way to meet those needs is to color outside the lines and try something new, unexpected, or even a little quirky. In yesterday's episode of the Married & Confused Podcast, we discussed a few different and fun self-care ideas. This blog post expands on some additional self-care ideas that you can use, if the good ol' stand by's aren't working anymore.
Ready to shake up your routine? Here are some creative self-care ideas you probably haven’t tried — but just might love.
🎨 1. Make “Bad Art” on Purpose
Give yourself permission to be messy and imperfect. Grab crayons, dollar-store paints, finger paints, or sidewalk chalk and create for the joy of it — not to produce something pretty. You can use large poster board, butcher paper, the sidewalk, the bathtub...the list can be endless. And who know, you might end up creating an abstract art masterpiece! But sometimes it's just fun to let loose and be messy.
This is especially healing if you tend to put pressure on yourself to perform or "do it right." Think of it as a rebellion against perfectionism in the name of self-expression and self-care.
🎠2. Create a Secret Persona for the Day
What? What? Yes, really. Become “Vacation You” or “Confident CEO You” or "Sexy You" for 24 hours. Dress differently. Order a bold coffee. Walk into the store like you own the place. Let go of all the pressure you put on yourself to be a certain way or fill a certain role.
This playful identity shift helps you step out of your daily stress loops and see life from a new perspective — while still being fully you. This might be especially good for Stay at Home Moms who long to be someone else, even if just for a day.
🛑 3. Practice a Day of Saying “No”
Try an intentional “No Day.” I'm not talking about being negative about everything. But I am suggesting saying "No" to things that drain you. "No" to overexplaining. "No" to digital noise.
It's not about being rude — it’s about rediscovering your boundaries and making room for your own voice again.
🧩 4. Do Something Pointless on Purpose
Start a puzzle with no intention of finishing it. Rearrange your bookshelf by color. Watch a documentary on something totally random. Color in a coloring book. Watch a tv show in another language. The goal is to engage your brain without needing productivity or outcomes.
Rest doesn’t always look like doing nothing — sometimes, it looks like doing something meaningless with intention.
🌲 5. Go on a Micro-Adventure
You may think you need a long vacation. You don’t need a week off or a mountain hike. Pick a random town 30 minutes away and go explore it. Drive a different route to work or to the store. Try a new park, walk into a store you’ve never been in, or eat something you've never ordered.
Self-care through novelty can be a powerful mental reset. It allows your brain an opportunity to experience new things and begin developing new neural pathways. Or it could just spur you to add a new activity to the list of things you like to do.
🎧 6. Curate a “Feel-Good” Playlist That’s Just for You
Forget what’s trending — build a playlist that makes YOU feel alive. Whether it’s gospel, 90s pop, lo-fi beats, or Disney soundtracks, music can change your mood, energy, and even your posture. In yesterday's Married & Confused Episode, we talked about how and healing music can be, especially music from your high school years.
Don’t underestimate the power of sound to restore your soul. And don't worry about what anyone else thinks of your playlist...it's just for you!
💌 7. Write a Letter to Yourself from the Future
Imagine yourself five years from now — wiser, more grounded, and grateful for how far you’ve come. What would that version of you want to say? What wisdom would you want to impart to your younger self or to others around you? This is more than a journal entry. It’s a connection point with hope, direction, and trust in your own growth. How can you encourage today's self?
Or, for a different variation, write a letter to yourself from the Past. What would you like to remind yourself about? How can you encourage your future self? Be creative!
Why It Matters
Outside-the-box self-care helps you connect more deeply with yourself — not just soothe your stress, but get curious about it. It invites you to step out of autopilot, embrace play, and nurture your creativity and uniqueness. That’s the kind of self-care that transforms — not just relaxes. Contrary to popular opinion, self-care is NOT just about relaxation or stress relief, although that is part of it. Self-care is about doing things that really nurture every aspect of who you are and who you can be. Self-care allows you to escape the norm and explore.
Your Turn
Try one of the ideas above this week — and don’t overthink it. Which one feels exciting, silly, or surprisingly fitting for your mood right now? That’s probably the one your soul is craving.
And remember: you don’t need permission to take care of yourself in ways that look different. Your self-care can be weird. Wild. Quiet. Loud. Or anything in between. As long as it’s honest.
Here’s to coloring outside the lines — and finding healing in the unexpected.
If you'd like to hear the Married & Confused Podcast Episode that also tackles this topic, where my colleague, Claudia Delgado, LCSW, and I discuss this together, please click here.
If you'd like to see any of my other previous blog posts, please click here. Or a previous blog post about Self-Care, click here.
I provide online individual and couples counseling throughout California, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida.
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