After the past two years of learning how to adapt in a post-Covid world, we’ve all needed to get creative when it comes time for self-care. So if collapsing into bed with your favorite skincare routine doesn’t have the same rejuvenating effect that it used to, it might be time to try out a few virtual self-care activities.
Taking time for yourself is always essential, and it’s far more likely that you’ll stick with your daily routine if encouraging friends or family are by your side. In addition, building a supportive community around different activities that you enjoy can help to amplify the positive effects of taking good care of yourself.
We’ve taken the extra steps towards community care by providing you with 12 virtual yet, fun self care activities.
12 of the Best Self Care Activities to Enjoy Online
1. Enroll in a virtual self-care group
When facilitated by a licensed therapist, receiving therapy in small groups with like-minded individuals can help to foster a sense of community and support. As someone that has been a member of a self-care group recently, group therapy offered a much-needed sense of solidarity.
The feelings of stress were more manageable because they created an understanding space where everyone was on the same page, ensuring me that no one felt alone in their struggles. It will quickly become one of your favorite places to open up to others when you have access to a trained professional that can offer expert advice while seeking camaraderie.
2. Create a group text group
This is a great way to not only keep in touch with a family member or a group of friends but one of the best ways to boost your mental health. You can share positive messages, self-care quotes, and week highlights.
It creates a safe space to encourage each other on days when you may feel overwhelmed or down. Forming a group text with people rooting for you in more ways than one can boost your energy levels and help you stay more connected to your community.
3. Visit a museum online
Visiting a historic piece of virtual art or virtual museums has become more accessible than ever before. Exploring virtual attractions from the comfort of your home is a fun way to escape into different worlds without leaving your own.
There’s no better time to explore Museums such as the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture or the DuSable Museum of African American History. Both offer virtual exhibits that will connect you to the history and culture of different places.
4. Go through old and recent photos and videos
Doing this takes care of our minds like no other virtual activity does. We tend to forget that memories are just as important as current moments, and taking a stroll down memory lane can help us reflect on the nostalgic times and remind us of our past achievements.
It’s a good idea to create a separate folder in your phone so that when those negative emotions arise, you can scroll through the folder of memories and find peace during the most difficult times.
5. Live tweet with your videos
Put social media to get use by penciling in a night with your friends to watch a show or movie together and live tweet your reactions, thoughts, and feelings. It can be a great way to keep the conversation going, even if you’re all in different locations.
Bonus points for scheduling this weekly with your friends for a feel-good hormone-inducing virtual activity.
6. Schedule a weekly online yoga class
To promote physical health on a weekly basis, take a yoga class online. There are a ton of online yoga classes we featured here on the site. While enjoying the yoga stretches and breathing exercises, you can easily connect with your inner self and help bring your focus back to the present moment.
7. Use a self-care app
One of the most common self-care ideas to commit to is ensuring that you take care of yourself. A range of apps available to help with self-care and relaxation that we’ve personally vetted, such as Mindpet are great apps to play and relax with friends.
Meditation apps like Balance offer a free one-year membership that will give you access to daily meditations to promote deep breathing, sleep support, sound scans, and more.
8. Listen to a mindfulness meditation podcast
Besides reading great books through your virtual book club, a simple way to practice self-care is to listen to a mindfulness meditation podcast. These podcasts help reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase overall well-being.
Once your virtual group has been solidified, one of your group goals on your self-care plan could be to listen to and discuss one podcast episode a week.
Check out more articles on self-care ideas:
30 Soothing Self-Care Ideas for A Bad Day
Beauty Self-Care Ideas We Want You to Know About
9. Make dinner with a friend
Healthy eating habits can have a huge impact on our overall health. Make virtual cooking nights with friends and family, focusing on different recipes that promote healthy eating habits. One week could focus on vegan dishes, while the next could focus on quick and easy recipes with ingredients that can be found in most pantries.
10. Do a dance workout together
It’s a good thing to schedule more movement in your week. For example, form a virtual dance party or learn a trending dance from TikTok with friends. Virtual workouts are a fantastic way to reach your fitness goals and stay motivated. Plus, it’s just more fun when you do it with others.
11. Create an accountability group
Creating a group is a great way to maintain your self-care regimen and ensure that your basic day-to-day needs are met. In addition, you can keep each other accountable for medical appointments, health screenings, check-ins on mental health, and any other goals you may have set for yourself.
Let the people in your accountability group know when your appointment dates are, and make sure you check in with them o let them know how the appointment went.
More self-care content found on the site:
6 Mindful Physical Self-Care Ideas For Your Mind And Body
12. Join a self-care group on Facebook
Connecting with others and prioritizing self-care can help you get to a healthier and happier place. Joining online groups like Self Care for Black Girls is an opportunity for you to learn about new practices, ask questions related to personal care, or share your own experiences so that everyone benefits from the collective wisdom of other members.