01/21/2025
**"100 Acts of Inner-Child Care: Nurturing Yourself Through Recovery"**
Inspired by the work of Lindsay Gibson
# # # General Self-Care Practices
1. Journaling feelings and memories regularly.
2. Setting clear boundaries with emotionally immature people.
3. Allowing yourself to say “no” without guilt.
4. Practicing mindfulness meditation daily.
5. Engaging in deep breathing exercises during stressful moments.
6. Creating a safe, comforting personal space at home.
7. Developing a self-soothing ritual (e.g., lighting candles, listening to music).
8. Taking regular nature walks for grounding.
9. Scheduling time each day for hobbies or interests.
10. Writing down affirmations to challenge negative self-talk.
# # # Emotional Healing and Affirmation
11. Reaffirming that your feelings and needs are valid.
12. Acknowledging your efforts and progress in healing.
13. Giving yourself permission to grieve unmet childhood needs.
14. Engaging in creative expression, like drawing or painting.
15. Practicing self-compassion through compassionate self-talk.
16. Keeping a list of your achievements and reading it regularly.
17. Writing letters to your inner child, offering support and encouragement.
18. Rewriting critical messages from your parents into affirmations.
19. Allowing yourself to cry as a form of emotional release.
20. Celebrating small victories, even if they seem trivial.
# # # Building a Positive Self-Image
21. Practicing daily gratitude journaling.
22. Choosing clothes that make you feel confident and happy.
23. Using visualization to imagine your ideal self.
24. Complimenting yourself every morning in the mirror.
25. Listening to uplifting podcasts or audiobooks.
26. Curating a playlist of songs that make you feel empowered.
27. Celebrating your uniqueness with a scrapbook of personal memories.
28. Trying new activities that challenge your comfort zone.
29. Creating a vision board for your dreams and goals.
30. Reflecting on the qualities you admire in yourself.
# # # Physical and Sensory Nurturing
31. Taking a warm bath with calming essential oils.
32. Getting enough sleep and maintaining a sleep routine.
33. Drinking herbal teas that promote relaxation.
34. Eating favorite childhood comfort foods.
35. Exploring aromatherapy with soothing scents like lavender.
36. Giving yourself a gentle massage or using a massage tool.
37. Spending time in direct sunlight or under a weighted blanket.
38. Pampering yourself with skincare or haircare routines.
39. Engaging in playful activities like jumping on a trampoline.
40. Hugging yourself or using a body pillow for comfort.
# # # Social and Relational Acts
41. Spending time with people who make you feel safe and supported.
42. Seeking a therapist or joining a support group.
43. Practicing active listening in conversations to build connection.
44. Writing gratitude notes to those who have supported you.
45. Learning to assert your needs kindly but firmly.
46. Reconnecting with a trusted childhood friend.
47. Celebrating your chosen family or support network.
48. Saying “thank you” when you receive compliments, instead of deflecting.
49. Setting up regular check-ins with supportive people in your life.
50. Prioritizing reciprocal relationships over draining ones.
# # # Reclaiming Playfulness and Joy
51. Watching favorite childhood movies or cartoons.
52. Building or crafting something just for fun.
53. Allowing yourself to daydream without judgment.
54. Dancing like no one is watching.
55. Playing with pets or spending time at an animal shelter.
56. Visiting a playground or trying a fun, childlike activity.
57. Using coloring books or puzzles as a relaxing activity.
58. Baking cookies or treats and sharing them.
59. Blowing bubbles or engaging in whimsical activities.
60. Playing a game or learning magic tricks.
# # # Intellectual and Creative Growth
61. Reading books that inspire and uplift.
62. Learning a new skill or hobby that excites you.
63. Writing short stories or poetry to process emotions.
64. Joining a class or workshop in an area of interest.
65. Creating a photo album or scrapbook of positive memories.
66. Keeping a curiosity journal about topics you’d like to explore.
67. Trying out new recipes as a creative outlet.
68. Engaging in community projects that spark passion.
69. Making a gratitude collage with images and words.
70. Reading inspirational quotes and affirmations.
# # # Reconnecting with Authenticity
71. Honoring your preferences in daily decisions.
72. Reflecting on your core values and how to live by them.
73. Giving yourself permission to rest without guilt.
74. Practicing authenticity by expressing opinions honestly.
75. Taking regular time to check in with your emotions.
76. Practicing forgiveness for past mistakes.
77. Reviewing childhood photos to connect with your inner child.
78. Giving your inner child a comforting name or symbol.
79. Writing a personal mission statement about who you want to be.
80. Affirming your right to take up space and have needs.
# # # Acts of Kindness for Yourself
81. Buying yourself small, meaningful gifts.
82. Treating yourself to a solo date or outing.
83. Creating a “joy jar” filled with positive memories or affirmations.
84. Trying a guided meditation focused on self-love.
85. Setting aside time each week for guilt-free relaxation.
86. Practicing smiling at yourself in the mirror.
87. Taking “mental health days” when needed.
88. Planting a garden or caring for houseplants.
89. Spending time near water (beaches, lakes, or fountains).
90. Hosting a mini celebration for your accomplishments.
# # # Empowering Choices
91. Saying “yes” to new opportunities that excite you.
92. Removing yourself from toxic situations or conversations.
93. Revisiting dreams or goals you set aside.
94. Learning to accept constructive criticism without overreacting.
95. Starting therapy to explore deeper emotional needs.
96. Speaking kindly to yourself when you make mistakes.
97. Writing a list of qualities you want in a partner or friend.
98. Creating a mantra for resilience and self-acceptance.
99. Decluttering your environment to create peace.
100. Reflecting on what it means to be your own best advocate.
