Yes, you MAY take time for yourself. In fact, you need to for your wellbeing and happiness. Here are 50 May self-care activities for you to try out this month.
You know that taking care of yourself is essential for maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. But sometimes you need a little nudge in the right direction!
It’s important to set aside time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
You deserve it.
You are worth it.
You are a better you when you take the time to focus on your own needs and desires.
To make sure you take time for yourself this month, we’ve compiled a list of 50 self-care activities for May.
These activities range from simple and easy to more time-consuming, but all are designed to help you care for yourself and improve your well-being.
Whether you prefer to spend time outdoors, try a new hobby, or simply relax at home, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Here are 50 May self-care activities that will keep you buzzing with energy!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my blog. See my disclosure page for details..
50 May Self-Care Activities to Try This Month
- It’s Better Sleep Month – make this your rationale for getting 7-9 hours every night.
2. Schedule your dermatologist‘s annual visit for Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
3. Try out a new asparagus recipe, it’s National Asparagus Month!
4. Monitor your blood pressure – and share your results with your primary care physician – for National Blood Pressure Month.
5. Take your bike into the shop for a full maintenance check so that it’s ready to go all season. (National Bicycle Safety Month)
6. Commit to a daily meditation practice (National Meditation Month)
7. Get outside and take a walk for National Walking Month.
8. Catch up with your siblings by phone, text, email – or even snail mail -for National Brothers and Sisters Day (May 2)
9. Meditate outside on May 3 (National Garden Meditation Day)
10. Host a gathering with mint juleps, big hats, and bigger competition as you cheer on the horses at the Kentucky Derby (May 4)
11. Indulge in tacos and tequila on Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
12. The act of giving can be self-care, so give someone a cupcake on Give Someone a Cupcake Day (May 8)
13. Mother’s Day is May 12 – celebrate with your mom, your kids, someone who represents the concept of “Mom” for you, or even just yourself!
14. Raise a toast of bubbly on May 16 – National Mimosa Day
15. Buy a pot and a pretty plant and combine the two for National Plant Something Day (May 19)
16. May 20 is National Pick Strawberries Day, so head out to the u-pick-it farm and gather some juicy berries.
17. Put some of those berries in a yummy dessert (National Strawberries and Cream Day)
18. Remember our veterans on Memorial Day (May 25)
19. Get a pedicure and show it off on National Flip Flop Day (May 29)
20. Sit in your yard or a public garden for a few minutes, eyes closed, and simply relax.
21. Visit a plant nursery and soak in all the color and fragrance – then pick out a special plant to bring home.
22. Collect some smooth, round rocks and paint them. Scatter them around your neighborhood for friends to randomly discover.
23. Go for a long, slow hike or walk and take the time to appreciate nature’s beauty.
24. Attend a sunrise yoga class outside.
25. Set aside a few minutes each day for stream-of-consciousness journaling.
26. Read up on meal prepping, and try making a few freezer meals in an afternoon – save them for busy days to come.
27. Try out the 6-1 grocery shopping method to get in and out of the store fast! Buy 6 vegetables, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 starches, 2 sauces, and 1 treat. Mix and match to create meals.
28. Use a rollerball filled with lavender essential oil on the bottoms of your feet at bedtime for your best sleep ever.
29. Add uplifting essential oils to the top of lightbulbs, the inside of toilet paper rolls, and to wool dryer balls to add subtle fragrance all around the house.
30. Buy an inexpensive watercolor set, take a class online, and get creative.
31. Doodling is such an effective stress reliever – grab some scrap paper and make random designs.
32. Always wanted to be a ballerina? Many dance studios offer introductory classes for adults. Give one a try.
33. Blast some upbeat music at home, and dance, dance, DANCE!
34. When is the last time you created a playlist of your favorite songs? If it’s been more than a few months, it’s time to add on to existing playlists or create brand new ones.
35. Join a book club.
36. Read a book in a genre you aren’t familiar with. (Like romances? Try sci-fi instead.)
37. Volunteer to walk dogs at the local shelter.
38. Motivate yourself to learn a new craft by using it as a volunteer activity (Learn to cricket, then donate baby blankets to the local hospital)
39. Sign up for a walking or running (whatever your speed) 5K to raise funds for a worthwhile charity.
40. Create (or buy) a beautiful charcuterie board, pair it with a bottle of wine, and go for a solo picnic.
41. Collect a stack of good beach-read paperbacks to get you through the summer months.
42. Pick a town or city within 2-3 hours of home, and spend a weekend exploring it.
43. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant with a cuisine that’s new to you.
44. Pack your beach bag with a towel, sunscreen, hat, and magazines so you’re ready to hit the pool or beach on a moment’s notice.
45. Linen and gauze clothing is everywhere this year – stock up on shirts, pants, skirts, and shorts for the hot weather ahead.
46. Try out a variety of summery cocktails or mocktails, and pick one to be your “signature” beverage this summer.
47. The weather’s fine – get out and play a round of golf (full course, par 3 or even putt-putt)
48. Save the bees! Plant a bee and butterfly-friendly garden, learn about local beekeeping practices, and buy local honey from the farmer’s market.
49. Fill all of your outdoor plant pots with gorgeous flowering plants – remember the rule of “thriller, spiller, filler”.
50. Buy yourself a beautiful bouquet, because you deserve it.
May Self-Care Activities: Find Peace in Nature
When life gets overwhelming, take a step back and connect with nature. May is the perfect time to do so, with the weather warming up and flowers blooming.
Here are three ways to embrace nature’s calm this month:
Garden Meditation
If you have a garden or access to a park, try incorporating meditation into your outdoor routine.
Find a quiet spot to sit or lie down, close your eyes, and focus on your breath.
As you inhale, imagine breathing in the fresh air and the scents of the flowers around you. As you exhale, release any tension or stress you may be holding onto.
Take a few minutes to simply be present in the moment and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Weekend Hikes
Take advantage of the warmer weather by going on a hike.
Whether it’s a local trail or a national park, spending time in nature can be a great way to clear your mind and get some exercise. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for the terrain.
Take breaks to admire the scenery and appreciate the natural world around you.
Sunrise Yoga
Start your day on the right foot by practicing yoga outside.
Find a quiet spot with a sunrise view and lay out your yoga mat. As the sun rises, move through your yoga practice, focusing on your breath and the movements of your body.
Take time to appreciate the beauty of the sunrise and the natural world waking up around you.
May Self-Care Activities: Nurture Your Mind and Body
Taking care of your mind and body is essential for your overall well-being. Here are a few self-care activities that can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated:
Daily Journaling
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety. Take a few moments each day to reflect on your experiences and jot down your ideas.
You can use a physical journal or a digital one, whichever works best for you. Try to write for at least 15 minutes a day, and don’t worry about grammar or spelling.
This is your space to express yourself and allow your thoughts to flow freely.
Healthy Meal Prepping
Eating a healthy diet is crucial for your physical and mental health.
Meal prepping can help you stay on track with your nutrition goals and save time during the week. Set aside a few hours on the weekend to plan and prepare your meals for the upcoming week.
You can also involve your family or friends in the process and make it a fun activity.
Focus on incorporating whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, into your meals.
Aromatherapy Sessions
Aromatherapy can have a calming effect on your mind and body.
Essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost mood.
You can use a diffuser to fill your home with your favorite scents or add a few drops of essential oils to your bath or shower. You can also use a rollerball or spray bottle to apply the oils directly to your skin.
May Self-Care Activities: Express yourself
Unleashing your creativity can be a powerful way to reduce stress and improve your mental health. Here are a few ways to express yourself creatively this May:
Art Therapy Projects
Art therapy can be incredibly therapeutic and calming.
Consider taking an online art therapy course or simply setting aside some time to paint, draw, or create something that speaks to you.
You don’t have to be an expert artist to benefit from this activity – the process of creating can be just as valuable as the result.
Dance or Movement Classes
Dancing or moving your body can be a great way to relieve stress and boost your mood. Look for online dance or movement classes that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you prefer something high-energy like Zumba or something more meditative like yoga, there’s sure to be a class that suits your needs.
Crafting Your Playlist
Music can be a powerful tool for self-care. Take some time to create a playlist of songs that make you feel happy, energized, or calm.
You can listen to this playlist whenever you need a mood boost or some relaxation time.
May Self-Care Activities: Get a (Social) Life
Taking care of your social wellness is just as important as taking care of your physical and mental health. Here are some social wellness activities that you can do in May.
Book Club
Joining a book club is a great way to meet new people and engage in meaningful conversations. Choose a book that you’ve been wanting to read or a book that is recommended by the book club.
Discussing the book with others can help you gain new perspectives and insights. You can even host a book club gathering at your home or a local coffee shop.
Volunteer Work
Volunteering benefits the community and also helps you feel good about yourself.
You can volunteer at a local charity, hospital, or animal shelter. You can also participate in a beach cleanup or a community garden project.
Volunteering gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Picnic with Friends
Enjoy the beautiful weather by having a picnic with your friends.
You can prepare a simple meal or have everyone bring a dish to share. Find a local park or beach and spend the afternoon relaxing and catching up with your friends.
Being in nature and spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and improve mood.
What’s Next?
Which of these activities would you like to try?
Add them to your calendar, create a bucket list, or even create a May challenge for yourself, and see what you can accomplish!
Have you Read These?
- Happy Spring! How To Boost Your Mood in Springtime
- 25 Ways to Enjoy Springtime (When You Want to Be Outside)
- 25 Ways to Enjoy Springtime (When You’re Staying Inside)
- Spring Self-Care: Revitalize Your Well-being This Season
enjoy this article? save these ideas on Pinterest!
Lori is an energetic woman in her early 60s, dedicated to living life fully through self-awareness and self-care. Inspired by her own transformative journey toward confidence, self-love, and positivity, she writes with genuine passion and authenticity.
With degrees in Psychology, Education, and Nonprofit Management, Lori’s diverse career has spanned education administration, counseling, teaching, conference planning, and the rewarding chaos of full-time motherhood. What ties these experiences together is her steadfast commitment to uplifting others.
Today, Lori focuses her energy on empowering mature women, advocating for the vital role of self-care in building confidence and joy. She firmly believes that every woman in midlife deserves to feel capable, radiant, and fulfilled. Join Lori as she shares insights and inspiration to help you live your best life!