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April 30, 2026—To keep from feeling burned out, every mind and body needs to rest and recharge. Getting enough sleep isn't the only way to do that, says the American Psychological Association (APA). There are several self-care strategies you can use during your waking hours to feel more energized, joyful and less stressed.

Check out these ideas from the APA and other experts:

Get back to nature. Spending time in nature can feel restful. And it can lift your spirits and reduce negative thoughts. Visiting a park, working in a garden or walking on a nature path are just a few good ways to tap into nature's calming and rejuvenating powers.

Make some art. Painting, drawing, making music or any creative expression can support your well-being—for instance, by helping you feel relaxed and less stressed. And the act of making something may help fill your tank with confidence.

Socialize. Spending time with friends can feel refreshing. And it actually helps to counter the body's physical fight-or-flight stress response, according to HelpGuide. Texting and calling are fine, but face-to-face connections offer more stress-busting benefits. With that in mind, you might invite an old (or new) friend to coffee or lunch.

Get lost in a daydream. Do you ever just sit and think? Try it: Put away your phone and other distractions, and have a seat. Allow yourself to think and imagine. Letting your mind wander could enhance creativity and problem-solving, according to the APA, as well as help you find a sense of meaning.

Have fun. Try to find time each day to do something you enjoy. For some people, that might mean enjoying a hobby or listening to music. Or you might want to dive into a good book or a movie.

Take a break from tech. That means no scrolling social media or checking emails or news sites at certain times or on weekends, notes the American Heart Association. You might find that you feel less anxious and better able to focus on more meaningful connections.

Get more ideas for maintaining your emotional health in our Mental Health topic center.

Sources

• American Heart Association. "JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out Infographic." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/jomo-the-joy-of-missing-out-infographic.
• American Heart Association. "Self-Care Isn't Selfish Infographic." https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/self-care-isnt-selfish-infographic.
• American Psychological Association. "Put Down Devices, Let Your Mind Wander, Study Suggests." https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2022/07/thoughts-mind-wander.
• American Psychological Association. "Seven Types of Rest to Help Restore Your Body's Energy." https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/seven-rest-types.
• HelpGuide. "12 Ways to Reduce Stress With Music." https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/12-ways-to-reduce-stress-with-music.
• HelpGuide. "Social Support for Stress Relief." https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/social-support-for-stress-relief.
• Mental Health America. "Why Hobbies Are Good for Your Mental Health." https://mhanational.org/resources/why-hobbies-are-good-for-your-mental-health/.
• National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability. "Bringing Nature to You and the Benefits of Being Outdoors." https://www.nchpad.org/resources/my-scorecard-outdoor-time-in-nature/.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. "Recharge." https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/recharge.asp.