In this paper we looked for the best methods and practices to improve self-care with the goal of creating good mental and physical well-being. Previous research has shown effective methods of self-care include daily exercise, quality sleep, self-compassion and spending time outdoors in nature. In our correlational study, we tested the value of these practices for quality of self-care by examining naturalistic daily changes in their variables longitudinally over a two-week period. We measured exercise intensity, level of self-compassion, sleep quality, and daily ratings of self-care all on subjective scales, and we measured time spent outdoors in nature each day in minutes. Data pooled across participants in our correlational study showed significant correlations of quality of self-care with intensity of exercise, time spent walking outdoors in nature and feelings of self-compassion, but not with quality of sleep. While causal conclusions cannot be drawn from correlational research, our work does provide support for claims that the addition of moderate exercise, time spent walking outdoors in nature and attention to self-compassion can greatly benefit an individual's quality of self-care.
