The power of self-care: Essential activities for stress and anxiety

Engage in hobbies you love: Joy is a form of medicine

Think back to the last time you lost track of time while doing something you love. For many people, it has probably been too long. Hobbies aren’t just fun—they’re therapeutic. Whether it’s baking, painting, gardening, reading, or building something with your hands, engaging in a hobby you enjoy pulls you out of stress-mode and into a creative flow state. You don’t have to be good at it—the joy is in the doing.

Not only does engaging in a hobby give your brain a break from anxious thoughts, it also helps you reconnect with your sense of identity and purpose outside of work and responsibilities.

Exercise: Move for your mind and body

Exercise isn’t just about physical health—it’s a proven way to improve your mood, boost your energy, promote better sleep, and even combat a myriad of health conditions and diseases, such as depression and anxiety, according to the Mayo Clinic. Furthermore, an article on the organization’s website states: “Physical activity stimulates many brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier, more relaxed, and less anxious.”

You don’t have to run marathons or hit the gym hard to reap these benefits. Movement can be gentle and joyful:

• Try yoga or Pilates to stretch and breathe.
• Go for a brisk walk or hike in nature.
• Dance around your living room.
• Join a fitness class that makes you feel energized and supported.

Soak in a hot tub: Relaxation at a deeper level

There’s something so tranquil about sinking into warm, bubbling water after a long day. But hot tubbing is more than a feel-good activity—it has real benefits for stress and anxiety.

Warm water immersion and hydrotherapy has been extensively studied and is proven to offer a range of health benefits. One study, as reported on the National Library of Medicine website found that individuals who “had a habit of bathing in hot water everyday” had “good subjective health status, sufficient sleep and rest, low levels of stress, and high subjective happiness.”

For a truly luxurious experience, consider a premium option such as a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub. Designed for both physical relaxation and emotional wellness, Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs incorporate specialized jets, ergonomic seating, and advanced water care technology to ensure that every soak is both effective and indulgent. Plus, Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs can help you live well with stress and anxiety.

Jacuzzi® Hot Tubs also include incredible features such as the SmartTub® system, which allows you to control your hot tub from your smartphone, Infrared and Red Light therapy, and customizable seating options such as open seating and loungers. Certain models also feature the innovative new Jacuzzi® True Water™ system, which minimizes water care maintenance to just 15 minutes a month and vastly reduces the amount of chemicals needed to clean1 your hot tub water. 

Enjoy an infrared sauna: Sweat away your stress

Infrared saunas are becoming a top-tier tool in the self-care world—and for good reason. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light to penetrate deeper into your skin, creating a gentle and effective sweat.

Spending even 20 minutes in an infrared sauna can help temporarily reduce muscle tension, calm your nervous system, and release endorphins. It’s like hitting the reset button on your body and mind.

Luxury brands like Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas, which are available in 1-person, 2-person, and 3-person models, combine the latest in infrared technology with beautiful craftsmanship and customizable settings. Red light therapy is an emerging type of therapy that has the potential to reduce signs of aging, redness, and acne. Small studies have come out showing promise, but more clinical trials are needed to fully claim that red light therapy can do what it claims.

Jacuzzi® Infrared Saunas feature powerful full spectrum heaters deliver near, mid and far infrared combined with red light therapy to enhance the benefits of your sauna session. With a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, you can create the ultimate self-care sanctuary of warmth and peace—right in your own home.

Why self-care isn’t selfish

If you’ve ever felt guilty about taking time for yourself, you’re in good company. Many people feel that self-care is selfish. But the truth is that self-care allows you to replenish your energy and revive your spirit so you can be more present.

When you nurture yourself, you’re better equipped to show up for others, think clearly, make wise decisions, and live a life that reflects your values. Stress and anxiety aren’t signs of weakness—they’re signals that your system needs support. Self-care is how you give it.

By regularly practicing these activities, you’re not only reducing stress in the moment—you’re building long-term resilience, emotional balance, and a deeper connection to yourself.

Your personalized self-care plan

When you’re ready to take action and dedicate time to self-care, you can start small and yet experience big results. You don’t need to do everything at once, or create pressure around the need to add self-care to your already-busy agenda. Simply pick one or two activities that resonate with you and start with a few minutes each day. Here’s a sample plan to inspire you:

• Morning: Meditate for five minutes, then engage in a ten-minute journal session.
• Midday: Go for a walk or enjoy a hobby during your break.
• Evening: Soak in your Jacuzzi® Hot Tub or enjoy a session in your Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna for deep relaxation.

You can customize this suggested plan based on your lifestyle and needs. However, the most important thing is to make self-care a regular habit. Self-care is most effective when it’s part of your routine, not just a response to crisis.

You deserve to feel good

Self-care is a powerful act of love toward yourself. When you prioritize your wellness, you create a strong foundation for everything else in your life to flourish.

Whether you’re meditating in the morning, journaling your thoughts, or ending your day in the warm embrace of a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub or a Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna, each action is a declaration that you are worth it and you deserve inner peace and joy. Let this be your invitation to step into a life where your well-being takes center stage.

1Clean is defined as the removal of microscopic (down to 3-micron level, varies by model) debris from the water.

Affiliations: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.

Medical disclaimer: This information is not intended to prescribe a particular diagnosis or course of action. We are not medical professionals. Please contact your GP or other medical professional for advice if you have any concerns about your current health or well-being.