When most people think of self care, they imagine solo activities—bubble baths, meditation, or journaling alone in a quiet room.
But here’s the thing: self care doesn’t have to be solitary.
In fact, group activities for self-care can be even more impactful. Sharing these moments with others builds connection, strengthens relationships, and creates a sense of community support that’s hard to find in solo routines.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with friends, create intentional time with a group, or explore wellness in a more social setting, this guide is for you.
We’ll walk through 15 of the best group self care ideas that help you feel better—together.
Table of Contents
How to Make Group Self Care a Regular Practice
It’s one thing to plan a self care day with friends once in a while. But making group self care a consistent part of your life? That takes a bit of intention.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start small. You don’t need to organize a weekend retreat right away. Try scheduling a 30-minute walk with friends every Sunday or hosting a monthly journaling night. What matters most is the regularity, not the scale.
Create shared expectations. If you’re forming a group, talk about what kind of activities feel supportive for everyone. This keeps things inclusive and ensures no one feels out of place.
Lastly, make it easy. Use group chats or shared calendars to coordinate plans. Rotate hosts or locations. Keep the barrier to entry low so everyone can show up as they are.
Consistency, not perfection, is the key to making self care a lasting, collective habit.
15 Best Group Activities for Self-Care That Build Connection
Not all self care activities are created equal—especially when it comes to building bonds and boosting well-being in a group setting.
The key is to choose experiences that allow for presence, vulnerability, fun, or simply shared stillness. Below are 15 of the most meaningful group activities for self care, perfect for small circles or larger communities.
These ideas are easy to tailor based on your group’s vibe, needs, and energy levels.
1. Guided Nature Hikes or Forest Bathing
There’s something profoundly healing about being in nature with others. Group hikes or forest bathing sessions help you disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with yourself and your surroundings. We Hike to Heal offers just that, a way for women to experience nature, sisterhood, and healing through group hikes.
In particular, being in nature together can:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Spark deep, reflective conversations
- Encourage mindfulness and groundedness
Choose quiet trails, parks, or guided experiences where everyone can walk at a comfortable pace and be fully present.
2. Group Meditation or Breathwork Circles
Meditation doesn’t have to be a solo practice. In fact, meditating or doing breathwork as a group can amplify the calming effects and create a sense of shared energy.
Set up a calm space with cushions or yoga mats. Invite a facilitator, or follow a guided session together via an app or video.
You’ll be surprised how powerful 10 minutes of collective stillness can feel.
3. Community Journaling Sessions
Writing can be a deeply therapeutic practice—and sharing that space with others creates powerful moments of reflection and connection.
Here’s how to host a group journaling session:
- Choose a few simple prompts (e.g., “What am I letting go of?”, “What does rest look like for me?”)
- Set a timer for writing (10–15 minutes per prompt)
- Give space to share, but make sharing optional
This activity is especially great for women’s circles or support groups.
4. DIY Spa Day with Friends
Self care doesn’t have to mean expensive treatments. Create a spa-like vibe at home and invite friends to join you in relaxing rituals.
Ideas for a DIY group spa day:
- Face masks and foot soaks
- Herbal tea or infused water
- Aromatherapy and calming playlists
- Light stretches or body scrubs
It’s fun, affordable, and nourishing for body and soul.
5. Group Sound Healing or Music Therapy
Sound has a unique ability to relax the nervous system and open the heart.
Whether you attend a local sound bath, play instruments together, or just listen to calming music in silence, this type of experience can be deeply grounding—especially in a group setting.
Benefits include:
- Lowered stress and improved sleep
- Emotional release and deep relaxation
- A shared sense of stillness and peace
This is especially helpful for people who may struggle to “talk it out” but still need emotional release.
6. Self Care Craft Nights
Creativity is a powerful self care tool—and even more fun when shared with others. Hosting a craft night lets everyone unwind, get playful, and make something meaningful.
A few group-friendly ideas:
- Vision boards for goal setting or intention setting
- Candle-making or DIY bath salts
- Affirmation card collages
- Watercolor painting or clay sculpting
No need to be an artist—just bring the vibes, snacks, and supplies.
7. Group Yoga or Movement Sessions
Movement is medicine, especially when practiced in a group. Whether it’s yoga, dance, or gentle stretching, moving together can help release tension and build energy.
You can keep it simple with:
- A YouTube yoga video in your living room
- Outdoor sunrise stretches in the park
- A dance party with feel-good playlists
Note:
The goal isn’t performance—it’s presence, joy, and connection.
8. Potluck-Style Nourishing Meals
Food is a love language—and sharing a healthy, home-cooked meal is one of the oldest forms of group self care.
Invite everyone to bring a dish that feels nourishing to them. You’ll not only enjoy a diverse, feel-good menu, but also share stories, culture, and memories through food.
Want to deepen the experience?
- Set an intention before eating
- Practice a moment of gratitude together
- Use real dishes, flowers, or candles for a cozy touch
9. Book Clubs with a Self Care Twist
Book clubs aren’t just for literature lovers. Try curating reads around healing, self compassion, or mindfulness—and use them as springboards for deeper conversations.
Pick books like:
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
- Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Allow space for people to share takeaways, reflections, or even how the book made them feel—without pressure to finish every chapter.
10. Women’s Circles or Support Groups
There’s something deeply powerful about being witnessed and heard in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Women’s circles and support groups are designed to foster trust, reflection, and emotional healing through shared experience.
Typical elements may include:
- Check-ins or sharing rounds
- Themed discussions (e.g., boundaries, rest, self love)
- Meditations or rituals like lighting candles or intention-setting
This kind of gathering reminds us we’re not alone in our struggles or our growth.
11. Volunteer or Service Projects Together
Giving back is a powerful form of self care—especially when done with others who share your values.
Volunteering as a group can create a sense of purpose, gratitude, and community. It shifts the focus from personal stress to collective action and connection.
Ideas include:
- Organizing a donation drive
- Helping at a community garden or shelter
- Hosting a cleanup walk in a local park
Service nurtures both the giver and receiver, and doing it together strengthens bonds.
12. Digital Detox Day Retreats
Technology connects us, but it also drains us. Hosting a group digital detox—even just for a few hours—can reset your nervous system and help everyone reconnect in real time.
Here’s what a simple digital detox gathering might include:
- Phones off and stored away
- Journaling, art, or nature time
- Gentle movement, silence, or mindful conversation
- A cozy, screen-free shared meal
Even a half-day retreat can create lasting peace and presence.
13. Group Affirmation or Intention-Setting Ceremonies
Words have power—and speaking them aloud with others can be transformational.
Gather your group to share affirmations, intentions, or mantras. Light candles, sit in a circle, and invite everyone to speak from the heart.
Try prompts like:
- “I am releasing…”
- “I am calling in…”
- “I give myself permission to…”
This practice builds emotional intimacy and helps reinforce shared growth.
14. Creative Writing or Poetry Nights
Writing and storytelling open a window into our inner worlds. Hosting a casual writing night gives people space to express themselves in a low-pressure, uplifting environment.
You can:
- Use writing prompts centered on healing, joy, or identity
- Invite sharing—but make it totally optional
- Mix in spoken word, music, or art for variety
Everyone has a story. Creating a space to tell it—even just for fun—is deeply affirming.
15. Group Therapy or Wellness Workshops
Sometimes the most impactful self care is guided by a professional. Participating in therapy groups or wellness workshops offers tools and support that are hard to find in casual settings.
Look for:
- Group therapy led by licensed professionals
- Trauma-informed healing circles
- Workshops on mindfulness, boundaries, or emotional regulation
Healing doesn’t have to happen alone—and a safe, supportive group can be life-changing.
How These Group Activities for Self-Care Strengthen Your Community
When you regularly show up for group self care, you’re doing more than just supporting your own well-being—you’re building something bigger.
Shared self care experiences cultivate trust, empathy, and understanding. They create space for honest conversations and quiet presence, allowing people to feel seen, supported, and safe. Over time, these gatherings turn into a soft place to land—a community built on real connection, not just convenience.
They also help normalize rest, boundaries, and emotional expression—values that ripple out beyond the group into families, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
In short: when we take care of ourselves together, we take care of each other too.
Final Thoughts
Self care isn’t selfish—and it doesn’t have to be solitary. When practiced with intention and community, it becomes a source of connection, healing, and joy.
Whether you’re gathering with close friends, coworkers, or fellow members of a wellness circle, these group activities for self care offer simple but powerful ways to nurture yourself and the people around you. From nature walks and journaling sessions to creative circles and shared meals, each experience invites you to slow down and show up—both for yourself and your community.
So if you’re craving deeper connection, emotional support, or just more meaningful ways to recharge, try inviting others in. Your self care journey might just be the spark that strengthens your entire circle.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Self-Care Journey?
Prioritize your well-being through a healing hike with We Hike to Heal, a community that empowers women to reconnect with themselves through nature, mindfulness, and movement.
Join us on the trail and experience the power of sisterhood, self-care, and the outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Group Activities For Self-Care
- What are group activities for self care?
Group activities for self care are shared practices that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being while fostering connection, such as yoga sessions, group journaling, or nature walks. - Why is group self care important?
Group self care reduces feelings of isolation, builds community support, and creates space for shared healing and growth, which can amplify the benefits of individual self care. - How often should I organize group self care activities?
There’s no strict rule, but monthly or bi-weekly gatherings work well. Consistency helps create trust and a routine that everyone can look forward to. - Can group self care work in a virtual setting?
Yes! Many self care activities like guided meditations, book clubs, or journaling prompts can be done over Zoom or other video platforms with great results. - What if someone in the group is shy or introverted?
Choose low-pressure activities and create space for quiet participation. Let members opt out of sharing, and focus on building a safe, judgment-free environment. - How can I invite people to a self care group without making it awkward?
Be honest and casual—frame it as a way to unwind, connect, and care for yourselves. You can say something like, “I’d love to gather for a relaxed self care night—interested?” - What are some affordable group self care ideas?
Nature walks, potlucks, journaling sessions, and at-home spa nights are low-cost yet meaningful. Self care doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. - Can I use group self care for team building at work?
Absolutely! Group self care promotes collaboration, reduces stress, and improves communication—making it a valuable team-building tool in any professional setting. - Are there group self care ideas suitable for families?
Yes! Activities like gratitude circles, mindful walks, and art nights work well with families and help teach emotional awareness and communication skills. - How do I start my own self care group?
Begin by inviting a few friends or coworkers, choose a simple activity, and set a relaxed tone. Make sure to focus on inclusivity, consistency, and emotional safety.