When people think of self-care, they often picture spa days, bubble baths, and hours of uninterrupted “me time.” But let’s be real—that’s not always realistic. What if you only have 10 minutes? Or what if spa stuff just isn’t your vibe? That’s totally okay. Today, I’m sharing my personal favorite self-care activities. Some might work for you, some might not—but the key is finding small things that help you feel more grounded, even if just for a moment.
Pre-Shower Make-Up
This usually takes about 30 minutes but is seriously so fun. I’m a night-time showerer. So therefore, sometimes I’ll do my makeup before I get in the shower and I try new things. It’s an outlet of creativity without feeling like you can’t explore because usually when you’re putting make-up it’s for an event and stick with the tried and true rather than exploring new looks. It can range from normal every day make up with flair or absolutely crazy insane looks. Extra blue metallic eyeshadow that I’ve only used once? Lets do the damn thing. A contour stick that didn’t blend well the first time I used it? Let me take the time to try and make it work.
The reason why I like this as a self care activity is because I can wash it away. Its low stakes and allows for me to get rid of the perfectionism of getting ready. Plus I’m working on a skill at the same time and making sure that make-up that I wouldn’t ordinarily use isn’t going to waste.
Reading
This can be anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on how I’m feeling—and how good the story is. I can lose myself in a book and not look up for hours, and honestly, it’s one of the best resets I know. Reading gives my brain a break from my own problems and lets me fall into someone else’s world.
I love dystopian stories and fantasy worlds—anything with a little mystery or magic. There’s something comforting about diving into a fictional universe where the stakes are high but not mine to carry. It’s cozy, quiet, and one of the most effective ways I know to self-soothe and disconnect when things feel heavy. Sidenote: If anyone wants my TBR list or list of books I’ve already read that are my good reads, please let me know!
Gaming
Gaming is one of my favorite ways to unwind, especially after a long or emotionally heavy day. Whether I’m diving into an open-world fantasy adventure or doing something cozy and repetitive like building in The Sims or decorating a house in Animal Crossing, it gives me a break from real life in the best way.
Sometimes I’ll play with my husband and we’ll co-op something fun and chaotic (think Overcooked or It Takes Two), and other times I’ll just vibe out solo. It’s a way to escape into a world I can control, where progress is visible, and the problems aren’t mine. Bonus: it’s also a great way to reconnect with my inner child. My favorites right now are Disney Dreamlight, Split Fiction, and Harvest Moon.
Singing in the Car
Hear me out—this really is a self-care activity. When I’m feeling sad, I give myself permission to be sad. I sit with it, let myself feel it, and then I grab my phone and turn on a song that matches the vibe. Singing sad songs in the car helps me release that heaviness, like I’m literally exhaling my feelings out into the world.
And when I’m ready to shift, I blast my favorite upbeat songs and belt them out like I’m on stage. Off key? Probably. Dramatic? Absolutely. But it’s freeing. It’s expressive. It’s joy, movement, emotion, and catharsis all in one. There’s something magical about letting it all out with the volume up.
Whether I’m crying to Noah Kahan or dancing in my seat to Hozier or Stevie Nicks—it works. It helps. And sometimes, it’s exactly what I need.
Painting and Drawing
For me, art and emotion are completely intertwined. I rarely sit down to paint or draw just because—I do it when I feel something deeply. It’s a form of release, a way of processing the world when words fall short. The color palettes I choose tend to reflect my emotional state: soft pastels when I’m content or joyful, muted tones when I’m feeling reflective, and bold, chaotic strokes when I’m angry or overwhelmed.
When I’m happy, I paint freely—whatever comes to mind, without rules or purpose. But when I’m sad, I tend to be more intentional. I pick colors that feel safe or meaningful. I think more deeply about what I’m expressing and why. And when I’m frustrated? That’s when things get messy. I layer, I scribble, I let go of perfection. It’s not about creating something beautiful—it’s about letting it out.
Painting and drawing give me a safe place to feel my feelings without judgment. And sometimes, that’s the most healing kind of self-care there is.
Home Projects and Decorating
Home projects and decorating fall into a different kind of creativity for me. Rearranging a room, spray-painting a thrifted item, or adding something small and cozy to a space I spend time in—it all adds up. It helps me feel productive, grounded, and creative all at once. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing the physical result of your effort—no matter how small. Rearranging a room, spray-painting a thrifted item, or adding something small and cozy to a space I spend time in—it all adds up. It helps me feel productive, grounded, and creative all at once. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing the physical result of your effort—no matter how small.
Self-care doesn’t have to be aesthetic, expensive, or time-consuming. It just has to make you feel a little more okay. What are your go-to self-care practices? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to take care of myself.