Self-care isn’t always easy or pretty. For me, it’s often about returning to small habits that help me remember who I am, especially when life feels overwhelming or I’ve drifted from myself. Here are ten self-care habits that consistently bring me back to feeling grounded, calm, and genuinely me.
1. Morning Pages
Every morning, I write down whatever is on my mind. It clears the clutter from my thoughts, helping me feel lighter and more centered throughout the day.
Try this: Keep a notebook beside your bed and write three pages without worrying about grammar or coherence. Let your thoughts flow freely, even if it feels messy.
Why it matters: It gives your inner world space to breathe and brings clarity to hidden feelings, helping you start your day with a clearer mind.
2. Mindful Walking
A slow walk outside, without my phone or music, reconnects me to the present moment. It quiets my mind and reminds me I don’t need to rush.
Try this: Go outside for ten minutes without distractions. Notice sounds, sights, and sensations. Feel your feet on the ground and breathe slowly as you move.
Why it matters: Mindfulness helps reduce stress and increases your emotional awareness. It grounds you firmly in the present moment.
3. Saying No
I feel most myself when I protect my boundaries and say no to commitments that drain me.
Try this: Practice saying no to something small this week, without overexplaining. Allow yourself to feel the relief of protecting your own needs.
Why it matters: Setting boundaries preserves your energy for what truly matters to you, preventing emotional burnout.
If this is something you struggle with, I wrote a book that might help. It’s called Learn How to Say No.
4. Cooking Slowly
Taking my time to cook something nourishing, even if it’s simple, brings comfort and ease back into my routine.
Try this: Choose one meal this week and cook it slowly, paying attention to each step. Notice textures, smells, and sounds.
Why it matters: Preparing food mindfully creates emotional calm and self-nurturing. It reconnects you with the simple pleasure of caring for yourself.
5. One-Minute Breathing
Pausing regularly to take deep breaths helps me reset, especially on busy days.
Try this: Set an alarm once a day to breathe deeply for a full minute. Close your eyes and focus on filling your lungs slowly and gently.
Why it matters: It immediately reduces stress and grounds you in the present, making you less reactive and more responsive.
6. Journaling Gratitude
Focusing intentionally on things I’m grateful for shifts my perspective and reconnects me to joy.
Try this: Write down three things you’re genuinely grateful for each evening. Keep it simple—small moments count.
Why it matters: It reinforces a positive emotional state and balances your outlook, reminding you that joy and contentment exist even on challenging days.
7. Evening Reflection
A brief reflection before bed helps me understand my emotions and let go of the day peacefully.
Try this: Take five minutes before sleep to ask yourself, “How do I really feel right now?” Sit quietly with your answer, offering compassion rather than judgment.
Why it matters: It creates emotional closure and prepares your mind for restful sleep, helping you release lingering tension.
8. Limiting Social Media
Reducing my time on social media has given me back precious mental space and emotional freedom.
Try this: Set specific time limits for social media or have a phone-free hour daily. Notice how your mental state shifts when you’re not absorbing constant digital content.
Why it matters: Less digital noise means more emotional clarity and peace. It helps you reclaim control over your attention and emotional well-being.
9. Gentle Movement
Yoga or simple stretches reconnect me with my body in a gentle, nurturing way.
Try this: Do five minutes of gentle stretching each day, noticing how your body feels. Allow your movements to be slow and intentional.
Why it matters: Gentle movement releases tension and reconnects you with your physical self, promoting emotional balance.
10. Listening to My Favorite Music
Music I love instantly makes me feel more like myself, providing comfort and familiarity.
Try this: Create a playlist of songs that deeply resonate with you and play it when you need comfort. Let yourself fully enjoy the emotional response each song evokes.
Why it matters: Music can instantly change your emotional state and remind you of who you are, bringing comfort and a sense of identity.
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple habits, practiced with intention, can profoundly reconnect you with yourself. Choose one or two habits this week and let yourself gently return to who you truly are.
