When was the last time you did something just for yourself?
Not because it was productive. Not because it was on your to-do list. But because it made you feel good—lighter, brighter, more like yourself?
If you’re sitting there trying to remember, trust me—you’re not alone.
Somewhere along the line, self-care got rebranded into this glossy, Instagram-perfect ideal. Think rose petal baths, jade rollers, and expensive candles that smell like “emotionally stable eucalyptus”. And while those things are lovely, they don’t always hit the spot.
Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. For me, it’s more like this unpredictable, personal toolkit I reach for when life feels a little sideways. And the best part? It’s allowed to look different every day.
Last week, self-care was:
- Blocking that one chaotic group chat for 24 hours (sorry, not sorry)
- Eating cereal for dinner while watching Schitt’s Creek reruns (again)
- Finally unfollowing that one influencer who makes me question my entire existence (you know the one)
Not exactly revolutionary. But it worked.
Here are a few other self-care pointers that have actually helped me feel human again—messy, imperfect, and deeply satisfying.
1. Declutter just one corner of your world
This isn’t about organising your entire house like a Pinterest board. Some days, clearing out one drawer or deleting old photos off your phone can feel like pressing the reset button in your brain. Tiny wins count. In fact, they add up.
2. Make space for “do-nothing” time
We’ve been tricked into thinking every moment needs to be optimised. But rest is not a reward—it’s a right. Whether it’s lying on the couch staring at the ceiling or sipping chai on the balcony with no phone in sight, allow yourself moments that are gloriously unproductive. You don’t need to earn them.
3. Move—but not to punish yourself
Forget the all-or-nothing workouts. I’ve danced around the kitchen to 2000s pop for 15 minutes and called it a win. Movement doesn’t have to be a mission. Go for a walk. Stretch. Wiggle. Move in a way that feels like play, not penance.
4. Unfollow anyone who messes with your head
This one’s underrated. Curating your digital space is self-care. If someone’s posts make you feel ‘less than’, it’s okay to mute, unfollow, or block. You’re allowed to protect your peace, even online.
5. Let yourself enjoy “silly” things
That show you’ve rewatched five times? Go for a sixth. That weird snack combo only you love? Indulge. That oddly specific Spotify playlist titled “Main Character Energy”? Blast it. Joy doesn’t have to be impressive to be valid.
6. Talk to yourself like you would a friend
Catch that voice in your head being mean? Imagine saying those things to your best mate. You wouldn’t. So why say them to yourself? Self-care starts with how you speak to yourself—daily, internally, and without a filter.
7. Set boundaries—even tiny ones
Say no without guilt. Delay that call. Let the text sit unread for a while. You’re not a robot. You’re allowed to need space. Start small. Every time you protect your time and energy, you’re building emotional strength.
Final thoughts
Let’s normalise the weird, wonderful, deeply personal version of self-care. Not just the bubble baths. Not just the candles. But the messy, honest moments that remind you that you’re worth showing up for. It doesn’t have to be expensive, photogenic, or even make sense to anyone else. It just has to feel like a soft landing after a hard day.
So if all you did this week was survive, hydrate, and remember to breathe—well done, honestly. That counts too.
Let’s normalise the weird, wonderful, deeply personal version of self-care. Not just the bubble baths. Not just the candles. But the messy, honest moments that remind you that you’re worth showing up for.
