Self-Care Cheat Sheet To Actually Change Your Life (Not Bore You To Death)
We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
Sign up for the free newsletter!
Hi friends!
Let’s just get this out of the way... most “self-care” advice is absolute trash. I mean… I’m happy for you, Susan… and your bullet journal and Himalayan salt lamp… Really, I am. But those things don’t do much when I’m feeling like I’m spiraling, buried under laundry, or questioning whether I’ve completely lost my way from the person I thought I’d become.
So, let's skip the clichés today. This is a self-care checklist for real life, a checklist for those of us who have faced the struggles, who crave deeper meaning, a bit more sanity, and a lot less of that overwhelming spiritual static.
If you’re looking for practical ideas that genuinely nourish your soul and uplift your spirits, you’re in the right place. This list could become your new monthly ritual. Bookmark it for later!
1. Revisit an Old Dream or Abandoned Project
You know that thing you were obsessed with at 17? Or that random business idea you sketched out during a Netflix binge in 2020 when inspiration struck at 2 am? Go dig it up. Seriously, dust those notes off and read through them again. You might be surprised by what you find!
Maybe it’s not meant for a full-blown comeback, but who knows? Maybe it is! Or maybe it could spark something fresh and exciting that lights a fire in you. Or maybe it brings back memories of a version of yourself that you miss, those dreams and passions that felt so alive. All of these possibilities are valid and wonderful! Sometimes, just playing with them again can lead to unexpected inspiration or new directions you hadn’t considered. That’s exactly what we're after here!
2. Write a Personal Manifesto
This isn’t just a vision board, it’s you, declaring who you are and everything you refuse to apologize for any longer. Start by thinking about who you’re becoming, how you want to show up in the world, and the dreams you’re ready to chase. Reflect on the things you’re leaving behind, like old habits, toxic relationships, or self-doubt that no longer serve you.
Identify the values that matter most to you, the principles that guide your choices and fuel your passion. Consider what you're no longer tolerating in your life, whether it’s negativity, chaos, or anything that drains your energy. Print it out or jot it down, and tape it somewhere you’ll see every day. Remember, you’re the main character in your story, so own it, live it, and remind yourself that you deserve it.
3. Foam Roll While Screaming About Your Life
Seriously, let out those guttural “UGH”s while you roll your crunchy body over one of those adorable Amazon foam logs. Trust me, you’ll feel less tense and just a little unhinged, which is actually the entire point. This isn’t just about physical release, it’s a whole-body experience that reconnects you with yourself.
4. Freeze a Double Batch of dinner
Be your own backup plan. The next time you’re in the kitchen, whip up a delicious comfort dinner that you know you absolutely love, something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Freeze half of it in single-serving containers. Trust me, on one of those “I-can’t-do-anything-right” days, when you’re feeling overwhelmed or just plain tired, you’ll be so grateful for that little gift you prepared for future you! It’s all about the little things that make life better, and believe me, those meals will become your safety net when the going gets tough. Plus, cooking in batches saves time and energy for those busy weeks ahead!
5. Create! ... Anything!!
No pressure, no strict purpose, just create something your inner child would squeal about with joy. Let your repressed emotions co-direct the piece and guide you. Embrace spontaneity, and remember that the process itself is just as valuable as the final product. Dive in without overthinking it! Let your imagination run wild, and you might be surprised. Ultimately, the goal is to rediscover that pure, unfiltered creativity we all had as kids.
6. Read Something That Shakes Your Beliefs
Pick something that isn’t necessarily algorithm-approved. Choose content that doesn’t just reaffirm your worldview or echo the same opinions you already have. Seek out those pieces that give you goosebumps, build tension, and maybe even stir up a little healthy rage or confusion. Remember, real growth happens when you're uncomfortable and intrigued, so don’t shy away from challenging perspectives. It’s in those moments of discomfort that we find the most valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
7. Write a Letter to God (Don’t Hold Back)
Whether you’re feeling mad, overflowing with gratitude, completely confused, or desperately begging for clarity, just write like it’s your last letter home. Pour your heart out, no regrets. No edits, no rigid structure. Just let your soul speak freely. It's in these raw moments that we truly find ourselves and gain deeper insights. So, don’t hold back, let every emotion spill onto the page. It can be so cathartic and enlightening, like a breath of fresh air in your soul.
8. Pray for Someone Else
Put your phone down. Think of someone, anyone, and give five intentional minutes to lift them up in prayer. Even if it’s someone who annoys you. Especially then…
9. Do One “luxe” Thing
Wear your silk robe just to fold laundry.
Put on red lipstick before unloading the dishwasher.
Use the expensive hand soap.
Light the bougie candle even though it was $40. Let your senses feast, why not?!
10. Put Your Legs Up The Wall for a Sec
Simple. Free. Surprisingly effective. It helps your nervous system chill out, calms inflammation, and feels like the universe is draining your stress into the floor. Try like 10-minute sessions!
11. Lie on an Acupressure Mat and Zone Out
Painful? Not really! Worth it? Absolutely. Pair it with theta wave music, spa sounds, or dramatic sad-girl ballads. Your back will be reborn. Your mood? Elevated. It’s weirdly addictive and helps release that "I feel like I’m going to scream, but I don’t know why" tension. I use this one from ProsourceFit almost every morning!
12. Oil Your Scalp & Listen to Something
Grab your avocado oil or castor oil, part your hair, and start oiling your scalp like an Ayurvedic goddess. Play worship music, a calming meditation, or a speech that feeds your spirit. Or just more Real Housewives... Either way, it’s still grounding. It’s nourishing. And your hair will thank you!
13. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Bed
Before bed, tighten and release every muscle group slowly, starting from your toes up to your face. It tricks your body into calming the heck down, even if your brain is still being a drama queen. Think of it like turning off the tension, one switch at a time.
14. Visualize Your Dream Career Day in detail
Not a Pinterest board. A real moment-by-moment visualization. From what you wear to where you work to how your phone notifications sound.
Then reverse engineer it: What would that version of you need to do this week to get one inch closer?
15. Declutter Your Workspace
That pile of pens? Gone. Those random cords? Trash. Those 7 lip glosses you don’t even like? Girl, goodbye. Clear space = clear thoughts. Set a timer for 20 minutes and make your desk or vanity feel like a fresh start.
16. Send Yourself an Email (as YOUR Mentor)
Open your email. Address one to yourself. Write an encouraging, no-nonsense message from the wiser version of you. Include pep talk, perspective, and a little loving sass. Schedule it to arrive tomorrow morning, or in a week, month, or even a year! It’s like receiving a letter from the future, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need to keep going.
17. Treat Yourself to a Fancy Lunch, Alone
Put on real pants. Go sit at a nice restaurant. Order something that makes you feel a little extra. Don’t scroll. Just be. Let it be awkward. Let it be sacred. This is your time.
18. Just Watch the Clouds Like You’re 6 Again
No podcast. No walking. No steps counted. Just sit and look up. Watch the clouds shift. Let your brain unravel a bit. Maybe cry. Maybe laugh. You don’t have to do anything. Just exist.
19. Use Your Paid Time Off. Yes, Schedule It.
If you have PTO and you’re not using it because of guilt, people-pleasing, or the plague of capitalism... you’re not doing yourself any favors. Book it now. Even if it’s just a staycation to nap and watch rom-coms in bed. Your life isn’t meant to be all productivity and pain.
20. Write a Letter (Even If You Never Send It)
This is for your healing, not theirs. Be honest. Be dramatic. Be kind. Let it all out. Then either send it, burn it, bury it, or tuck it away. Doesn’t matter. The medicine is in the writing.
Want monthly self-care reminders that don’t make you want to scream?
Trust me. It’s good.
