30 Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better After Any Day

ife can be a lot sometimes. Shutting off my mind is difficult to do. One thing I've been trying to implement this year is a lot of self-love. I've talked about this a few time now, but Netflix is not my version of self-care. It is a version of escape, which is not healthy. It does nothing for my mind, body, or soul. So, I decided to challenge myself for 30 days to do something just for myself. Only one simple thing each day that makes me stop, recenter my focus, and calm down.

I created a list to keep track for this post, but to be honest it was healing. To see a list full of things that I did for myself made me proud. Baby steps, yes. But, that is apart of the process. Being able to reflect all of these simple actions reminded me that no particular day or mood should keep from a little self-love.

Creating habits like these truly turned my day around. If I was on the edge of a breakdown, I was able to pick myself up. If my day was full of happiness, it made it all the more brighter. If it was just a boring or lazy Sunday, I was able to be productive in a way that felt restful.

I hope that my version of self-care can make you feel better, no matter the day.

1. Eat an açai bowl.
Nothing like eating healthy!

2. Shopping spree in the dollar section at Target.
Okay, I firmly believe in therapy shopping. Target dollar section is the one place I can leave without breaking the bank.

3. Do some blogging.
I have been trying super hard to brainstorm post ideas, it's been so fun!

4. Lunch with a friend.
Ah, nothing more powering than being surrounded by a close friend. This helped me so much.

5. Let yourself be sad.
Okay, we hear so many times about picking yourself up. Yet, sometimes I push my feelings down so deep that they explode. Allowing myself to feel was exactly what I needed.


6. Have your eyebrows done.
Beauty appointments are the ultimate way I can take care of my body.

7. Attend a church service.
I'm not always in the mood to go to church, but those seem to be the nights when the sermon touches me the most.

8. Sweat it out at the gym.
Being active sucks. I do not have a lot of energy, I hate sweating, especially in public. So, I never thought I'd say this, but going to the gym feels amazing. My body needs the gym for so many mental and physical reasons. When I felt like I had nothing to show for during my day, I went to the gym.

9. Listen to a podcast.
Hearing different perspectives and life stories can be so impactful. I listened to an episode all about single-hood, and boy did I relate. This subject sometimes makes me feel too vulnerable, raw, or simply numb. Although now, I have found strength in being single, and this podcast just confirmed that for me.

10. Say yes to something that feels right.
This is vague and simple. I looked back on my day and said you know what, I don't have to perform tasks to take care of myself. Just being who I am, and saying yes to what I enjoy is good enough.

11. Paint your toes.
This was so therapeutic.

12. Turn on something that makes you laugh.
So, Netflix isn't healthy. But, being intentional is. My mood felt gloomy, so instead of listening to depressing music, I turned on Friends and laughed at the most ridiculous things. My problems didn't seem so awful anymore.

13. Spend a moment around animals.
Playing with my pup, Lily, brings me so much joy. Plus, she's a loves her toys!

14. Take a bath.
I made myself turn off my phone while enjoying a bath, and it felt great! Who says you can't have a spa at home?

15. Make a Starbucks run.
Black Iced Tea beats any unhealthy sugar I could reach for.

16. Phone a friend.
I personally, phoned my grandma. I love sharing my life with her, and it brightens her day as well.

17. Tidy up your space.
My brain cannot function in mess. Decluttering my brain begins with my space.

18. Let yourself rest.
Pure rest is what I need to allow myself to do. If you are a type three (enneagram) than you will understand.

19. Listen to some calming music.
My love for Sinatra has been rediscovered and it has been so much fun!

20. Give yourself grace.
Forgiving myself isn't easy, but some days need it more than others to keep moving forward.

21. Cook dinner.
Preparing myself a healthy dinner feels rewarding (and my bank account appreciates it too).

22. Dance it out.
I've been taking Zumba classes at the gym, so I've learned a few moves!

23. Light a candle.
So, I spend hundreds of dollars at Anthro on their candles. It is about time to use them up!

24. Go out in nature.
Clearing my mind in nature feels refreshing.

25. Be there for someone else.
Self care can become selfish, which isn't a bad thing in my book. But, doing something for someone else takes my mind off myself.

26. Read a book.
I finished a book during this challenge.

27. Find a new hobby.
I was so bored one day, so I worked on poetry writing. Loved this!!

28. Pray.
Praying helps my anxiety so much. Plus, it gives me so much gratitude that the Lord helps me in all circumstances.

29. Journal your thoughts.
I love reflecting at the end of the day.

30. Create a ritual you can use everyday.
This self care challenge of mine made me realize how important it is to have a few go-to habits that can turn my day around. Most importantly, to already implement these actions so that my day doesn't turn so quickly in a place that is not healthy for me.