When most people think of self-care, they picture bubble baths, face masks, or treating themselves to a new purchase.
While those things can be lovely, obviously, true self-care often happens in much smaller, more underrated moments—the ones that don’t make it onto social media, but leave a lasting impact on your mood and overall wellness. If you’ve been feeling a bit off or low on joy, these self-care routines might be exactly what you need. Here are some surprisingly effective ways to take better care of yourself that really do make you a lot happier.
1. Doing a proper reset of your living space
There’s something powerful about giving your home a proper tidy—not just surface-level, but a full-on reset. Clearing clutter, washing your sheets, rearranging that corner that’s been annoying you—it’s like giving your space (and your brain) a fresh start.
You don’t need to Marie Kondo your entire life, but dedicating time to making your space feel peaceful really does shift your mood. A clean room often leads to a clearer mind, and you’ll be amazed how much lighter you feel just walking into a space that feels put together again.
2. Saying no without feeling guilty about it
One of the most underrated self-care habits is learning to say no—without offering a long explanation or carrying guilt for hours after. Protecting your time and energy is a kindness to yourself, not a failure to other people. When you stop stretching yourself to avoid disappointing people, you create space to do what genuinely matters to you. It’s not selfish, it’s necessary—and the more you practise it, the more natural it becomes.
3. Taking solo walks without a destination
We’re so used to being productive that even walking has become about getting somewhere, but there’s a certain magic in heading out with no goal beyond simply moving and breathing. Whether it’s through nature or just around your neighbourhood, solo walks help you reconnect with yourself. No music, no podcasts, just time with your thoughts and whatever little things you happen to notice along the way.
4. Prepping meals that make future-you happy
Cooking a nourishing meal can feel like a chore in the moment, but when you plan ahead and prep something simple and tasty, it’s a form of care that pays off big time. You’re basically telling your future self, “I’ve got you.” That doesn’t have to mean an entire week of meals in neatly labelled containers. Even prepping a few go-to favourites or batch-cooking soup can take stress out of the week and boost your sense of calm and control.
5. Saying what you actually mean (nicely)
We often think being kind means being agreeable, but self-care sometimes looks like being honest, even when it’s awkward. Whether it’s telling someone you’re hurt or expressing a boundary, speaking up is incredibly freeing. When you stop bottling things up and start being more direct (with kindness), your relationships become more authentic and far less draining. It takes practice, but it’s one of the most respectful things you can do for yourself.
6. Keeping small promises to yourself
Source: Unsplash You know that thing you’ve told yourself you’ll do a hundred times—drink more water, go to bed earlier, finally book that appointment? Following through on those little promises builds trust with yourself over time. It’s less about the specific task and more about proving to yourself that your needs matter. The more you keep showing up for yourself, the more solid your inner foundation becomes, and that’s where real happiness grows from.
7. Making space for hobbies with no goal attached
Not everything has to be productive or monetised. Picking up an old hobby—or trying a new one—just for fun is one of the most underrated ways to bring joy back into your life. Painting, journaling, learning an instrument, baking something a bit over-the-top—these are all ways to reconnect with your creativity without pressure. You don’t have to be great at it for it to be worth doing. The point is to enjoy it.
8. Getting sunlight first thing in the morning
It sounds ridiculously simple, but getting sunlight in your eyes first thing in the morning is a proven way to regulate your mood and sleep cycle. It helps reset your circadian rhythm, which plays a huge role in your energy and mental clarity. Even just five to 10 minutes of natural light early in the day can make you feel more awake and positive. If you can combine it with a cup of tea or coffee outside, even better—it’s a small moment that can shift your whole day.
9. Leaving your phone in another room sometimes
We’re all guilty of reaching for our phones out of habit, but constant scrolling can leave you feeling overstimulated and disconnected. One of the kindest things you can do for yourself is to give your brain a break. Try leaving your phone in another room while you read, cook, or just sit and breathe. The quiet might feel weird at first, but soon, you’ll realise how much calmer you feel when you’re not constantly plugged in.
10. Journaling without structure
Source: Unsplash You don’t need a fancy journal or a five-step prompt to start writing. Sometimes the best form of emotional release is simply dumping your thoughts onto paper—no rules, no overthinking. It’s a way to clear mental clutter and make space for new perspectives. You’ll be surprised how much lighter you feel when your thoughts aren’t all swirling around your head trying to be heard at once.
11. Wearing clothes that feel good, not just look good
There’s power in dressing for comfort, not just appearances. When you wear clothes that actually feel good on your body, it shifts how you carry yourself and how relaxed you feel throughout the day. Whether it’s your cosiest jumper or jeans that don’t dig in, choosing clothes based on how they make you feel (not just how they look in a mirror) is a form of self-respect we often overlook.
12. Letting yourself have slow, unproductive days
We live in a world that glorifies hustle, but constantly pushing yourself only leads to burnout. Giving yourself permission to rest, nap, watch something silly, or just lie around is sometimes the healthiest choice you can make.
You’re not lazy; you’re recharging. And when you treat rest as a necessity rather than a reward, you stop feeling guilty for being human. Some of your most meaningful self-care might look like doing nothing at all, and that’s okay.
