8 Things to Add to Your Self-Care Menu

woman taking care of her skin
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Let’s be honest—when most people talk about self-care, it’s always the same tired suggestions: bubble baths, yoga, and a scented candle or two. Don’t get me wrong, those things are great, but self-care should be about more than checking a box. Enter the self-care menu. Think of it as your personal survival kit for when life gets overwhelming—only this one is packed with things that you truly enjoy and take you out of your head. Self-care menus should be fully personalized, but it’s not always easy to come up with things on your own. To help out with that, here are a few ways to level up your self-care game:


Plan a Nostalgia Day

six assorted-color dicePhoto by Robert Coelho on Unsplash

When was the last time you revisited your feel-good childhood favorites? Add a “nostalgia day” to your menu and it can be a go-to self-care option. Use your nostalgia day to watch an old cartoon, whip out that dusty board game, or hunt down your favorite childhood snack (or a close alternative if they don’t exist anymore). Revisiting happy memories isn’t just fun—it’s scientifically proven to boost your mood and reduce stress.

Try Forest Bathing (Without the Bugs)

a woman standing on a wooden walkway next to a lakePhoto by Anastasiya Badun on Unsplash

Hear us out: forest bathing is not about taking an actual bath in the woods. It’s about immersing yourself in nature to reset your mind. Find a local park, take a slow, mindful walk, and soak in the sounds, smells, and colors of the outdoors. Not a fan of bugs? Bring nature inside with a little houseplant refresh—repotting or pruning your greenery can work wonders for your mood.

Write Yourself a Love Letter

white ceramic mug on white ceramic saucerPhoto by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Yes, this might sound cheesy, but it’s a powerful exercise. Sit down and write a heartfelt letter to yourself, celebrating your strengths, resilience, and all the things you’re proud of in the last year or few months. Seal it in an envelope and save it for a day when you need a little pick-me-up. Think of it as a future pep talk from someone who really gets you. Another thing you could do with pen and paper is, you guessed it, journaling. Putting your thoughts, feelings, worries, dreams, fears, etc., on paper is a great way to process them and you’ll feel lighter when you put the pen down.

Play with Fire (Safely)

macro shot photography of two votive candlesPhoto by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

Have you ever tried candle-making or a mini bonfire ritual? Both are oddly therapeutic. Candle-making lets you get hands-on with creativity, and lighting your own creation can feel super satisfying. Plus, it’s not difficult and the materials are cheap. If you prefer a bonfire, grab a safe fire pit, write down your stresses on little scraps of paper, and toss them into the flames. Watching your worries burn away? Chef’s kiss. Just make sure to keep it mindful and safe!

Create a Comfort Box

a wooden box filled with yarn and a ball of yarnPhoto by Anya Chernik on Unsplash

A comfort box is like a mini time capsule of joy you can turn to when you’re feeling down. Fill it with small things that make you happy—think Polaroids, a playlist of your favorite songs, a tiny plushie, a letter from someone you love, or small gifts you’ve received from people you love. Keep it handy for days when you need an instant emotional boost.

Have a Dance Party for One

woman in white tank top and blue denim shortsPhoto by Cleyton Ewerton on Unsplash

Picture this: your favorite playlist blasting, zero judgment, and full permission to dance like no one’s watching (because they aren’t). Whether it’s a two-minute solo bop in your kitchen or an hour-long throwback jam session, dancing gets your endorphins flowing. Bonus points if you dress up and give a performance to an invisible crowd—because why not?

Explore a Random Skill

woman smiling holding glass mug sitting beside table with MacBookPhoto by Paige Cody on Unsplash

Learn something completely out of left field. Want to know how to juggle? Build a birdhouse? Draw mandalas? Speak Klingon or High Valyrian? You don’t need to master it—just enjoy the process. Sites like YouTube or Skillshare make it easy to dip your toes into quirky hobbies, and focusing on something new can make your brain feel good.

Design Your Ideal Slow Morning

A person is holding a cup of tea and reading a bookPhoto by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Imagine your dream morning: no alarms, no rushing, just pure ease. Maybe it’s sipping tea while reading a book, doodling on a sketchpad, or just lying in bed listening to a podcast. Pick a day to design your perfect slow morning and really stick to it. Starting your day intentionally can set a calm tone that lingers all day long and it can also be an effective way to reset.

Your self-care menu doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s—it’s your chance to get creative and focus on what truly lights you up. So go ahead, mix things up, and make your menu something that sparks joy every time you reach for it. You’ve earned it.

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