There’s a lot going on in the world right now — well, there always is, but it’s particularly loud and overwhelming right now.
Not gonna lie, I’m writing this post in large part just because I need the reminder that it’s more than okay not to be super productive even though it seems like I have all this time, that I have a tendency to take on too much work and stress and I should stop doing this, that it’s easier to prevent than to recover from burnout.
That said, it must be noted that “self-care” is not an excuse for white and non-Black PoC folx to tune out of necessary conversations. Confronting privilege, systemic injustice, and violence is not easy, but it is necessary.
+ Obligatory disclaimer that what works for me may not work for you; everyone’s situation is different and you know yourself best; I am not a mental health professional and this is not medical advice; etc.
With all that established, I do hope you find something helpful in this post!
How I Practice Self-Care
Throughout the Week
- Get outside, even I’m literally just standing in the backyard for ten minutes. Failing this, at least open the windows to get some fresh air.
- Take a shower. For some reason, it’s one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get my hamster-wheel brain to shut up for twenty minutes.
- Remember to drink plenty of water. I keep my waterbottle on my desk in plain sight and take a drink every time it catches my eye. Occasionally I switch it up with tea or cocoa.
- Exercise, or at least stretch — admittedly I’m still not great about this one, but it does make a noticeable difference. And of course it’s (ew) good for you in general.
- Check in with friends and family. I’ve always tested as introvert, but human interaction helps me feel more, well, human.
- Journal. Life is messy and so are my thoughts. This doesn’t have to be in words, either; doodles and quotes and collages are also great ways to capture my mood.
- Cocoon myself in blankets, preferably in bed. Go to bed earlier and let myself sleep in later.
- Write blog posts and reviews when I feel up to it (often in batches, so that I have some pre-written and ready to go); forgive myself when I don’t.
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During Off Days
[“Off days” as in “days that I choose not to do work” and also as in “days where I am really not feeling great.”]
- Literally tear up the to-do list. It can be cathartic to destroy something, not to mention it’s pretty heavily symbolic (LOL).
- Sometimes I’ll deliberately put on a sad playlist and read/watch something that’ll make me tear up, to jumpstart a good long crying session. I usually feel at least a bit better afterwards.
- If I have the bandwidth, try something new — such as a song on piano or a recipe — that’ll keep me physically and mentally occupied for a while and ultimately provide longer-term satisfaction.
- If it’s a low-energy low-interest day, stream TV shows or watch YouTube videos, because sometimes you just need entertainment that requires minimal thinking. I keep a YouTube playlist titled “for bad days.”
- Look through old photos and/or letters to my past/future self, and think about the good ol’ days.
- Tidy up my physical spaces: clear desk, clear mind and all that.
- Reread old favorite books and/or fanfic. Not only do I benefit from nostalgia and guaranteed comfort, I can enjoy the story without worrying about writing a review later.
More Resources
- Upworthy: 101 ways to take care of yourself when the world feels overwhelming.
- Matt D’Avella: The most overlooked way to be more productive
- The Quiet Pond: How Bloggers Balance Blogging and Life [series summary]
- Cuppa Clo: Ways to Replenish Your Creative Energy
- Bookwyrming Thoughts: Why It’s Okay to Fall Off the Blogosphere Now and Then

- Have you been making time for self-care lately?
- What are some of your self-care rituals or go-to activities?
This post is so well-written 🙂
Yesterday was my self-care day where I decided to just binge watch a show and paint but apparently I’m not used to binge-watching because it gave me a massive headache and a nice hot shower could only do so much. Probably should’ve just picked up a book, hehe.
I’m really bad at exercising but I do tend to stretch and it just feels amazing. Take care of yourself and thank you for these tips!
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thank you, Charvi! and aw, I’m sorry to hear your plans didn’t quite go as intended – but glad you got to take a day off 💕
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I love that you took the time to write this, I walked outside today, and let me tell you, I felt 10x better from that alone, there’s a lot going on right now, and so much of it needs our attention but in order to keep going, we have to make sure we’re getting that small bit of care to do so.
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absolutely agree, Haley! fresh air and sunlight can work wonders 💕
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iuve started putting time into refinding my creative side! love this post, its so easy to forget to take care of ourselves
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