Things I Did For Self-Care Day That Genuinely Helped

If you’ve been feeling the pull to pour more into yourself, recharge, and reconnect with what makes you feel more like you, this real self-care day might give you that little nudge and prompt. I created space to slow down, notice the little things, and soak in the quiet moments. Journal prompts and connecting with nature are some of the things I discovered are a part of having the self compassion you deserve.

This post is my version of a self-love guide from me to you. It’s one that focuses on emotional self-care, intentional living, and the kind of peaceful, slow living that helps you romanticize your life again. You could be planning a wellness day at home, a mental health reset, or just looking for gentle ideas to nourish your soul, and I hope these cozy practices inspire you in your own soft, feel-lovely day.

Things I Did For Self-Care Day

Woke up slowly and gently

There was no rushing, no harsh alarms.
I let my body wake when it was ready, and when I got up, I moved slowly, allowing myself to ease into the morning. Sometimes, just opening the window and looking out at the trees and sky brings that soft, grounded feeling. It reminds you of the calm that’s always there, and the freeness of nature that we always have access to.

Ate a comforting but nourishing breakfast 

Looking forward to breakfast is my secret hack to wanting to get out of that warm, cozy bed. Knowing there’s a bowl of something like creamy oats with cinnamon, honey, and a handful of berries waiting for you to dive into. Not to forget the large cup of your soothing drink, like a rich oat milk coffee, or a calming herbal tea. To uplevel your morning treat, I love to situate myself near the window and look out at the morning birds, reminding me of nature’s pace.

Washed my face and moisturised 

The feeling of caringly washing your face in the morning feels so refreshing and nurturing. Not for the sake of it, but for the feeling of it. 

Replaced negative thoughts with positive ones

We all have negative thoughts pop into our  heads, but to mindfully think of an alternative, self serving thought, that makes you feel good is a true act of self love for your self care day. For example from “I’m not doing enough” to “I am enough, as I am.” and really feeling into that and leading from that belief with pride.

Put on the right music

Music can be so harmonious and expressive for us. “Knowing yourself and which music you pair with your emotions will improve self-regulation, or “feeling your feelings.” So if you want help with validating how you’re feeling today, and helping you to move towards clarity and pure happiness, try out different music and go with what feels right. Research shows that music can not only validate how someone is feeling (by matching their current emotional state) but also help improve their mood (by shifting to more uplifting music).

Went into the garden barefoot/touched the soil

If you take your shoes off and go walk in your garden (or anywhere that’s safe), or maybe go and do a little gardening – report back here and tell me how you feel. I want to hear! I have started doing this more with my children and it is one of the times we feel most regulated and happy.Research on earthing shows that connecting with the Earth’s natural energy, like walking barefoot on grass or sand, has been linked to positive changes in the body and feeling better overall. Likewise, Earthtrust explains how touching soil can let in a bacteria called Mycobacterium vaccae, which helps you release serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel good.

Bought the comfy and cute dress 

Iam one for getting the most enjoyment for buying things for my children. But when a self care day comes around, I am heading to a shop i like to browse in, i am heading to the clothing section, and I am taking my time to look through, eeling the different fabrics, watching how the dresses flow and fall,until I find something that feels like an elegant, comforting treat for my body. Someting that reminds you of how good you deserve to feel.

Bought already-made lunch 

I didn’t feel like making my own lunch today, and seen as there was no one else to make it for me, my daughter and I popped out to the shop and chose a pre-made meal deal. I fancied coronation chicken with some flavoured water so that’s what I had. A little already-made gift, simple but felt kind and caring. 

Drove to a scenic place to eat

We also didn’t feel like eating at home or in the car, so we drove to a beautiful lakeside park, taking in the fresh air and soothing sound of flowing water while we enjoyed our meal.

Sent messages to friends 

Checking in on your friends and showing them love helps you feel good too—it s uplifting because it helps you to feel connected to what matters to you. 

Cleaned the space where I like to write 

It’s a feeling like no other writing in your journal, connecting with yourself in that quiet, peaceful space where your thoughts can flow freely. When the space around you is clean and clear, your mind follows. It’s simple, beautiful, and a powerful act of self-care.

Hung up a gift 

“It’s such a simple thing, but it means everything. My daughter made me a beautiful Mother’s Day gift at preschool, and I’d been wanting to put it up. I finally gave myself the time to do it. When you slow down, you realize there’s space for these sentimental little things. Now, every time I see it, I get this warm, wholesome feeling.

Wore my comfort cardigan 

Some of my favourite days are the ones where I slowly wash my face, do my makeup, fix my hair, and get into a cute dress with a nice pair of shoes, then balance it all out with a comfy cardigan or jumper. I mean oversized, 100% cotton or soft cashmere. And you’re walking around with a feeling like being given a big hug.

Tried a super simple & easy comfort recipe 

For my self care day warm meal, I threw together the most comforting bowl. It had roasted sweet potato, carrots, and sugar snap peas, ginger, with a drizzle of creamy yoghurt and honey. It was exactly what i needed. Delicious, warming, and so nourishing.

Cuddled my dogs 

My dogs are seriously the most cuddly, snuggly little babies. They always appreciate it, so when I am feeling tired and I call my fluff girls over for a hug, it feels like they’re holding me too. Just seeing their sweet eyes look up at me with love when I stroke their faces. It’s a self-care moment in the purest form. A quiet kind of comfort that says, ‘you’re loved too.

Made my shower feel like a spa 

I love to make my shower experience something to really soak into and indulge in. It’s better when you see it as a time to feel the water running on your back, smell the gorgeous naytural products, and feel into the moment. Some tipsinclude using calming scents, lighting a candle, keeping the lighting soft, opening a window to hear the birds, or even putting on a spa-like podcast.

Put fresh sheets on my bed before getting in

A self-care day can smoothly extend into the evening when you make your bed with freshly washed sheets, filling the room with that homey, comforting clean scent. Falling into the cool softness of your bed after a relaxing shower and snuggling into fluffy pillows. It’s pure luxury right at your fingertips.

Put on a comfort podcast 

And once I’m in that elated, relaxed space, I reach for my phone and find a comforting podcast—you know, the kind that makes you feel like you’re chilling with your bestie in the garden of a sweet getaway stay. You’re talking about everything and nothing, the sun is warm, your favourite cold drink is in hand, and everything feels still, easy, and completely carefree. The perfect bed time to your self-care day.