Burnout doesn’t always look like total collapse. Sometimes, it’s subtle—low energy, zero motivation, and a mental fog that won’t lift.

For me, it crept in during exam week—when I couldn’t concentrate, felt tired all the time, and everything felt too much. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. That’s why I put together these 10 simple self-care habits that helped me get through those heavy days. They’re practical, doable, and backed by research or experience.

1. Take a 5-minute breathing break
2. One hour of no-screen time
3. Make a comfort drink
4. Do a 10-minute tidy
5. Journal one page
6. Take a power nap (20-30 min)
7. Skincare as a reset
8. Listen to a calming playlist
9. Read something that has nothing to do with school
10. Go for a short walk
11. Little habits, big impact

Take a 5-minute breathing break

I used to think I needed an hour to “fix” stress. But pausing for just 5 minutes to breathe deeply—no phone, no distractions—helped me reset faster than expected.

Why it works: Deep breathing helps regulate your nervous system and reduces cortisol, the stress hormone

Try this free breathing timer for guided focus.

One hour of no-screen time

I started doing this before bed, and it completely changed my sleep. Reading a physical book or journaling gave my brain a break from the blue light storm.
My tip: Light a candle and play lo-fi music—make it a ritual.

What do you do when you take a break from screens?

Make a comfort drink

My go-to is peppermint tea, but it’s more about the intentional pause than the drink itself. That moment of “I’m doing something for me” can be powerful.

Mindful tea-making can lower anxiety by focusing your attention on something gentle and intentional.

Do a 10-minute tidy

When my desk is chaos, my brain follows. I set a timer, put on a calming playlist, and just clear space—literally and mentally.

Studies show that clean environments can increase focus and reduce feelings of overwhelm

Journal one page

This helped me unload the clutter in my head. I don’t follow prompts—I just write what’s real. One time, I just wrote “I’m tired” for a page. And that was enough.

What would your journal say today?

Need a starting point? Try this prompt: “What do I need most right now?”

Take a power nap (20-30 min)

I used to feel guilty napping. Now I set a timer, and it’s part of my productivity—not a weakness.

NASA research found that even a 26-minute nap can boost alertness by 54%

Skincare as a reset

Washing my face slowly with warm water and moisturizer became an act of care—not just hygiene. It helps reset my mental state.

Listen to a calming playlist

I found a “comfort mix” playlist on Spotify with instrumental, nostalgic songs. Music has been my escape when words or people feel too much
Here’s my go-to Spotify playlist – feel free to use or create your own.

Read something that has nothing to do with school

A 15-minute fiction break is like a mini-vacation for your brain. It’s a break without guilt.

Reading fiction increases empathy and emotional resilience

Go for a short walk

I used to think it had to be a 30-minute workout. Nope. A short walk clears the mental clutter like nothing else. Even 5 minutes outside helps me feel grounded again.

What’s your favorite low-energy way to move?

Little habits, big impact

You don’t have to overhaul your life to feel better. Sometimes, all it takes is a cup of tea, five minutes of stillness, or a notebook. These small self-care habits helped me survive burnout—and I hope they help you, too.

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”

What’s one self-care habit you swear by when life gets overwhelming?
Let’s share ideas in the comments!