We’ve all seen those “ultimate self-care lists” that suggest taking a trip to Bali, spending hours meditating, or soaking in candlelit bubble baths every evening. While those sound lovely, let’s be real—self-care shouldn’t feel like another chore.

Here’s a refreshingly doable list of self-care ideas that don’t require tons of time, money, or effort—and most importantly, are sustainable.

5 Minutes or Less

These are perfect for a mid-day reset or when you’re short on time:

• Take 10 deep belly breaths, calm your nervous system fast.
• Sip a glass of water mindfully, hydration is underrated self-care.
• Step outside for sunlight, even a few minutes boosts mood + energy.
• Text a friend “thinking of you”, tiny connections matter.
• Stretch your arms overhead, cue: instant energy boost.

Weekend or Weekly Care

A little structure makes self-care more automatic:

• Meal prep one nourishing dish you love (bonus: future you thanks you).
• Declutter one drawer or folder, small wins = mental clarity.
• Schedule a “nothing hour” on your weekend (yes, permission to not be productive).
• Make a DIY face mask or hair treatment, quick spa vibes at home.
• Do a Sunday reset: tidy up, brain dump, and plan 3 key intentions for the week.

Emotional & Mental Self-Care

Because true self-care goes beyond the surface:

• Practice saying “no” without guilt.
• Give yourself permission to rest, even when the to-do list is full.
• Start a “done” list instead of a to-do list to boost self-trust.
• Set boundaries around draining people or apps.
• Forgive yourself for not doing everything perfectly.

Self-care doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. It’s not about bubble baths (though they’re nice), but about meeting your actual needs, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: showing up for yourself in little ways every day is the most radical self-care of all.

Bonus tip: If you’re looking for a simple way to stay on track (without being hard on yourself), check out my habit tracker on Etsy. It’s designed to help you build small, meaningful self-care habits—like drinking enough water or taking a few minutes for yourself—without the overwhelm. It only takes a couple of minutes a day, but it really adds up.