Self-Care Beyond the Bubble Bath: Real Support for Hard Times

May 28

Author:
Danielle Manning, Therapist Intern

"Self-care" can certainly feel like a term that has been thrown around in recent years. Even so, it's something that has started to be encouraged in our culture. I've found that people don't always take the time to explain it—mostly because what feels like self-care for one person may not feel that way for another.

You'll know what your favorite self-care looks like after you try out a few options and listen to your body to feel what is comfortable. Most importantly, it should allow you to feel relaxed. We'd like to offer you some inspiration for your own self-care and some reminders to set aside time to care for yourself.

Start a New Series

Self-care doesn't always have to look a certain way. If you feel like you want to watch that new show everyone's posting about, go do it! The societal pressure to "binge-watch" might make us feel like we need a whole week of free time to invest in a new series, but that's not the case. If you have a show you want to watch, carve out 40 minutes to watch one episode every day. Making time for something new counts as self-care!

Sit in Silence for 5 Minutes a Day

When people talk about self-care these days, everyone always gives the advice to meditate. Meditating is kind of a hard practice to get into, and it's even harder to maintain. It's not easy to slow down a busy mind for so long every day. Meditating is fantastic for your mental health, but not everyone finds that it's meant for them—and that's okay!

I will say though, sitting in silence without any music, screens, or anyone talking can also ease your mind. Think of it this way: on average, we're surrounded by screens for 10+ hours a day—phones, computers, iPads, televisions—screen time has become such a common part of our lives. It's rare that I find myself sitting in a room without the background noise of a television show, a podcast, or a music playlist. Just for five minutes today, try putting those things down and sitting in silence. Even taking a small pause from the day can be a beneficial form of self-care.

Self-Care When the World Feels Heavy

Let's be real: sometimes self-care feels impossible when the news cycle is overwhelming, when there's collective grief or fear, or when it feels like the world is on fire. During these times, traditional self-care advice can feel tone-deaf or inadequate. That's because self-care during crisis looks different—and that's okay.

When the world feels heavy, consider these practices:

Limit your news intake intentionally. Set specific times to check the news rather than doomscrolling throughout the day. Stay informed, but protect your nervous system.
Do something tangible. Sometimes the best self-care is taking action—donating to a cause, volunteering, showing up for your community. Feeling powerless is exhausting; taking even small action can help.
Connect with your values. Spend time doing something that aligns with what matters to you. This might look like having hard conversations, supporting a friend, or creating art that reflects how you're feeling.
Rest without guilt. You don't have to be "on" all the time. It's okay to step back, to not have a take on everything, to prioritize your own capacity. Resting so you can show up later is valid self-care.
Grieve collectively. Reach out to friends or community spaces where you can process what's happening together. Shared grief and shared hope are both powerful.

Self-care during difficult times isn't about escaping reality—it's about sustaining yourself so you can continue to engage with it in meaningful ways.

Ever Tried Journaling?

This definitely sounds like the new, trendy thing you've no doubt already heard, but I'm serious—journaling can help! You don't even have to buy a journal; you could honestly just write down thoughts on paper. Write down pieces of gratitude from your day, and after that, write down something you're working on, something you're proud of, or something that's bothering you. Many people use this technique to get their thoughts on paper, to relax, and to feel like they have control over the energy coming into their lives. It's a great meditative exercise that helps calm the mind and ground oneself.

Stretch Every Morning

This one is hard to keep up with, but it's a great way to start your day. Stretch your arms above your head. Try some sun salutations. Stretch your legs. Maybe do some yoga. Take some deep breaths. It really sets the tone for your day and can relax you before you encounter any stressors ahead.

Bubble Baths

Okay, we said “beyond the bubble bath”… BUT. The typical image people have of self-care is a bubble bath and reading a book—there's a reason this image exists: it's genuinely good self-care! Carving out some time for a bubble bath and a good book can be so relaxing. Consider lighting some candles or doing a face mask to give the experience a more relaxed vibe. Whatever you do, take time to make this moment your own. Move slowly and don't rush it.

Make Some Tea (Or Spill Tea)

Take some time to brew a cup of tea, mindfully stir in the milk or honey, and concentrate on the flavors and scents. Another exercise in mindfulness, the herbs themselves can be very relaxing to the body, but this act can also be calming in itself.

If you can't see the value in brewing a quiet cup of tea, consider "tea" in the colloquial sense—as in gossip shared among friends. What you share doesn't have to be a big secret, but just talking to friends about the stress of the week or current stressors in your life can make you feel better. Psychologists say that sharing secrets or stress with friends can be a relief, like a weight has been lifted.

You're Not Alone—And They Might Need to Hear From You Too

It's hard to accept the reality that people feel just as you feel, but the reality is, if you're silent about a feeling, perhaps another person is silent too. Reach out to that friend you haven't talked to in a few weeks. Ask them if they'd want to catch up and get lunch. Ask them how they've been doing—maybe you'll both share how you've been and become a support system for each other.

On another note, maybe you don't feel like there's anyone to reach out to. Take heart, there's more out there. Message the person with the social media feed or the blog that seems like their life is all together. Share that you admire them, maybe even bond over why you admire them, maybe talk about becoming friends. It's humbling to realize that everyone has felt low at some point, and if you feel that way, it's fair to say that others have felt the same.

Ready to prioritize yourself?

Self-care looks different for everyone, and sometimes we need support figuring out what works for us. If you're looking for a space to explore what self-care truly means in your life, reach out to Open Space. Our affirming therapists are here to help you build practices that actually feel good.