25 Simple Self-Care Choices to Nurture Your Whole Self and Space

As a Certified Professional Organizer, I often talk about decluttering our homes, productivity strategies, creating systems, and finding peace in order. But there’s another layer to being truly organized—and that’s self-care. When we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others, manage our responsibilities, and feel calm in the chaos. One of my favorite quotes is “Put your own oxygen mask on first.” Putting self-care into action is just that!

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It’s simply about tuning in to what you need and giving yourself permission to rest, recharge, or refocus. Don’t wait until you are burning the candle at both ends and you feel like burnt toast. Here are 25 friendly, simple self-care choices that can support your whole self.

Keeping up with self-care for nurturing your mind and brain. 

• Read for pleasure. Readers are leaders. Choose a topic you love and get lost in a book. Reading at night is a great way to get ready for rest.
• Write in a journal. Process the day or get your thoughts out with daily journaling.
• Say “no” without guilt. Easier said than done, being aware of when to say “no” protects your energy and your emotions. Boundaries are a form of self-care.
• Unplug for an hour whether it is a nap, or simply sitting. Silence the noise with a meditation moment and give your brain a break.
• Practice gratitude. This daily practice of jotting down three things you’re grateful for changes your entire perspective on life.
• Try a puzzle, crossword, or game. These are ways to give your brain a playful challenge. Learning something new is another springboard to brain health.
• Declutter one small area. Feeling the energy to toss? A clear space can help clear your mind.
• Take a learning break. Listening to a podcast or TED talk inspires and informs you.

Take good care of your physical self. 

• Take a walk outside. Especially as a start to the day, fresh air and movement can shift your whole mood. Step outside for 10 minutes.
• Stretch for five minutes. We hold so much tension in our bodies, especially our necks. Release tension and reset your posture.
• Drink more water.  Enhance your brain power with hydration. Hydration can work wonders for your energy and focus.
• Take a nap. The wonder of rest can make all the difference. Choose a nap when you feel fatigue coming on.
• Try a new healthy recipe. Each season calls us to cook differently. For summer, choose fresh-in-season veggies and salads. For winter make a pot of soups or stew.
• Put on comfy clothes. Each evening I change into jammies especially early to feel comfy. Even just changing into cozy socks can feel like a reset.
• Sway, tap your toes, or dance to your favorite song. Movement + joy = instant mood boost.
• Have a “do nothing” moment. A pause makes the biggest difference at times. Regroup, sit, breathe, or stand to give yourself a moment.

Create a space that nurtures you. 

• Make your bed. Notice how beautiful and inviting your room looks! A simple act that starts your day with a win.
• Light a candle or choose a diffuser. Scents are a powerful way to soothe and signal relaxation.
• Tidy a surface. A cleared counter gives us a sense of order, calm, and clarity. This visual cue signals us to slow down.
• Set a 10-minute timer to clean or organize. A short burst of tidying and organizing can be rewarding.
• Bring in something fresh. Change the vibe of your space with a plant, flowers, or a new pillow
• Create a cozy corner. Adding a chair, blanket, and light can create your recharge zone. Adding cozy blankets to any spot makes that an area to reset.
• Play calming music. From Pandora to Spotify, music is around us. Let sound soothe your space.
• Put something away that’s been bothering you. That undone task is nagging you. Just do one small task to tidy, Tiny wins build momentum.
• Create a reset time daily. A tidy space encourages peace and purpose.

Remember that you are worthy of setting aside time for self-care. Your mind and body require this. Connect to yourself, your needs, and what helps you feel more grounded, together, and whole. You don’t need to do all 25 things today or any day. Just pick one that resonates, and let it be enough to bring you clarity and calm. When you’re caring for yourself, your mind is clear, your body cared for, and your space nurtured. That’s when life feels a little lighter, easier, more orderly, and more beautiful.

What’s your favorite form of self-care? I’d love to hear how you make space for yourself in your day. 💛