Between work, family, and trying to find a moment of peace, how much time do you give yourself to simply do the things you want to do? Self-care often slips down the priority list. But here’s a little secret that’s not much of a secret anyway: self-care doesn’t need to be complicated,over-the-top, or require you to even step foot outside your front door. In fact, some of the best ways to recharge, refresh, and reset can happen right at home. But of course, if you want to head out, we’re all in for it.
International Self-Care Day is coming up (mark your calendars — it’s 24 July! 🗓️), and what better time to explore some easy, effective ways to show yourself a bit of love? Whether you’ve got ten minutes or an hour, these 10 self-care activities will help you feel human again and not a machine functioning in an auto-pilot mode. Spoiler alert: one of them involves a professional massage therapist coming to you, so you can sit back, relax, and let the good vibes roll.
1. Sip and Reset: The Magic of Hydration 💧
Before you reach for that dreaded pot of coffee or tea, stop and grab a glass of water. Hydration is often the unsung hero of self-care. It does wonders for your skin, your energy levels, and even your brain function. Dehydration, even mild, can make you feel sluggish, foggy, and cranky. So, drinking enough water is like hitting the reset button on your whole system.
Try a ‘hydration station’ at home — a glass bottle filled with chilled water, mint leaves, cucumber slices, and a squeeze of lime. Love some berries? Pop them in, and place it on your desk or bedside table for easy access. You’ll get some additional energy aside from basic hydration too!
You could also track your water intake using your phone or a cute refillable bottle marked with times or goals. Small rituals like this make everyday wellness feel intentional — and even a bit fancy, without having to spend a lot.
2. Declutter one corner, one shelf, or one drawer 🧺
If your home is feeling a bit chaotic, chances are your mind feels a bit that way too. There’s plenty of science behind how clutter can raise stress levels and make it harder to focus. But we’re not suggesting you tear apart the wardrobe or overhaul your kitchen. Spending an entire day just reorganising your room will feel like a lot, and if you can’t finish up, chances are you’re going to have a bad back by sleeping on the couch. Just pick one little space and give it a glow-up.
Want an idea? That ‘everything’ drawer in the kitchen island? Give it 10 minutes and a bin bag. Keep what sparks joy, ditch the rest. Or the fridge? Throw away your expired goods, sort out your grocery, and stock it up with healthy (and a few unhealthy too 🤫) snacks you love.
Once you’ve decluttered, light a candle, put on a playlist you love, or make yourself a cup of matcha. Turning it into a mini moment of calm helps link tidiness with peace — and makes it more likely you’ll do it again.
3. Breathing exercises aren’t just a fad 🌬️
If you’ve ever felt your chest tighten during a stressful moment, you’re not alone. Even on regular days, remember to practise mindful breathing techniques. Deep breathing is one of the quickest ways to calm your nervous system and slow your racing thoughts. But breathing properly takes intention.
Try this:
- Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold for 4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds.
- Repeat 5 times.
You’ll be surprised how grounded it makes you feel. If you want a bit more structure, try a bit of yoga at home. It’s something that you can do lying on a carpet, or sitting in a comfy chair. Bonus tip? Pair your breathing exercises with a gentle stretch or a hand massage for extra calm.
4. Stretch your body like noone’s watching 🧘♀️
Stretching isn’t just for yogis. It improves circulation, eases stiffness, and gives you a much-needed energy boost. You don’t need a mat or fancy leggings (but we know you’ll buy a pair or two! 👀) — just a few simple movements will do. The hours you spend infront of the screen is killing your body. So, the least you could do for yourself is to take a moment and ease your muscles and give yourself a pat on the back.
Need a quick tip before you doom-scroll YouTube for easy stretches for your back and neck? Reach up tall, then slowly bend down and touch your toes. Roll your shoulders forward and back. Do a few slow neck rolls. Easy, right? Try a short 5–10 minute morning or evening stretch to gently wake up or wind down. Bonus points if you pop on some lo-fi beats or calming sounds in the background, or on your headphones.
5. Book an in-home massage 💆🏻♀️
Now we’re talking. This is the ultimate self-care treat, and it doesn’t require a trip to the spa. Maybe just to your living room, the porch, or your balcony; wherever you love the best at your own house. With Blys, you can have a trusted massage therapist come to you. They bring everything needed: massage table, oils, relaxing music, and expert hands.
No traffic. No parking. No awkward waiting room small talk. Just you, your space, and the kind of deep relaxation that makes your entire body go “ahhh”.
Set the room before your therapist arrives. Bring out the himalayan pink salt lamp you had bought but never used before, pop on a chill Spotify playlist, and let the scent of essential oils fill the room.
Whether you need relief from tight shoulders from hunching over your laptop all day, sore muscles from jabbing your keyboard for hours on, or general burnout (because, same), massage helps your body heal and your mind unwind. Bookings take just a few taps — and yes, you can gift a massage to a friend too. Simply purchase a digital gift card from Blys, and get it delivered to your or your friend’s inbox. Trust us, it’s the birthday (or anniversary) gift they didn’t know they needed.
6. Digital detox hour 📵
We all love a scroll now and then, but let’s face it — screens drain us. Constant pings, pop-ups, and DMs can quietly eat away at our peace of mind. Let’s not even get started on doom-scrolling your reel section. A digital detox doesn’t have to be extreme. Just step away for an hour. Think of it like a time-out for your phone. And no, we don’t mean propping up your phone on the corner of your room. Rather, put your phone on airplane mode, shut your laptop, and leave your smartwatch on silent. Then try reading a book, doing a puzzle, or sitting by the window with a cuppa. Want something creative? Try mindful colouring activities. Give in to your inner child and spend an hour creating your masterpiece. 🎨
Even 30–60 minutes of screen-free time can lower anxiety, help you sleep better, and improve focus. Try it before bed, or first thing in the morning to set the tone for your day.
7. Do nothing for 10 minutes ☁️
Yes, nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. Find a comfy spot — your sofa, bed, or balcony — and give yourself permission to just exist. Not scroll, not think about work, not plan dinner. Just be.
It sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly powerful. Your body and brain rarely get a true break, and this little pause can be like pressing “refresh” on your internal tabs. The easiest way? Lie down with a cosy blanket, close your eyes, and breathe slowly. Imagine your thoughts floating by like clouds. That’s it. Doing nothing is a skill — and one that gets better the more you practise.
8. Self-care through skin care 🧴
Skincare routines aren’t just about your face. They’re small acts of kindness you give yourself. And when done mindfully, they can become the highlight of your day.
Pop on a face mask, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or soak in a good bath with lush bath salts and bubbles. Gently massage your temples with your favourite moisturiser, because who needs those stress-induced wrinkles?! 🥲
You can keep it simple or go all in. Either way, make it feel like a ritual, rather like treating it like a one-night stand. Bonus? You’ll glow inside and out. And if you’re craving more pampering, Blys also offers mobile beauty services — facials, mani-pedis, and more, all in the comfort of your home. Got an event you’re dreading going to because you cannot wing that eyeliner? Book a trusted beauty artist on the platform to nail your makeup so that you just have to worry about getting to the event.
9. Reflect a bit ✍️
When was the last time you checked in with yourself? Journaling doesn’t need to be a big thing. A few lines scribbled before bed can help process your day and bring a bit of perspective.
We can give you a few prompts to stick to on a daily basis. Feel free to tweak it if you feel like it. Maybe add the stickers you got stocked up in your drawer as well. (Just saying! 😌)
- What’s one thing I’m proud of today?
- What helped me feel calm?
- What do I need more of right now?
Over time, these tiny reflections build up into big insights. Plus, it’s a lovely screen-free wind-down habit.
10. Celebrate doing one thing just for you 🎉
Whether you’ve ticked off one thing from this list or all ten, take a moment to acknowledge it. We’re often so busy looking after everyone else that we forget to celebrate ourselves.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. And it doesn’t have to be perfect or polished. It just has to be yours. Finished your water goal for the day? Lit a lavender-scented candle and dozed for 10 minutes? Booked that massage? Dance around the living room, high-five yourself, treat yourself to a slice of rich chocolate cake, or share the joy with a friend. Celebrate the little wins. They count the most.
What’s self-care to you?
Self-care doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming. It just needs to feel right for you. Whether it’s taking five minutes to breathe, stretching out sore muscles, sipping infused water, or treating yourself to an in-home massage, these tiny acts of kindness add up in powerful ways.
And what better time to start than International Self-Care Day? Pick a couple of ideas from this list, try them out, and notice how your body and mind respond. You deserve to feel good — not just on one day, but every day. Want to take it one step further? Book a mobile massage with Blys, or book a recurring appointment and turn your home into your personal wellness retreat. It’s care that comes to you, quite literally.
