5 Self Care Tips I Swear By

In a world where stressors seem to multiply by the day, self-care is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. Between the relentless cycle of headlines and the pressure to be "on" 24/7, it's easy to feel untethered, like we're floating through life without a grip on what grounds us. But here's the thing: small, intentional acts of care - those that bring us back to the present - can change everything. These are the moments that connect us back to ourselves, keeping us rooted in a reality that often feels overwhelming. So, here are five self-care tips that may seem simple, but are crucial to bringing you back to what truly matters right now.

1. Using “The Good Lotion.” A year ago, I bought a lotion so luxurious that I felt I wasn’t worthy of using it. That stuff sat there, untouched, as if I needed to earn the right to pamper myself. It’s the classic “save it for a special occasion” trap, and guess what? Life is that occasion. I finally forced myself to use the good lotion - Osea’s Anti-Aging Body Balm - and guess what? The world didn’t end. My bank account didn’t implode. It was just...nice. A small, soothing reminder that self-care doesn’t have to wait for some imaginary milestone. And if Cleopatra could indulge, so can I.?
2. Lighting Candles (Yes, in the Morning). Speaking of indulgence, I’ve started burning a candle every morning, between 6:30 and 11 AM. Something about lighting a fire first thing in the day feels ancient, magical, and - dare I say - witchy. (As I mentioned, I run a full blown COVEN. Want in? Let me know.) But let’s not get carried away; I’m no candle snob. I rotate between five of them, but my heart belongs to P.F. Candle Co.’s Sweet Grapefruit. It wakes me up with a citrusy punch and doesn’t come with the stress of burning through an absurdly priced candle. This ritual is a quiet act of grounding, a way to begin the day with intention.
3. Laughing... Or Trying To. Lately, I’ve realized that fun and laughter are in short supply in my life. Without them, I get tense, irritable, and start yelling at cars in crosswalks. Yep, that happened. (For the record, the car was in the wrong, but my screaming fit didn’t exactly help.) Afterlife Season 3, anyone? Ricky Gervais has that crosswalk scene nailed. Anyway, my point is, I’m actively trying to have fun again and say YES to things that are out of my comfort zone. For example, I recently took a pole dancing class. Do I think it’s my calling? No. Will I go back for another class? Unclear. But the point is, I SAID YES TO SOMETHING NEW. Got any activity or class suggestions? Send ‘em my way.
4. Cooking - But Not for Instagram. I’m not here to preach about going vegan or cutting carbs. I’m way too tired for that debate. What I am here for is the quiet joy of chopping vegetables. Seriously. Slicing through a zucchini or dicing onions is like therapy for my brain. The best part? There’s no pressure to impress anyone, and I can finally admit that I hate kale. The bitterness, the texture - it’s just not for me, and that’s okay. My favorite dish this week was a yellow curry with extra mushrooms, mostly because it let me chop more things. Simple, grounding, and deeply satisfying. Remember Boring Girl Summer? Remember silence? Still effective in September.?
5. Rating My Day with a Gold Star. This might sound a little old school, but I’ve started printing monthly calendars and rating my days with a gold star. Why? Because I’m a sucker for validation - even from myself. At the end of each day, I reflect on what made me feel content and give it a star. Days where I meditate early, avoid plans I don’t want, and stay focused? Gold star days. Days filled with stress and obligation? Not so much. It’s a simple system, but it helps me pinpoint what works and what doesn’t, so I can fill my life with more of the good stuff. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a fun sticker??

T$ Hope Scroll:

• This video of Judge Judy talking about how it’s never too late. “If you didn’t make it in your 20s…”?
• This Mel Robbins writing exercise about happiness. You have the ability to change little things you do every day to make you a happier and healthier person.?

Much love,

T$