Bloom Where you are Planted: Fun & Realistic Self-Care for Your Mental Health
Hey there, beautiful minds!
Let’s be real- life can get a lot. Between work, school, relationships, and trying to remember what day it is (because let’s face it, time is an illusion), our mental health sometimes takes a backseat. But guess what? Taking care of your mind doesn’t have to be boring or feel like another task on your to-do list.
Here are three fun, simple ways to bloom even on tough days
1. Romanticize your routine
Turn everyday tasks into mini moments of joy. Play your favorite playlist while doing dishes, light a candle while journaling, or sip your morning tea like you’re the main character in a feel-good movie. Small details = big energy.
Bringing awareness to the moments that quietly lift your spirit is an easy way to practice mindfulness in your everyday life. Mindfulness can make ordinary moments more meaningful by helping you slow down and appreciate the present (Kabat-Zinn, 2013). Try noticing the texture of the soap bubbles or the taste of your tea, it’s a small practice that can lower stress and boost your mood.
2. Try a “creative brain dump”
Grab some markers or a notebook and just draw or write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to make sense- let your thoughts spill out in color. Expressive writing and art are proven to lower stress and boost emotional clarity (Pennebaker, 2018).
The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to get what’s inside out. You might surprise yourself with how freeing it feels to turn emotions into something visual or written.
3. Check in, don’t check out
When you’re tempted to zone out on your phone, pause and ask yourself: “What do I actually need right now?” Maybe it’s rest, a snack, or a quick walk. Listening to your needs is one of the best ways to build self-compassion and self-compassion has been linked to greater emotional resilience and reduced anxiety (Neff, 2011).
Remember, self-care isn’t about perfection- it’s about connection and taking realistic steps that fit your life. You’re learning to show up for yourself in small, beautiful ways every day, even on days when it feels messy or imperfect. Every little moment of care, whether it’s a deep breath, a quiet cup of tea, or simply pausing to notice something that brings you joy- counts.
These small acts of self-care are more than just feel-good habits. They are foundational tools often used in therapy to support mental health, build emotional resilience, and help manage stress. Practicing them consistently can strengthen your well-being over time, just like the strategies therapists guide clients to use in sessions.
References:
• Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Bantam Books.
• Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself. HarperCollins.
• Pennebaker, J. W. (2018). Expressive Writing: Words That Heal. Idyll Arbor.
