Tired of Burnout? A Self Care Menu Is the Fix

When life gets chaotic, the go-to advice is always “just take care of yourself” or “you need a self care day.” But what does that even mean? Do you light a candle? Meditate? Get a facial? Or just sit in bed scrolling while pretending it’s restful?

This post is all about creating a self care menu.

Self Care Menu

Just a heads up: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission (without any extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through my links.

Enter: the self-care menu. A simple, no-BS way to actually practice self care without decision fatigue. Think of it as a restaurant menu for your mental and emotional health, designed to fit your mood, schedule, and energy level. Whether you have five minutes or a whole Sunday, this approach makes taking care of yourself effortless.

Why You Need a Self-Care Menu (And No, It’s Not Extra)

1. You Stop Wasting Time Wondering What to Do

Ever decide to have a self-care day only to spend the first two hours debating what self care actually looks like? With a self care menu, you already have a list of activities—so you skip the guesswork and actually reset.

2. It Works with Any Schedule

Some days, you have 30 minutes for a bath and a podcast. Other days, all you’ve got is 5 minutes between meetings. A self care menu gives you options based on how much free time you have. No guilt. No “all or nothing” thinking.

3. It Helps You Build Better Habits

When self care is structured, it becomes a routine instead of a reaction. Meaning, instead of waiting until you’re burnt out and crying in the shower, you actually maintain balance—whether that’s with a weekly self care checklist or just a mid-week reset.

Below is the ultimate list of things to add to your self care menu.

The Ultimate Self-Care Menu

Appetizers (5-15 min) – Quick Fixes for When You’re Short on Time

Take deep breaths and practice meditation

Put your phone away for a 5-minute digital detox

Stretch, do yoga, or try a somatic therapy exercise

Play feel-good music and take a dance break

Write down three things you’re grateful for

Listen to a podcast

Apply a face mask or do a quick skincare refresh

Lay on an acupuncture mat or use a massage roller

Sip a cup of tea or coffee mindfully

Read one page of a book or a daily affirmation

Main Course (30 min – 1 hr) – The Real Self Care Activities

Move your body with a full-body workout or pilates session

Go for a walk in nature or around your neighborhood

Pour yourself a glass of wine and cook a nourishing meal

Curl up in a cozy spot and get lost in a book

Book a manicure and pedicure or give yourself an at-home spa treatment

Schedule a massage or acupuncture session

Reset your mind: journal, organize your planner, and set new routines

Clean and declutter one space in your home

Try a creative activity like painting, writing, or playing an instrument

Call or text a friend for a meaningful conversation

Dessert (1 hr +) – The Ultimate Recharge Moves

Indulge in a full self-care reset: epsom salt bath, body scrub, face mask, hair mask

Refresh your life with a vision board, goal-setting session, or a new routine

Do a major declutter of your closet, inbox, or living space

Set up a selfcare Sunday ritual with candles, music, and deep relaxation

Watch a movie with your favorite snacks

Spend time on a hobby that brings you joy (knitting, baking, gardening, etc.)

Treat yourself to something special—a new outfit, flowers, or a fancy dessert

Visit a day spa, infrared sauna, or float therapy session

Take yourself on a solo date—dine out, explore a museum, or have a picnic

Plan a weekend getaway or a staycation for a full mental reset

How to Make Your Own Self-Care Menu

Creating a self care menu helps you prioritize yourself without the guesswork. Here’s how to make one that works for you:

1. List activities you actually enjoy. (Not what looks good on TikTok.)
2. Sort them by time required (5 min, 30 min, 1 hr+).
3. Create your personal self care menu ~ click here to download our free template
4. Save it your phone for when you need a pick me up
5. Actually use it (aka, don’t just write it down—make it a part of your routine).

self care day

Final Thoughts: Make Self-Care a Non-Negotiable

A self care menu isn’t just a cute idea—it’s a way to stay balanced without overthinking. The next time you feel drained, don’t sit in decision paralysis. Just pick from the menu and reset. Whether it’s a weekly self care checklist or a spontaneous mental reset, taking care of yourself should feel effortless.

Now, go place your order. Your well-being is waiting.

WANT A FREE

Capsule Wardrobe Checklist?

Keep your closet more organized and your shopping trips more productive with this FREE Capsule Wardrobe Checklist. Simply click the button below to get your Capsule Wardrobe Checklist delivered straight to your inbox!

Other Posts You May Like

+ 21 Beauty Favorites That’ll Make You Rethink Your 2025 Routine

+ Waking Up Hotter Starts with This Ugly Night Time Routine

+ This Wake Up Routine Will Have You Starting Your Day Like A Billionaire

THE STYLE CLOSET

Looking for more Winter Favorites?

Explore The Winter Edit for this season’s must-have items

Interested in Outfit Ideas?

Check out our Styled Looks for daily outfit inspo that’ll keep your wardrobe fresh and on-trend.

✨ Follow @currentlypopular on Instagram for exclusive trends in fashion, wellness, and lifestyle. Stay in the know with editorial articles from your trusted source for all things currently popular!

Currently Popular

You’ll Also Love