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Small Joys for Hard Days
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items Some days are just heavy. This is a list of small things I reach for when I don’t have much energy but still want to feel a little better. Nothing complicated, nothing that takes a lot of effort. Just simple comforts that help take the edge off.
Sections
4
Comfort you can reach for immediately
Low effort reset things
Tiny mental escapes
“I need to feel like a person again” things
Comfort you can reach for immediately
These are the easy comforts. Warm, soft, familiar things that help your body settle down a little when everything feels like too much.
I buy these from IKEA in bulk. My go-to candle for baths and relaxing. Light coconut scent, not too strong.
Scented Tea Light Candles (Ikea)
I own an older version of this (pattern has been discontinued) and reach for it constantly. It’s double-knit cotton, so it has this stretchy, soft feel that kind of hugs you. It’s the closest thing to feeling cocooned on the couch, and it holds up be...
Knit Throw Blanket (from Etsy)
I always buy my essential oils from this family-run shop on Etsy. They have several types of lavender, but Bulgarian lavender is my favorite. I use a few drops in the bath, on my pillow, or on my wrists on harder days.
Lavender Essential Oil
This is so luscious and comforting. You will feel better instantly.
Silk Velvet Robe (from Etsy)
Low effort reset things
When getting started feels impossible, these are the things that help me shift gears without overthinking it. Very low effort, but they help.
It’s such a reset to just spray a little on my face and then put my face in the fan. I just close my eyes and take a deep breath and it takes me down a notch.
Continuous Spray Bottle
I keep this in my car, my purse, my desk, my bedside table, and if I’m wearing a hoodie, you better believe it’s in that kangaroo pocket. Get the original basic kind, not made for lips, in a small squeeze tube or tiny tub. Just a smidge goes a long w...
Aquaphor
I have these on auto-delivery and drink one every day for a hydration boost!
Electrolytes
My go-to when 1) I need to get energized or 2) I need to reset. It’s like comfort food for my ears. Especially great to hit play the second I get in the car and just need to decompress.
My Taylor Swift Playlist
I first got this at a Marriot hotel and kept it in my purse as a treat. Now I’ve invested in a big bottle at home (and I refill my purse one). It smells like an upscale spa and makes me feel fancy. Next time I’m in a Marriott, the maid cart might nee...
In The Zone Body Lotion
Tiny mental escapes
For when I need a break from my own thoughts. These are simple ways to check out for a bit without needing a lot of focus or energy.
Every new year I buy this and pick it up in short spurts when I need a break.
The Best Short Stories 2025: The O. Henry Prize Winners
Great podcast to listen to when you want to escape from reality. Lots a great stories and each is only about 15 minutes. You never know if you’ll be laughing or crying or both!
The Moth Podcast (short true stories)
I pay for the subscription and it’s honestly worth it. Love to take a quick break and do the wordle, connections, or spelling bee (not a fan of crossword, but that’s in there too!)
NYT Games
“I need to feel like a person again” things
The small things that help me feel a little more put together. Not a full reset, just enough to feel like myself again.
I use the color Rose, and it’s so pretty and understated. Like cherry chapstick but luxe. It always makes me feel just a little more put together.
Sugar Lip Balm (by fresh)
Sometimes you need something luxurious in your everything shower routine to help pull you back into feeling good again. This is a great alternative to use for shaving and it eliminates the need to moisturize after a shower.
Fancy Shower Oil - L'Occitane
I’m obsessed with this nail polish. No effort whatsoever and just looks like I have healthy nails. One swipe is all you need and it dries super fast.
Natural nail polish
It’s amazing how good you can feel if you add a little pop of color (blue is my favorite). These feel nice too if you are prone to stroking your earlobes for comfort!
Tactile pop of color