Beyond Bubble Baths: Uncommon Self-Care Practices for a Healthier Mind

Written by: Rufus Carter - Contributing Writer & Friend of WNY Life Coaching Center

Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body, but self-care isn't just about bubble baths and scented candles. While those things are great, real mental health support requires depth, intention, and sometimes, a little bit of creativity. The usual advice—getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well—is undeniably valuable, but let’s explore some self-care practices that go beyond the basics. These approaches aren’t just about temporary relief; they’re about building a sustainable foundation for mental resilience.

Practicing Digital Minimalism 

Your phone isn’t just a device; it’s a portal to endless distractions, comparison traps, and information overload. While social media connects us, it also feeds anxiety and reduces our ability to be present. Practicing digital minimalism means setting boundaries around technology—unfollowing accounts that don’t serve you, limiting doom-scrolling, or even taking a full weekend off from screens. It’s not about eliminating digital life but curating it in a way that supports your mental peace. When you control your tech use, instead of it controlling you, your mind feels clearer, calmer, and more in tune with real life.

Engaging in Creative Expression 

Creativity isn’t reserved for artists, musicians, or writers—it’s a powerful tool for self-care. Expressing yourself through art, dance, journaling, or even doodling helps process emotions in ways words often fail. Creative expression gives your thoughts an outlet, reducing stress and increasing a sense of personal agency. Even if you don’t consider yourself “creative,” the act of making something—without judgment or expectation—can be profoundly healing. Sometimes, the simple act of coloring outside the lines of a sketchbook can help you feel less confined in other areas of your life.

Thinking Outside the Box

Stress has a way of creeping into daily life, but managing it effectively requires more than just deep breathing and meditation. Here are four unique ways to reduce stress, including a few natural remedies that might surprise you:

●      Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb has been used for centuries to balance cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Regular supplementation can enhance resilience to stress while also supporting cognitive function and energy levels.

●      THCa: Unlike THC, its psychoactive counterpart, THCa is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that may help with inflammation and mood regulation. Exploring THCA diamonds in cannabis can ease stress without the high.

●      Controlled Sensory Deprivation: Floating in a dark, silent tank filled with saltwater might sound extreme, but sensory deprivation therapy can profoundly reduce anxiety. By removing external stimuli, your brain enters a deep meditative state that promotes relaxation and mental clarity.

●      Laughter Therapy: Watching a funny movie, listening to a comedy podcast, or even practicing forced laughter can trigger the release of endorphins. Laughing is a scientifically backed way to lower cortisol and improve overall well-being.

Cultivating Mindful Solitude 

Alone time isn’t just for introverts. When used intentionally, solitude can become a powerful act of self-care. Many people fear being alone, mistaking it for loneliness, but solitude allows space for self-reflection and emotional processing. Take a walk without your phone, sit in a park and observe the world, or even enjoy a solo meal without distractions. Instead of seeking constant stimulation, letting yourself simply be—without an agenda—creates mental clarity and emotional balance. Solitude, when embraced, teaches you how to be comfortable in your own company.

Practicing Body Intuition

 Your body often knows what it needs, but modern life conditions you to ignore those signals. Instead of following rigid wellness routines, practice body intuition—listening to what your body truly craves. Some days, that might mean stretching instead of an intense workout, or resting instead of forcing productivity. Other days, it might mean dancing in your kitchen just because it feels good. Learning to trust your body and give it what it asks for creates a deep sense of self-connection. True self-care isn’t about strict rules; it’s about honoring your own rhythms.

Setting Emotional Boundaries 

Not all self-care is soft and comforting—some of it is about protecting your energy. Setting emotional boundaries means recognizing what drains you and learning to say no without guilt. This might look like limiting time with people who deplete your energy, stepping away from conflict that isn’t yours to fix, or even disengaging from conversations that leave you emotionally exhausted. Your mental health thrives when you protect your peace, and sometimes, the best self-care is simply choosing where to invest your emotional energy.

Engaging in Playfulness 

Adulthood often strips people of their sense of play, replacing it with stress and responsibilities. But play isn’t just for kids—it’s a fundamental part of mental well-being. Engaging in playful activities—whether that’s jumping on a trampoline, playing board games, or trying something ridiculous like karaoke—can shift your mindset from stress to joy. Playfulness allows you to release tension, connect with others, and take life a little less seriously. Sometimes, laughter and lightheartedness are the best forms of self-care.

Developing a Ritual of Stillness 

In a world that glorifies busyness, stillness is a radical act. Developing a ritual of stillness—whether through meditation, breathwork, or simply sitting in silence—helps regulate your nervous system. Stillness allows your mind to reset, your thoughts to slow down, and your emotions to settle. You don’t need an elaborate mindfulness practice; even five minutes of deep breathing in the morning can shift your entire day. When you cultivate stillness, you create space for mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner peace.

Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental well-being. But real self-care goes beyond the surface, demanding that you engage in practices that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Whether it’s setting boundaries, embracing solitude, or allowing yourself to play, the key is finding what works for you. The most transformative self-care practices aren’t always the most obvious ones—they’re the ones that bring you back to yourself, over and over again.

Unlock your potential and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life with WNY Life Coaching Center, where expert guidance and holistic therapies await to support your journey to well-being.

Article written by Rufus Carter- Contributing writer & friend of WNY Life Coaching Center