The Self-Care Habits I Swear By as a 20-Year-Old Girl
by Emma Wong
Being in your 20s is wild. One minute, you're pulling all-nighters for finals, and the next, you're meal prepping like a suburban mom. Somewhere between balancing school, work, relationships, and the pressure to "have it all figured out," I realized self-care isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths (though I definitely still do those). It's about the little things I do every day that make me feel like me again.
So here are the self-care habits I genuinely swear by that are realistic, comforting, and perfect for girls in their 20s who are trying to stay grounded in the chaos.
1. Romanticizing My Daily Routine
If I have to do something every day, I might as well make it feel like a scene out of a coming-of-age movie. That means lighting a candle while I do homework, putting on a cute matching set even if I’m staying home, or listening to French jazz while I clean my room. It turns mundane tasks into little moments I look forward to.
2. Weekly “Me-Dates”
Every week, I take myself on a little solo date. Whether it’s getting coffee and walking around a cute neighborhood, grabbing a pastry and journaling, or taking myself to a yoga class. It’s a dedicated time to be with myself, recharge, and not be “on” for anyone else.
3. Skincare = Sacred
I’m not about 15-step routines, but I do love my skincare time. It’s meditative for me. Cleansing, moisturizer, SPF in the morning (non-negotiable), and a hydrating mask when I’m feeling fancy. Taking care of my skin reminds me to slow down and literally take care of myself.
4. Movement Without Pressure
I have tried my best to get away from the mindset of “I need to work out to look a certain way” and replace it with “moving my body makes me feel better mentally.” But, I admit, this mindset can be hard. Something as simple as going on a walk and listening to my favorite album is so valuable. Movement is medicine.
5. Phone Boundaries
Unfollowing accounts that make me compare, muting notifications, and taking random social media breaks are part of my digital self-care. I’ve realized that what I consume online really affects my energy, so I treat it like a diet.
6. Sleep Is a Non-Negotiable
8 hours isn’t always possible, but I do everything I can to protect my sleep. I try to go to bed around the same time each night and give myself proper time to wind down. As nice as it can be to scroll on TikTok before bed, I try toand read a book or journal instead. I’m not a morning person, but waking up rested is chef’s kiss.
7. Decluttering My Space is Decluttering My Mind
Whenever I feel off, I clean. My room reflects my mental state more than I’d like to admit. So I try to make it cozy and functional with diffusers, blankets, natural light, and no pile of clothes in the chair. A clean space creates a clear head.
8. Letting Myself Feel Things
I used to bottle things up, thinking I needed to be “chill” or “low maintenance.” Now, if I’m sad, I cry. If I’m overwhelmed, I journal. If I’m happy, I blast music and celebrate. Feeling my emotions instead of fighting them is the most freeing self-care habit I’ve picked up.
9. Having a Few Go-To Comforts
I have a list of “comfort resets” for when I’m feeling off, like my favorite podcast, a comfort movie, a walk at golden hour, or calling a best friend from home. They’re little things, but they never fail me.
10. Talking to Myself Like Someone I Love
This one’s ongoing, but I’m trying to speak to myself with kindness, especially when I mess up, feel insecure, or am just having a hard week. Would I talk to my best friend the way I talk to myself sometimes? Nope. So I’m working on that.
Self-care doesn’t need to be expensive or extravagant. For me, it’s about small rituals that make me feel safe, seen, and supported. If you’re in your 20s and feeling a little lost, burnt out, or in a constant loop of trying to “get it together,” you’re not alone. And you don’t have to wait for a weekend getaway to treat yourself with love.
You deserve it every single day.
