31 Simple Ways to Prioritize You This May
Because we’re all for taking care of others — but this month, we’re also looking out for the woman in the mirror.
Think of this list as your permission slip to slow down, check in, and reclaim a little peace each day. Nothing fancy. Just feel-good, do-able ideas to help you reconnect with yourself — one small moment at a time.
Let’s do this, May-style:
- Start a daily gratitude journal. Even one sentence a night counts. Mental Health Month = the perfect excuse to begin.
- Support a local small business. Buy the thing. Leave the glowing review. Cheer them on like they’re your bestie with a dream.
- Build a sleep routine. Your future well-rested self says thank you in advance.
- Try a new mindfulness or relaxation practice. Breathing apps. Guided meditations. Staring at the ceiling with purpose. All valid.
- Schedule a catch-up call with someone you miss. Bonus points for doing it in pajamas.
- Plant something. Flowers, herbs, or whatever’s on sale at Trader Joe’s. Watching something grow = pure magic.
- Go for a walk outside every day. Even if it’s just to the mailbox and back. Nature doesn’t judge.
- Dedicate 15 minutes to self-care. Bath. Skincare. Sitting in silence and pretending you’re at a spa. Yes, it all counts.
- Read something for you. Not for work. Not for the kids. Just for joy.
- Unplug for one evening. No guilt. No screens. Just you, a cozy blanket, and your own thoughts (or silence, sweet silence).
- Tackle one tiny organizing task. Like that one drawer that’s 90% mystery cables. You know the one.
- List three things you’re grateful for before bed. Bonus: it helps quiet that late-night overthinking spiral.
- Try something new. A hobby, a recipe, a YouTube yoga class where you mostly just lay there. Go for it.
- Attend a local event or workshop. Something small, something new — something just for you.
- Send a handwritten note to someone you appreciate. Instant joy (for them and you).
- Refresh your bedtime routine. Candle, chamomile tea, zero scrolling. We’re channeling 2001 Neutrogena-commercial energy.
- Volunteer your time or kindness. Small effort, big heart.
- Cook something fresh and colorful. Bonus points if it’s from the farmer’s market. Extra bonus if your kids actually eat it.
- Try a gentle movement challenge. Stretching. Dancing. Walking. Nothing intense, just intentional.
- Journal your feelings. Or scribble down whatever’s on your mind. No rules. No grammar check.
- Take a quiet moment to breathe. Like, really breathe. Deep inhale. Slow exhale. Repeat until you feel more human.
- Listen to a motivating podcast. One that fills your cup — not makes you feel like you’re behind on life.
- Declutter one peaceful corner of your home. A tidy space = a tiny mental vacation.
- Get creative. Paint. Knit. Doodle. Write that moody poem. Let yourself play.
- Spend time in nature. A backyard. A park. The Target parking lot with your car windows down. All valid.
- Have a solo date night. Favorite show. Comfy socks. Maybe even that fancy chocolate you’ve been hiding.
- Reflect on your growth. Who you were six months ago? She’d be proud of how far you’ve come.
- Try bedtime yoga or deep breathing. Even two minutes helps your body shift into chill mode.
- Do something kind — just because. A compliment. A note. Letting someone cut in line. That’s the good stuff.
- Plan a little outing. Doesn’t have to be big. Just something for you, on the calendar.
- Celebrate yourself. You made it through the month. You showed up for you. That matters. That counts.
Michelle D. Garrett is the founder of Divas With A Purpose.
She focuses on sharing resources for being purposely productive; setting personal and professional goals and achieving them through daily action; and successfully running a business while focusing on your mental health. Michelle is a full-time entrepreneur who specializes in teaching female entrepreneurs how to show up consistently in their business – online and off.