You know those days when you’re overwhelmed, under-caffeinated, and about one dumb comment away from losing it? Yeah. I’ve had some of those lately. And while deep breathing, journaling, and drinking water are technically helpful… sometimes what I really need is to wipe down my counters and cabinets with Thieves Cleaner while listening to some 80s power ballads. Odd? Probably. Helpful? Definitely.
So today, I’m sharing a list of 10 weirdly specific things that make me feel better—tiny, random things that bring a little joy, calm, or just make me feel more like myself. Maybe one or two of them will work for you, too. Bonus points if they inspire you to come up with your own little reset rituals.
1. Rewatching that one oddly comforting sitcom episode
For me, it's a tie between M*A*S*H and Bonanza. Bonus points if I can find The Dukes of Hazzard streaming somewhere. It’s nostalgia and comfort food for my brain. These shows don’t just entertain—they take me back to a simpler time when life was less complicated and more denim-forward.
Feel-better factor: Easy escapism that doesn’t ask anything of me.
2. Folding exactly one load of laundry while listening to a history podcast
One load. Not the whole basket. Just enough to feel semi-productive while someone narrates about ancient civilizations or forgotten scandals. I’ve got to admit though, sitting down with the goal of folding just one load often leads to getting that second load folded, too. We'll call it accidental overachievement. 😉
Feel-better factor: A small win + mental stimulation = sneaky productivity.
3. Making tea with an absurd amount of honey
There’s something about adding way more honey than anyone reasonably needs that feels wildly indulgent in the best way. It's especially wonderful when made in my giant “Nana” mug. I gravitate toward teas made with essential oils instead of conventional teabags, but I’ve got a few old-school favorites too. (Looking at you, Orange Rosehip.)
Feel-better factor: A soothing, sweet ritual that feels like self-kindness in a cup.
4. Using peppermint oil behind my ears like I’m heading into battle
A little cooling tingle, a little boost, and suddenly I feel like I’ve got my act together—even if I’m still in pajama pants at 2 in the afternoon. It’s amazing how one small wellness habit can shift your energy.
Feel-better factor: Instant refresh. Like armor... but aromatic.
5. Texting a fellow GenXer a random 80s gif
Sometimes the best medicine is sending a ridiculous Weird Al gif or a snarky Golden Girls meme and seeing what comes back. Low effort, high return—especially when it sparks a nostalgic inside joke.
Feel-better factor: Connection without the overwhelm of actual conversation.
6. Playing a playlist that screams “middle school energy”
The Bee Gees. The Grease soundtrack. A little Skynyrd for good measure. I’m not saying it heals everything, but it helps more than it should. Singing along like I’m 13 again is its own form of therapy.
Feel-better factor: Vibes that match your mood… or pull you out of one.
7. Cleaning out one drawer—not a whole room
Tiny victory. Instant dopamine. No spiraling into a full-blown perfectionism project required. Just one drawer. That’s it. (Though if you find expired coupons from 2004, no judgment.)
Feel-better factor: Accomplishment without the burnout.
8. Diffusing something grounding while I tidy up a corner of the house
Peace & Calming, Valor, or just plain old Lemon—my oils do their thing while I reset a small space. No candles. No fake fragrance. Just clean, toxin-free scents doing their gentle magic in the background.
Feel-better factor: A vibe shift without needing a deep clean.
9. Looking through random old vacation photos
Especially the goofy ones I forgot we even took. They remind me that joy still exists, even when life feels heavy. Seeing past versions of ourselves laughing in touristy t-shirts is sometimes the exact reminder I need.
Feel-better factor: Visual proof that happiness happens—and will again.
10. Sitting outside for five minutes like I’m completely off-grid
No phone. No scrolling. No checking the weather even though I'm literally sitting in it. Just five minutes of sunshine on my face while pretending I don’t have a mental grocery list screaming in my head.
Feel-better factor: Grounding without a to-do list.
These little things matter
I know none of this is groundbreaking wellness advice. It’s not a revolutionary self-care protocol. But when I need a quick mood shift or a personal reset button, these weirdly specific feel-better tricks help more than I expect them to. They're simple, sensory, and just personal enough to feel like mine.
So… what are your weirdly specific feel-good things? I’d love to hear them. Drop a comment or message me—because sharing the silly stuff might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
Here’s to finding what works (and letting go of what doesn’t),
AJ
If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.
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This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.
You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).
This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.
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Have a question or something to share?
Thanks for the “Peppermint Oil behind my ears” hint!!