Joyful Self-Care Ideas for January to Boost Your Mood

Self-Care in January Should Be Fun (Not a Chore): Trivia, Bubble Baths, Houseplants, Popcorn, and Hot Chocolate - Because We All Deserve Some Joy!

Welcome to January! A month where resolutions fail faster than Wi-Fi during a storm and winter blues cling tighter than shapewear. Let’s ditch the guilt of new year, new you nonsense and embrace the idea that self-care doesn’t need to involve kale smoothies or 5 a.m. workouts. This month, we’re leaning into the good stuff—like trivia nights, bubble baths, houseplants, popcorn, and hot chocolate. Because sometimes, the best way to start the year is to recalibrate the bar, pour the cocoa, and simply...exist.

Trivia and Finding Your Inner Know-It-All - National Trivia Day is January 4th.

Why Trivia is Self-Care:

Flexing your brain with trivia is not only fun but also good for your mental health. Learning random facts triggers dopamine (your brain’s happy dance chemical) and provides a break from life’s endless to-do lists. Bonus: knowing obscure facts can make you the life of the party—or at least the hero of a pub quiz. Not everyone loves trivia, but I delight in knowing random things, so that is a positive in and of itself. 

Trivia-Themed Self-Care Ideas:

• Host a Virtual Trivia Night: Invite friends for a cozy online game. (Yes, pajama bottoms count as pants.)
• Solo Trivia Challenge: Download an app like QuizUp or Sporcle and dominate from your couch.
• Random Fact of the Day: Impress your coworkers with gems like, “Did you know octopuses have three hearts?” They’ll either be fascinated or think you’re a little weird—either way, it’s a win. Here is a Random Fun Fact Generator (in case you need one).

Reflective Question: How does letting yourself have fun without expectations feel? (Spoiler: It feels fantastic.)

Bubble Baths and Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing - National Bubble Bath Day is January 8th

Why Bubble Baths are Self-Care:

Submerging yourself in warm water isn’t just relaxing—it’s practically therapy. Bubble baths force you to pause, breathe, and embrace the art of doing absolutely nothing. (No, scrolling TikTok doesn’t count as “doing nothing.”)

Bubble Bath Ritual Tips:

• Set the Scene: Candles, soothing playlists, maybe even a fancy bath bomb. Go full #maincharacterenergy.
• Make It Yours: Not into flowery scents? Opt for mint, eucalyptus, or even unscented bubbles. Your bath, your rules.
• Stretch the Moment: Post-bath, wrap yourself in a cozy robe and channel your inner 1920s movie star.
• National Shower With a Friend Day is February 5th if you’re more into that sort of thing. I myself like an “everything shower” - if you do not do baths but still need some breathing room.

Reflective Question: When was the last time you gave yourself permission to rest without guilt? What would it feel like to do that more often?

Houseplants (Because Green is the New Zen) - Houseplant Appreciation Day is January 10th

Why Houseplants are Self-Care:

Taking care of houseplants is like practicing mindfulness with leaves. Watching them grow reminds you that life is cyclical and thriving takes time. Plus, they don’t judge you for eating cereal at 10 p.m.

Houseplant Self-Care Tips:

• Start Simple: Snake plants and pothos are practically indestructible (great for both plant newbies and those with, um, “black thumbs”).
• Name Your Plants: Giving them names—like “Leafy Beyoncé” or “Phil the Philodendron”—creates a fun, personal connection.
• Learn Their Language: Pay attention to drooping leaves or dry soil. Taking care of something else often reminds us to care for ourselves.

Reflective Question: How do you nurture yourself when you feel “droopy”? What helps you thrive?

Popcorn, Hot Chocolate, and Embracing Cozy Comfort

Why Popcorn is Self-Care:

Popcorn is the MVP of comfort snacks. It’s quick, versatile, and pairs beautifully with Netflix marathons. Want it sweet? Drizzle caramel. Craving savory? Toss it with parmesan or rosemary. National Popcorn Day is January 19!

Popcorn-Themed Self-Care Ideas:

• Movie Night: Make popcorn the star of the show. Bonus points if you pick a comfort movie you’ve seen a million times. (Pride and Prejudice seems to be a favorite. Though my comfort movie would be The Host, Heathers or Fight Club, so do whatever works for you!)
• DIY Popcorn Flavors: Experiment with toppings—think cinnamon sugar, chili lime, or chocolate drizzle. Here are some savory and sweet recipes from Delish, and DIY popcorn flavors and movie pairing ideas from Food Network.
• Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor every kernel. Yes, even if the dog is staring at you like you’ve betrayed them by not sharing.

Why Hot Chocolate is Self-Care:

It’s a hug in a mug, period. The warmth, the sweetness, the nostalgia—it’s all the cozy feels without the caffeine jitters. (Unless you spike it with coffee, which is a very valid choice.) Hot Chocolate Day is January 31!

Hot Chocolate Ritual Tips:

• Upgrade the Basics: Add whipped cream, marshmallows, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra joy.
• Make It an Event: Sip your hot chocolate while journaling, reading, or staring wistfully out a window like you’re in a rom-com.
• Go Fancy: Try gourmet recipes with dark chocolate, peppermint extract, or even a dash of chili powder for a spicy twist. Try recipes from AllRecipes or The Kitchn.
• Share it With Friends: I love to get my fancy hot chocolate and share my concoctions. It’s like cocktails (it sometimes is cocktails) but warm and cozy. 

Reflective Question: What small rituals bring you joy, and how can you incorporate them more often?

Why “Silly” Self-Care Works

In case you’re wondering, “Is this blog just an excuse to glorify trivia, bubble baths, and snacks?” the answer is absolutely yes—but also no. Self-care doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or a grueling exercise in self-improvement. Sometimes, it’s about leaning into the little things that bring you joy, no matter how “trivial” they seem. (Pun intended.)

January is rough enough without the pressure to reinvent yourself. This year, let’s trade perfection for popcorn, guilt for hot chocolate, and burnout for bubble baths. Lean into the little joys, whether it’s naming your houseplant “Chlorophyll Collins” or winning trivia with your encyclopedic knowledge of 80s sitcoms. Because self-care isn’t about doing more—it’s about showing up for yourself in ways that feel nourishing, silly, and unapologetically you.

Resources & Links:

• December 2024 Self Care
• Making a (Realistic) Self Care Plan
• Simple Practice: How to Create an Affordable and Sustainable Self-Care Plan 
• Thriving Through Uncertainty: How to Manage Stress & Find Your Calm
• Why gardening is part of my self-care
• Self-Care for Humans, Not Algorithms
• "Houseplant Care for Beginners" A guide to easy-to-grow plants and tips for keeping them alive and thriving.  The Spruce