How to Treat Yourself When You’re in a Slump

Life’s inevitable low points can leave even the most resilient people feeling drained, unmotivated, and disconnected from the activities that usually bring joy. During these challenging periods, the usual advice to “just push through” or “stay positive” feels hollow and unrealistic, while the guilt of not being productive enough only deepens the emotional fog. The question becomes not whether to treat yourself during difficult times, but how to do so in ways that genuinely nurture recovery rather than provide temporary distraction.

Photo by Gabriela Cheloni

Emma found herself in this exact situation last winter when a combination of work stress, seasonal changes, and personal disappointments left her feeling emotionally depleted. She tried the typical remedies like bubble baths and online shopping, but these momentary pleasures only provided fleeting relief before the heaviness returned. After spending money on things she didn’t really need and feeling even more disconnected from herself, she realized that effective self-care during slumps requires a completely different approach than the surface-level treats that dominate social media wellness culture.

The key to meaningful self-treatment during difficult periods lies in understanding the difference between numbing behaviors and nurturing actions. True self-care during slumps involves activities that honor your current emotional state while gently guiding you toward renewed energy and clarity. The most effective approaches combine immediate comfort with longer-term emotional restoration, creating a foundation for genuine recovery rather than temporary escape.

Authentic self-treatment during life’s low points requires intentional choices that acknowledge your struggle while providing genuine nourishment for both body and spirit. The most powerful strategies work by addressing the root causes of emotional depletion rather than simply masking symptoms, creating sustainable pathways back to vitality and joy. When you learn to treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a beloved friend, challenging periods transform from overwhelming obstacles into opportunities for deeper self-understanding and renewed resilience.

Shake Off the Slump: Small Treats, Big Changes

We all have those days or weeks or months where everything feels a little bit blue. Maybe you’re unmotivated or just plain tired of the daily grind. Slumps happen even to the most optimistic among us, but the good news is that you don’t have to stay there. Sometimes all it takes is a small treat, a shift in routine, or just giving yourself permission to slow down and recharge.

And yes, a visit to the med spa for a little glow up never hurt anybody.So if you’re feeling a little bit off and you want to shake the slump off your shoulders, here are some good ways to get yourself treated back to life.

• Start with joy. You don’t necessarily need a full on vacation to feel better. Sometimes it’s the tiniest things in life that lift your spirits. Ordering yourself your favorite coffee, wearing the fancy perfume just because, or finally lighting that overpriced candle you’ve been saving can help you to feel more joyful. A slump can feed off routine, so even one tiny change can start to shift your mood for the better. Allow yourself to enjoy it with no guilt allowed.
• Move in a way that feels good. You don’t have to have a punishing gym session. Movement that makes you feel alive can be anything from dancing in your kitchen to a 90s playlist to taking a walk somewhere pretty. Moving your body, even just a little bit gets those happy hormones flowing to help you to shake off that mental fog.
• Say yes to self-care. When you are stuck in a rut, basic self-care can feel like a chore. Flip in the script and making it feel like a treat is a good place to begin. Instead of a quick face wash, do a full skin care routine with your favorite products. Turn your shower into a spa moment with lavender or eucalyptus. You could maybe even book that facial that you’ve been eyeing or treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon at a Med spa. A little bit of pampering can do wonders for your mindset.
• Do something creative. You don’t have to be a professional artist to benefit from creativity. You could bake a new recipe, doodle in a notebook, or try a DIY project. The point isn’t to be good at it, it’s to enjoy the process and get out of your head. Creative expression is a great way to reconnect with yourself when you’re feeling stuck.
• Give yourself a yes day. Maybe not everything can be a yes, but pick a day where you do things just for you. Say yes to what you want, whether it’s binge watching your favorite show, eating pancakes for dinner or taking a nap in the middle of the day. Having permission to enjoy yourself is one of the best ways to treat yourself out of a slump.

Not every slump requires you to treat yourself out of it, but you need to be able to look after yourself. 

Embrace Your Recovery Journey with Kindness

The path out of a slump rarely follows a straight line, and that’s perfectly normal. Some days the gentle self-care approaches will feel exactly right, while other days you might need more active or social forms of treatment. The key is learning to listen to what your mind and body actually need rather than forcing yourself into activities that feel overwhelming or inauthentic in the moment.

Recovery from emotional low points requires patience with the process and recognition that healing happens in layers. One day a simple bubble bath might provide the comfort needed, while another day reconnecting with friends or trying a new creative outlet could spark the energy shift you’ve been seeking. The most important element is maintaining consistent kindness toward yourself, especially when progress feels slow or inconsistent.

Remember that treating yourself well during difficult periods isn’t selfish or indulgent; it’s essential maintenance for your emotional and physical wellbeing. The strategies that work best are those that feel sustainable and authentic to your personality and circumstances. When you approach slumps with curiosity rather than judgment, you create space for genuine healing and often discover new sources of joy and resilience that serve you long after the difficult period has passed.