If “self care” in 2025 looked like scrolling until your thumb cramped and calling it rest… yeah, same.
So instead of making wildly unrealistic New Year promises that fall apart by February, let’s talk about self care ideas in Columbus that actually feel doable in 2026.
No pressure. No glow-up propaganda. Just things that help you slow down, unplug, and feel like a functioning human again.
Here’s where to start.
Book a Spa Day (Because You’re Tired… and You Deserve It)
Let’s not overthink this. Sometimes self care really is letting someone else handle things for a while. Facials. Massages. Saunas. Skincare. Quiet rooms where nobody asks you a question.
If you’re looking for a spa experience in Columbus, here are some excellent options across the city:
West Side
Allvera Wellness Spa | 2079 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Holistic, calming, and focused on full-body wellness. This is the kind of place where your nervous system finally unclenches.
North Side
Papillon Day Spa | 890 High St Ste B, Worthington, OH 43085
A Worthington staple that nails classic spa treatments without feeling stuffy or intimidating.
East Side
Replenish: The Spa Co-Op | 124 S Washington Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Community-focused, modern, and refreshingly welcoming. Perfect if traditional spa vibes aren’t usually your thing.
South Side
LA Relaxation Spa | 3887 Great Southern Ct, Columbus, OH 43207
Straightforward, affordable, and deeply relaxing. No frills, just relief.
Exercise That Doesn’t Feel Like Punishment
Here’s your reminder that movement does not have to be miserable to count. In fact, the best exercise is the one you’ll actually keep doing.
Instead of setting lofty fitness goals that implode immediately, try something that feels fun, weird, or low-pressure.
We put together a full guide to unique and easy ways to exercise in Central Ohio, including classes and experiences that don’t feel like traditional workouts: ⬇️
If it makes you feel good and you leave smiling, it counts. That’s the rule.
Float Therapy (AKA Turning Your Brain Completely Off)
If your brain feels like 37 tabs are open at all times, float therapy might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Float therapy and sensory deprivation tanks allow you to lie effortlessly in warm, salt-heavy water that matches your body temperature. Many people report feeling like their body disappears entirely. No phone. No noise. No gravity. Just quiet.
In an era of constant dopamine depletion and doom scrolling, this might be one of the most powerful forms of self care available.
Here’s our guide to float therapy and sensory deprivation tanks in and around Columbus: ⬇️
Salt Caves and Halotherapy
Salt caves aren’t just aesthetically pleasing. Halotherapy is believed to help with respiratory issues, stress reduction, and overall relaxation.
At the very least, it forces you to sit still in a calm space and breathe. Which, honestly, is rare these days.
Here’s our guide to healing salt caves in Central Ohio: ⬇️
Sound Baths (The Only Bath Without Water)
If traditional meditation makes your mind scream louder, sound baths might be your entry point.
These sessions use sound frequencies, singing bowls, gongs, and vibrations to help calm your nervous system without requiring you to “clear your mind” (because let’s be real… no one is doing that).
Here’s our guide to soothing sound baths in Central Ohio: ⬇️
Adopt a Plant (Low-Stakes Responsibility, High Reward)
You don’t need a pet. You might need a plant.
Caring for something small, green, and forgiving can actually be incredibly grounding. Plus, plants make your space feel calmer without asking anything of you emotionally. Shoutout to my Christmas Cactus from my Mimi and regular cactus (with charms) that I potted myself at The Brass Hand
If you’re ready to become a plant parent, here’s our guide to local florists and houseplant shops in Columbus: ⬇️
Wander a Local Bookstore (And Smell the Books)
This one is criminally underrated.
Peruse shelves. Take in that very specific bookstore smell. Buy a book that hooks you instead of one you think you “should” read. Sit somewhere quiet and let your brain slow down.
Here’s our guide to the best local bookstores in Columbus: ⬇️
The Takeaway: No Pressure Allowed!
Self care in 2026 doesn’t need to be dramatic or performative. It doesn’t need to be expensive. And it definitely doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s routine.
Pick one thing. Try it. See how it feels. That’s it.
And if nothing else… put your phone down for a bit. Your brain deserves the break.
Health & Wellness Guides
Attention Central Ohio Business Owners!
We built the Step Out advertising program for local businesses that want to get in front of locals in Central Ohio — people actively looking for places to eat, shop, and explore.
A business we advertised even had to hire 2 more people after working with us.
Curious if we’re a good fit for your business?
👉 Learn about our audience
Already thinking, “This sounds perfect for us”?
👉 Learn more about our ads
