Mental Health
It's a trap!
Why Being a Perfectionist Is So Bad for Your Health
Holding yourself to impossible standards doesn’t actually help you—and can make you miserable in the process.
By Sarah Klein, CPT
Life
This Is Your Sign to Finally Get Rid of Your “One Day When I’m Thinner” Clothes
“Goal” outfits actually keep you from your healthiest, happiest self.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
5 Little Ways to Practice Setting Boundaries If You’re a Recovering People Pleaser
Standing up for yourself doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational.
By Jenna Ryu
Mental health
What Is the ‘Rejection Therapy’ Trend on TikTok, and Will It Really Make Me Less Socially Anxious?
We asked experts if asking for a “burger refill” or latte discount is legit.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
How to Prevent a Body Image Spiral When You Put on Summer Clothes
When the swimsuits, shorts, and tank tops come out, so do the insecurities.
By Cathryne Keller
Life
How to Deal With a Friend Who Complains Constantly
You’re not a bad person for wanting a break from the negativity.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
What to Do If Your People-Focused Job Completely Drains Your Social Battery
These little strategies can help you preserve some energy for your loved ones—and yourself.
By Jessica A. Gold, MD
Life
How to Stop Obsessing Over Someone You Hate
If your least favorite influencer or ex’s new partner is living in your head rent-free, read this.
By Jenna Ryu
Mental Health
How to Deal When You’re Having a Bad Skin Day
Breakouts, flare-ups, and other “imperfections” can really mess with your mood.
By Anna Borges
Flight school
6 Things You Should Never Do During Really Bad Airplane Turbulence
These common mistakes can turn a scary situation into a dangerous one.
By Katie Camero
Getaway plan
How to Avoid Fighting With Your Family on Your Summer Vacation
Whether you’re going on a proper trip together or planning a hometown visit, here’s how to stay calm(ish).
By Julia Ries
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Bestie behavior
16 People Who Actually Made New Friends in Adulthood Share How They Did It
If you feel like it’s too late—or too hard—let these meet-cutes be your inspiration.
By Anna Borges
Why Knitting (and Hobbies Like It) Can Make You Calmer, Sharper, and Happier
Less stress and a chunky knit blanket? Count us in!
By Julia Sullivan
Here’s What High Cortisol Actually Does to Your Body
If TikTok has you confused about the stress hormone, read this.
By Julia Sullivan
Retirement plan
6 Ways to Shake Off the Workday So It Doesn’t Ruin Your Precious Evening
A little transition ritual can shift your brain into chill mode.
By Julia Ries
Hater aid
How to Be a Little Less Judgy
You’re not a bad person if you have a lot of critical thoughts—but it’s still worth trying to keep your inner Regina George in check.
By Anna Borges
What to Do If Long Summer Weekends Make You Feel Super Lonely
It might seem like everyone has plans but you—but that’s really not the case.
By Julia Sullivan
How to Cope If Pregnancy Is Messing With Your Body Image
All the physical changes—and newfound attention—can bring up a lot of complicated feelings.
By Cassie Shortsleeve
Life
How to Stop Obsessing About What Other People Think of You
Craving social acceptance is only human, but the desire to belong can also go too far.
By Jenna Ryu
The Challenge and Power of Accepting Your Mental Health Diagnosis
You may need to grieve the loss of who you were before—and reimagine who you can be.
By Lauren Krouse
Food
How to Stop Automatically Counting Calories Every Time You Eat
It won’t happen overnight, but breaking a longtime dieting habit is possible.
By Christine Byrne, MPH, RD
Busy Philipps on the Subtle ADHD Symptoms That She Missed For Years
The actor says getting diagnosed in adulthood was a huge relief.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
Why Does Being Excluded From a Clique as an Adult Sting So Badly?
Whether you were intentionally left out or not, the pain is real.
By Anna Borges
Why a Little Trip to a Museum or Concert Can Be So Good for Your Mental Health
In some places, doctors can even "prescribe" art to help with anxiety and depression.
By Theresa Tamkins
New wave
Learning to Swim as an Adult Feels Like Coming Home
Discomfort with my body as a trans man kept me out of the pool for years. Now, finally, I can jump back in.
By S. Bear Bergman