The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care

Some days you need a pick-me-up, some days you need a life preserver.

"For most of us," writes Anna Borges, "self-care is a wide spectrum of decisions and actions that soothe and fortify us against all the shit we deal with." You may already practice some form of self-care, whether it's taking an extra-long shower after a stressful day, splurging on a fancy dinner, or choosing Netflix over that friend-of-a-friend's birthday party. But when life gets so overwhelming that you want to stay in bed, some more radical care is crucial to maintain your sanity.

The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care is here to help you exist in the world. Borges gathers over 200 tips, activities, and stories (from experts and everyday people alike) into an A-to-Z list — from asking for help and burning negative thoughts to the importance of touch and catching some Zzz's. Make any day a little more OK with new skills in your self-care toolkit — and energy to show up for yourself.

"Anna has written a truly comprehensive book for people who are trash at taking care of themselves." Lane Moore, bestselling author of How To Be Alone: If You Want To, and Even If You Don't

"Anna Borges has done more to promote health and wellness for the general public than any other contemporary writer I know. Weaving together scientific truths, personal experience, and regular people's stories, Borges calls out the stigma and shame that prevents us from prioritizing our well-being." Ryan Howes, PhD, ABPP, clinical psychologist and writer for Psychology Today and Psychotherapy Networker Magazine

"A compendium [about] how to move through the world with a little more kindness for yourself." Bustle

"The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care is a tool for anyone feeling overwhelmed and looking for the tools and validation to intentionally take care of themselves." Nylon

Anna Borges is a writer, podcast host, mental health advocate, and senior health editor for SELF. Previously, she was a senior health and wellness writer at BuzzFeed, where she helped build its mental health platform from the ground up. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Cosmopolitan, The Outline, SELF, and more. She lives in Brooklyn with two cats, and you can find her making sure everyone in the group chat is practicing self-care. The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care is her first book.