My Top 12 Self-Care Essentials for Women Healing from Emotional Abuse
Healing from emotional abuse isn’t a straight line; it’s a tender journey filled with quiet breakthroughs and deep inner work.
Over the years, I’ve realized just how important the right self-care essentials are, especially for women like us who’ve spent a lifetime putting others first.
If you’re anything like me, you may be over 50 and just now beginning to reclaim space for yourself, for rest, peace, and healing.
I’ve been there, wondering if joy would ever feel natural again or if I truly deserved softness. What I’ve learned is this: self-care isn’t selfish.
It’s survival. It’s how we begin to come home to ourselves.
In this post, I’m sharing twelve self-care essentials that helped me feel whole again. These aren’t just products, they’re gentle reminders that you are worthy of comfort, love, and renewal at every stage of your life.
1. Journal for Reflection
Journaling has been a lifeline in my healing journey. It offers a safe, judgment-free space to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and track growth. Putting thoughts on paper can bring clarity, peace, and perspective when everything feels heavy or overwhelming.
One of my favorite self-care tools is the 5-Minute Gratitude Journal. It is simple, gentle, and compelling. A few minutes daily can help shift your focus toward hope, appreciation, and emotional balance. Over time, this small habit can boost self-awareness and self-compassion—two things every healing heart needs.
If you’re unsure where to start, try these 50 Journal Prompts for Self-Discovery and Growth to guide your reflections and deepen your healing journey.
2. Book for Emotional Healing
Understanding how trauma affects both the mind and body was a turning point in my healing. For years, I carried emotional pain without realizing how deeply it was stored in my nervous system.
One book that truly helped me connect the dots was The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. It breaks down the science of trauma in a compassionate, relatable way and offers healing practices like mindfulness, movement, and EMDR. This book gave me language and tools to release what I had held in for so long.
To learn more about Dr. Bessel van der Kolk and his work on trauma and healing, visit besselvanderkolk.com.
3. Calming Tea for Moments of Stress
There’s something incredibly soothing about wrapping your hands around a warm mug when the world feels heavy. Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief Tea has been one of my favorite self-care rituals during stressful moments.
The calming blend of herbs helps me slow down and breathe more deeply. Whether easing into the day or winding down at night, this tea reminds me to be gentle with myself.
4. Himalayan Salt Lamp for Mindful Ambience
A Himalayan Salt Lamp was one of the first things I added to my healing space. The soft, amber glow helps me relax instantly. I keep it near my journal or beside my bed, and it sets the tone for reflection, stillness, and calm.
It’s a small but powerful way to create a peaceful environment, especially when life feels overwhelming.
5. Weighted Blanket for Comfort and Sleep
Sleep was hard for me after trauma. My mind would spin, and rest felt impossible. Adding a weighted blanket to my routine helped change that. It’s like being wrapped in a hug, soothing, grounding, and safe.
The gentle pressure calms my nervous system and helps me drift into deeper, more restorative sleep. It’s now one of my most trusted nighttime self-care tools.
6. Aromatherapy for Emotional Balance
Scent has an incredible ability to shift my mood and bring me back to the present. I keep a few essential oils on hand for moments when I feel tense, anxious, or overstimulated.
A few drops of lavender, bergamot, or eucalyptus essential oils in a diffuser or warm bath help me feel more grounded and supported. Aromatherapy has become one of my favorite self-care tools to reset throughout the day.
7. Gentle Movement with Yoga or Stretching
After emotional abuse, I felt disconnected from my body. Gentle movement became a way to rebuild that trust. Whether stretching or a few minutes of breath-focused yoga, it helps me release tension and return to myself.
I use a supportive and comfortable non-slip yoga mat, which makes it easier to show up for the practice even when my energy is low. Movement isn’t about doing it perfectly; it’s about moving with intention and care.
8. Creative Expression Kit
Art journaling, coloring, or crafting is a gentle, screen-free way to process emotions and reduce stress. These creative outlets help you reconnect with yourself while supporting your mental well-being.
One of my favorites is this Inspirational Coloring Book for Women, filled with encouraging phrases and beautiful designs that calm the mind and spark joy. I often reach for it when I need a break or want to unwind before bed. It’s a soothing reminder that healing can also be creative and enjoyable.
9. Boundary-Setting Workbook
For many women healing from emotional abuse, learning to set healthy boundaries is a game-changer. It helps reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and create a stronger sense of safety and calm.
One resource I’ve personally found helpful is this Boundary-Setting Workbook for Women. It offers simple, practical exercises that guide you through identifying your limits, communicating clearly, and prioritizing your needs without guilt. Whether navigating relationships, work dynamics, or reclaiming your time, this workbook can be a powerful support tool on your healing journey.
10. Soothing Bath Soak
There’s something soothing about sinking into a warm bath at the end of a long day. When I add Lavender Dead Sea Magnesium Flakes, my whole body takes a deep sigh of relief. The tension softens, my mind quiets down, and I can finally just be.
This little self-care ritual has become an integral part of my week. It is a gentle way to reset, reflect, and return to myself with tenderness and care.
11. Noise-Canceling Headphones or Sleep Mask
Rest is one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) forms of self-care. Creating a peaceful sleep environment has been essential in my healing. I rely on noise-canceling headphones and a soft sleep mask to help quiet external distractions and support deeper rest.
Whether meditating during the day or trying to fall asleep at night, these tools help signal to my body that it’s safe to relax.
12. A Daily Affirmation Deck or Mindfulness Cards
One of my favorite morning rituals is drawing a card from my daily affirmation deck. Each card has become one of my favorite self-care essentials. It’s a gentle nudge and a truth I can hold onto throughout the day.
These cards sit right by my mirror as a reminder to lead with intention, kindness, and self-compassion. They’re a small but meaningful way to reconnect with your inner voice.
This Is Your Time to Heal
Healing from emotional abuse isn’t linear or straightforward, but it is possible. I hope this list of my favorite self-care essentials is helpful for returning to yourself. Remember: you are allowed to rest. You are allowed to feel joy again.
I’d love to hear if you’ve tried any of these self-care tools or if you have others that have supported your healing. Let’s keep this conversation going.
Pin this as a reminder to make self-care a priority every day.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed professional. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional counseling, therapy, or medical care.
Healing from emotional abuse, anxiety, or depression is deeply personal, and working with a licensed mental health professional can provide the individualized support you deserve.
If you’re experiencing distressing symptoms, please seek professional help; you don’t have to do this alone.
Last update on 2025-08-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I absolutely love the book “The Body Keeps the Score”. It’s a must have for every woman that has suffered abuse and trauma.
I absolutely agree; it’s such a powerful and validating read. That book opened my eyes in so many ways and really helped me understand the deeper connection between trauma and the body. It’s a must-have on the healing shelf, for sure.
I’m glad you found ways to heal and practice self care. Thank you so much for sharing, so more women can begin to do the same.
Thank you for your kindness. It means a lot, and I truly hope more women feel empowered to begin their own healing and self-care journeys.
So many fabulous ideas, thank you! I love using herbal teas to calm my nervous system when on overload. So relaxing to sit with a cuppa and just breathe!
I love that! There is something soothing about slowing down with a warm cup of herbal tea. It is such a simple yet powerful way to reset. Thanks for sharing what works for you!
The sleep mask and weighted blankets can help so much. Love the suggestions you shared here!
Love the ideas of doing workbooks as a self care ritual!
Yes! I’ve found workbooks to be such a beautiful way to slow down and reconnect.
Great advice! I actually practice a few of theses
That’s wonderful to hear! I love that you already practice some of these.
If there is anything I need to improve, it is self-care. I have a hard time taking time for myself without feeling guilty. Thank you for a post that not only allows me to indulge in self-care guilt-free, but also offers great suggestions on how to approach it.
These are very helpful self-care essential ideas. I’ve wanted to try a weighted blanket, but wasn’t sure if they were worth it! Definitely grabbing one now!
I’m so glad you found the list helpful! A weighted blanket can be such a comforting addition. I hope you end up loving it as much as I do. Let me know how it works out for you!
What a beautiful and heartfelt reminder. Your words speak directly to the soul—especially for those of us who are finally learning to prioritize our own healing. Reclaiming peace and softness is powerful, and your voice helps others feel less alone on that path.
My favorites are the weighted blanket and aromatherapy—they’ve been such comforting tools on this journey.
I think the only thing I didn’t have when I was healing after abuse was the salt lamp (which I wanted but couldn’t afford) Great ideas here!
It means a lot that this post spoke to you. You’ve clearly done powerful work in your healing journey.
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you found the tips helpful.
Thank you for sharing this post, Angelia. 🩷
I was in an emotionally abusive relationship about 5 years ago, and it’s a process to heal from. I love that you’ve shared a combination of self-care for actively healing from the trauma and activities that also help you relax and take your mind off things.
Everything you’ve shared is wonderful. I may need to invest in a salt lamp, as I do enjoy calming lighting!
Great tips, I used some of these practices and they really help.