Treat Yourself

Self-Care in Seattle Southside

Last Updated: July 10, 2026

"Self-Care" is a huge buzzword these days, but finding true rest and relaxation is easier said than done. Planning what to do to unwind can ironically feel like yet another task on your list, and there are so many distractions pulling our attention. Our suggestion? Book yourself a night or two at a hotel (party of one!) so you're only accountable to yourself, and you can truly tune in to what makes you feel recharged and fulfilled.

Below are some ideas for what to do on your self-care day. Get a spa treatment, stroll through a tranquil botanical garden, browse a bookstore, or treat yourself to your favorite sweet indulgence. Everyone deserves to take themself on a date once in a while!

The 5 Easiest Self-Care Tips in Seattle Southside

Take a Brief Break

Treat Your Tastebuds

Get Moving

Pamper Yourself

Browse Bookstores & Read at a Cafe

A 3-Stop Itinerary

Take a Brief Break

This is the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to treat yourself: set aside five to ten minutes just for you. Step away from your desk, out of the house, or away from whatever it is you're doing and take some time to breathe deeply and simply be present. Don't doomscroll on your phone or check your emails, either - this is time to just focus on you. Getting away from your normal spaces and preferably out into nature is one of the best ways to take a break for your mind and body.

Strolling and breathing in fresh air may be just the reset you need. There are a ton of beatuiful trails to enjoy in the area, and the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a free way to take in some beautiful plant life or find your zen at the Seike Memorial Garden. Ideally, you can take more time for yourself — later we'll get to what you can do if you have days, potentially, to do just that — but even just a five to ten minute brain break will help you feel renewed and better able to face the day.

Treat Your Tastebuds

This one's easy, but can feel a little bit naughty. You deserve a treat! Whether that takes the form of a sweet treat (we have some of the best desserts around, and a huge variety to boot!) or comfort food, sometimes a flavorful reward is exactly what you need to brighten your day. Your tasty treat need not be guilt-inducing, though — sometimes the best comfort is simply in eating a delicious, hearty meal. A warm bowl of soup, for example, or a global taste that might remind you of home or an amazing vacation you once took could be all that you need to be mentally transported to a better place. Indulgence doesn't need to be guilt-inducing to get you feeling good, but it sure is a tasty bit of fun.

Get Moving

It may seem a bit counter to relaxation to encourage you to move, but even a leisurely stroll can help release endorphins in your brain and get you feeling good. For those with a more active lifestyle, a workout may be just what you need to help you get your groove back. If you're not normally a very active person, a simple walk along the beach may be just what you need. If you're feeling adventurous, take one of the trails we mentioned above and go for a long hike, or check out local biking trails.

Pamper Yourself

The Spa at Cedarbrook is a true retreat from the everyday. This luxury spa offers massages, skin treatments, manicures, and pedicures with a focus on eco-friendly products. Plus, the spa is located on the lush grounds of Cedarbrook Lodge, so you can enjoy a walk through the garden after your treatment.

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa in Tukwila is another great option where you can choose from a variety of massages, including Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal. Skincare options include facials, dermaplaning, and peels.

Nearby, check out Jenny Beauty Headspa for a uniquely soothing experience. Choose from services such as scalp and facial massages, hair treatments, and face masks.

If you want to feel glammed up, book an appointment at Gene Juarez Salon and get an expert haircut or blowout.

Browse Bookstores & Read at a Cafe

Craving some time to yourself? Reading is one of the Head to Tukwila to browse books at Barnes & Noble or Half Price Books. Pick up the latest bestseller or a classic that you've always wanted to read, then take it to a nearby cafe to unwind with a cup of coffee or tea.

There are many cafes nearby, including Coffeebae, which serves gourmet Vietnamese coffee, or CHICHA San Chen, which specializes in premium tea. Both have tranquil, relaxing atmospheres perfect for getting lost in a fantasy world.

A Mini Self-Care Itinerary

Want to make planning your Self-Care Day extra easy? Follow this itinerary, created with local creator and flight attendant Rosie Tran, which includes a stop at a charming bookstore, a lunch of hot, comforting ramen, and a soothing facial.