Self-Improvement YouTube Channels That Are Actually Helpful and Relatable

These YouTubers take the ick out of “self-help”.

Between 2019 and 2020, Google searches relating to ‘self-care’ increased by 250%. And boy did the retailers, marketers and content creators latch on—to the point that you might be sick of hearing about it.

Meditating for two hours a day, getting up at 5am to do yoga, writing in a gratitude journal every single morning and night, planning your life out to the minute… It can be exhausting and often unrealistic.

But if you’re in need of some TLC (aka a brief parasocial interaction with a YouTuber), we’ve compiled a list of channels that actually get self-help right. And by that we mean non-cringe, un-pretentious, brutally honest, relatable advice with just the right balance of cynicism and optimism.

1. struthless.

Presented with groovy illustrations and a comedic wink, this Australian graphic designer offers his insight on all things productivity, creativity and life lessons.

Campbell Walker offers his two cents on self-improvement in a fun and relatable way. He often provides practical exercises you can use to make tangible steps toward improvement!

2. Valerie Lynn.

With possibly the most soothing self-improvement videos I’ve ever watched, this channel is packed with carefully made, artistic clips of Valeria painting and living the slow life.

If you’re a creative person, or enjoy having an artistic outlet, she offers great advice on pursuing your passion and finding inspiration.

3. Nathaniel Drew.

Nathaniel is one of the more popular channels on this list, but for good reason. Every video is pretty much a piece of art.

He covers all kinds of topics from ‘reinventing yourself’ to becoming multilingual—all with a happy, realistic attitude.

4. Kristen Leo.

Kristen is the aesthetic, cottage-core, Greek queen of the internet. She’s mixes politics and feminism with her musings on life, and sometimes just wants to take you along on a wholesome trip to the junkyard for some trinkets.

5. Damon Dominique.

Damon has a heavy emphasis on travel, so his videos may make you a lil jealous. But, if you love seeing French scenery (he’s based in Paris) and listening to intriguing conversations about growing up, going to university and invaluable life experiences, you will love him.

Or, if you're looking for more specific channels, oriented towards uni life or getting job ready, Student Edge Plus has a range of courses that may suit your niche!

Above all, remember—too much self-help isn’t always a good thing! Be sure not to place too much pressure on yourself, lest you experience self-help fatigue.

Go absorb the wisdom of these modern day philosophers!

Header image: YouTube.