How to create the right self-care routine for you
There’s a lot of buzz around self-care nowadays, and it means so much more than just bubble baths. The point of self-care is to do something for you that leaves you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. But, with a busy life, it can be challenging carving out time for self-care. That’s why you want to engage in self-care practices that are easy and don’t take much time.
Here are ten tips for creating a nourishing self-care routine:
1. Think about why you need self-care
Spend some time reflecting on why you need more self-care and what your goals are. Do you want to be more focused or calmer? You can then use this information to choose what will be an enjoyable activity or routine to incorporate.
2. Assess your basic needs
Check in with yourself to ensure all your basic needs are being met. This means making sure that you’re sleeping, showering, eating well, taking your medications, and staying hydrated.
3. Brainstorm ideas
Break down potential activities by size. A small one might be taking a shower, whereas a medium one might be getting a massage, and a large one could be a vacation.
4. Start small
Don’t set yourself up for failure. Instead, be realistic about your self-care routine. Pick one or two things to start, and be realistic and patient.
5. Be consistent
Focus your efforts on being consistent. While you might want to do yoga every day for 30 minutes, consistency is key to making a habit stick. Even if you can only do yoga for five minutes, it’s better to try to reach your goal every day rather than focus on the length of time.
6. Set a schedule
Think about creating time for self-care within your routine instead of keeping it separate. It’ll help you stay on task.
7. Say no
A lot of people are expected to say “yes” all the time both at work and at home. Work on saying “no” to protect your energy. By putting yourself first, you’ll have more energy to support others.
8. Involve friends
It can be tricky holding yourself accountable. That’s why having one go-to person can make a huge difference. Find a friend with whom you can share goals and encourage one another.
9. Don’t compare yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others can be detrimental, leading to feelings of unhappiness. One solution is to cut back on your social media time, which will give you free time to focus on yourself.
10. Acknowledge successes
Take time to recognize where you have succeeded and your strengths. List each of them out individually and review them daily.
Here’s to a happier, healthier you
Remember that regular self-care is vital for health reasons. It can reduce overall stress and anxiety, make you feel more present, improve motivation, and increase your self-esteem.
References
- “14 Tips for Creating a Self-Care Routine to Nourish Your Body and Soul,” Prevention, January 18, 2019.
- “How to Create a Self-Care Routine That Actually Sticks,” Huffington Post, July 10, 2018.
