The first place to start when developing a self-care routine that works for you is to fully acknowledge and believe that self-care is a necessity – self-preservation if you will. And the key to sticking with any routine is to make it enjoyable and attainable. I believe you should layer in forms of self-care throughout your day so that it’s not a huge investment of time. Additionally, it’s helpful to actually do things that bring you joy. But the biggest thing “to do” is to reframe your mindset around self-care. I’m of the mindset that self-care isn’t always about indulgence, it’s the small day-to-day acts – like hydrating, brushing your teeth, not hitting snooze, prayer, journaling, listening to music or a podcast, and the list goes on.
Whether you're a seasoned self-care enthusiast or someone just beginning to dip their toes into the rejuvenating waters of self-care, these tips will help you chart a path toward a more balanced, harmonious and fulfilling life by nurturing your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
TIPS TO CREATING A SELF-CARE ROUTINE THAT WORKS FOR YOU
Assess Your Needs: Start by understanding what aspects of your life need attention. Are you often stressed? Do you feel physically drained? Are you lacking in social interactions or leisure activities? Identifying your specific needs is the first step in creating a tailored self-care routine.
Set Realistic Goals: Be realistic about the time and resources you can allocate to self-care. Setting achievable goals ensures that you can consistently follow your routine.
Prioritize Self-Care: Understand that self-care is a vital part of maintaining overall well-being. Make self-care a priority in your life, just as you would with work and the other responsibilities in your life.
Create a Schedule: Establish a regular schedule for your self-care activities. Consistency is key to making self-care a habit. Block out time in your calendar for self-care just as you would for other appointments.
Start Small: If you're new to self-care, begin with simple practices that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. Gradually add more activities as you become more comfortable with the process.
Experiment: Self-care is a highly individualized process. Try different activities and techniques to see what works best for you. What helps one person may not work for another.
Mix-n-Match: A well-rounded self-care routine should include various types of self-care, including physical, mental, emotional, and social activities. For example, combine exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation exercises into your routine. This can include meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even short breaks throughout the day to clear your mind.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Overcommitting can lead to burnout, or you not fitting in the things you want to in your day - it's crucial to prioritize your own well-being.
Self-Compassion: There are times that even with an extensive self-care routine you can wear yourself out and your body will “make” you stop and rest. Be kind and compassionate toward yourself. Don't judge yourself for needing self-care or for taking time off when you're not feeling your best.
Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with severe stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Additionally if you need help developing a personalized self-care plan,
that’s what I’m here for.😉
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use a tracking app to monitor your self-care activities and their impact on your well-being. This can help you identify what works best for you and make adjustments as needed. Check out my self-care mobile app, Wellness Spoiled. The free features alone will support you as you develop a routine that works for you.
Stay Flexible: Life is unpredictable, and there will be times when your routine needs to adapt. Don't be so rigid with your self-care plan that it doesn’t allow you to be flexible and adjust as circumstances in your life change.
Remember that self-care is an ongoing process and it may evolve over time as your needs change. Be patient with yourself and adjust as necessary to create a routine that truly supports your well-being, your personality and your needs. Be sure to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements in self-care. Recognize the positive changes it brings to your life. This will motivate you to continue prioritizing self-care and, dare I say, actually do more of it!
xoDanette