I am obsessed with self-care! Even the simplest routines can make a positive difference in your life. It’s so easy to neglect our own well-being with our busy schedules but have no fear – these practices won’t demand hours of your time or major lifestyle changes. These tips will seamlessly integrate into your daily grind. Whether you’re new to self-care or seeking to elevate your existing routine, use these tips to be a gateway to a happier healthier you!
First, let’s unpack why self-care is SO important. Self-care is a fundamental practice for maintaining physical and mental well-being, reducing stress, and fostering a happier, more balanced life. A daily self-care routine will also enhance your productivity, improve your relationships, increase self-esteem, create a better work-life balance, personal growth, and help prevent health issues. (The list goes on and on!) It enables you to be your best self and better support others in your life.
So why do we fight it so hard? People will avoid self-care for various reason, but it’s important to recognize your fears to overcome them. Now raise your hand if you can relate to any of these setbacks:
- Lack of Time
- Guilt
- Perfectionism (This was me! I thought of it as a luxury I didn’t deserve unless I did “X”)
- Prioritizing Others
- Stress and Overwhelm (Ironically)
Whatever the reason is, you’re here and that’s a great first step! I want to mention – when we are implementing new routines in our lives, it is easiest to adapt when we find the joy in them. This list is near and dear to my heart because I genuinely enjoy all these practices, but realize they are not for everyone so if you read one of the routines and think “that sounds awful” – swap It out for something else! Something you can find the fun in and look forward to.
NOW Let’s get to the nitty gritty 🙂
Live your best life girl! It’s important to create a space where self-care is not overwhelming, but fun. Not an after thought, but a ritual. A calendar can help hold you accountable, stay organized, and give you things to look forward to. It’s important to always have YOU time carved out as a priority and a self-care calendar will ensure you do just that!
My Calendar is usually broken up with a specific day of the week (Thursday at 3pm for me) that has time allotted for maintenance self-care, like nails or waxing. I have a “treat-myself” activity of the month, and then occassionaly a reminder for morning/nightly must-dos. I recommend creating a list of activities that bring you joy, and categorize them by frequency – daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly – then add them to your calendar. Keep track of which routines work best for you and don’t be afraid to eliminate the ones that don’t
Ideas to add to your Calendar include: mani/pedi day, bath night, spa day, social media detox, hike, aromatherapy, or simple hallmark movie night with a glass of wine.
If you need a little boost in your calendar and content, download my freebie here:
Alright, let’s get personal here. I have always been a fan of shower time – a little self-care oasis, ya know? But I’ve got to admit, things changed after having my daughter. My body went through some major transformations – extra pounds, new hair popping up in unexpected places, dry skin, c-section scar… and, well, confidence took a bit of a hit. I found myself rushing in and out of the shower, just trying to get it over with.
Luckily this all changed when, one night I went out with a friend who was absolutely glowing. She’d stumbled upon this incredible skincare brand, and she couldn’t stop raving about it, radiating confidence like never before. So I thought, “Why not give it a shot?” I went all in and bought a bunch of products – pre-shave exfoliant, boob glow, butt glow, cuckoo oil, and glazed donut syrup (yes, that’s a thing!). The product was called Truly Beauty, and I felt like a million bucks. My skin had never felt so smooth, and body never smelled so good. Today, I’m practically their biggest fan of Truly Beauty, but insert any great brand here because the point is…
That first shower I rediscovered the joy of taking a refreshing shower. I wasn’t rushing anymore; I was pampering my body with the love and care it deserved. My legs? Always shaven, even in the dead of winter. Body lotion? A daily ritual now. So, here’s the deal – finding products that make you feel amazing can be a game-changer. It was for me, and I promise, it can be for you too!
If you want to check out Truly Beauty, I highly recommend starting with the shave bundle: Truly Shave Bun
GLOW-UP Activation! Honestly, tending your skin greatly helps nurture your overall mental and emotional health and is an indispensable part of self-care. In the morning, it provides a rejuvenating kickstart to your day, boosting confidence and setting a positive tone. At night, it serves as a calming transition from the day’s stressors, promoting relaxation and better sleep. Consistency in these routines fosters self-love and self-worth and offer moments of mindfulness – allowing you to have a deeper sense of well-being. Who doesn’t love getting into bed with a fresh-dewy-glowing skin!
You can adopt a skincare routine from your favorite celebrity influencer or dermatologist, or simply try some out until you find one that resonates with you. It’s important to remain loyal to the same brand for your skincare products, as your skin will adapt to them over time, allowing the ingredients to have the maximum impact. Whether you opt for drugstore or high-end products, consistency is key.
Easier said than done, right! Here’s the thing, watching TV before bed might seem like a go-to way to unwind, but it can backfire. It can reduce your sleep time, create an irregular schedule, and cause overstimulation – making it harder to switch off your mind and fall asleep.
Now, here’s where reading steps in like a self-care superhero. It will reduce stress and improve your sleep by signaling the body that it time to wind down. But importantly – it’s a healthy routine that can provide the same effects as meditating. You can still get cozy in bed and continue watching your juicy Housewives episodes, just hit pause about an hour before you go to bed and swap the remote out for a good read!
Check out my favorite self-help books to get some inspiration to what you’re reading first!
Here is arguably the most important routine to implement into your life immediately! Daily gratitude is essential because it shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It fosters a positive mindset, improves mental well-being, and strengthens our relationships by acknowledging the good in our lives, ultimately leading to greater overall happiness and contentment.
Personally, I’m a start your day with positive vibes kind of girl (your morning can set the tone for your entire day), but you can honestly schedule this practice when works best for you. Whether it’s a mid-day routine or a way to wind down and reflect on a long day. I prefer to write mine out in a gratitude notebook, but there are also great apps that can be fun and successful, or you can even play the gratitude game with your partner or bestie – taking turns sharing what your grateful for.
If this is not something you’re already doing – start with just 3 things a day, then each week add a couple more. If you’re struggling on getting started, don’t over think it. Coffee is something that I write down every single day, easy – simple. Other examples I find myself repeating are my individual family members, friends, sunshine, my favorite podcast, and comfy clothes. Consistency is most important and watch the magic happen once you practice daily gratitude.
Honestly, I think candles are underrated. They have such a positive effect on mental health and incorporating lighting a candle into your daily routine will give you a sense of pampering and inner calm. They are extremely soothing and mood-lifting. Whether you’re lighting candles when you get home from work, while you’re cleaning or doing household chores, or creating a cozy and relaxing space in your bedtime routine – candles will aid in anxiety and stress reduction.
Anyone else have “guest” candles for when company comes over and turn ‘‘em and burn ‘em candles you feel no guilt letting them run? Lol, my husband was SUPER confused the first time I was a bit emotional that he burned down one of my decorative “for show only” candles.
I love lavender scent in my bathroom, rosemary smells in the kitchen, and ocean/beach aroma in my bedroom. You can catch a good sale at Bath & Bodyworks or I highly encourage grabbing some great scented candles from Walmart (unbelievably affordable roll-back prices).
But for real, make it a priority to create a serene and cozy environment on the reg!
Alright, let’s get real about exercise, shall we? We all know we should be doing it, but life has this uncanny ability to throw us off our game, right? There’s a super simple trick that can work wonders: commit to just three 30-minute walks per week. Yep, you heard that right!
Fresh air is like the magic potion for your overall well-being, and guess what? This commitment is easier to stick to than your favorite Netflix series!
We all dream of running three miles a day or becoming gym rats five times a week, but let’s be honest, that enthusiasm often fizzles out faster than a soda on a hot day. So, why not start with something that won’t have you screaming, “Forget it!” by day three? Start simple, start easy, and watch as you keep that promise to yourself and slowly but surely build up momentum to longer more frequent exercise.
Consider scheduling these walks in the morning to avoid the day’s distractions and potential excuses. By doing so, you outsmart your own brain, making it less likely to talk you out of it. If mornings don’t suit you, aim for a post-dinner stroll. Either way, you’re taking a positive step toward a healthier lifestyle.
It’s an “easy breezy lemon squeezy” dose of accomplishment that jumpstarts your day. It might seem like a tiny, insignificant task, but trust me, it packs a punch in the benefits department.
Your space instantly gets a dash of organization and tidiness, which is visually satisfying and can boost productivity. Not to mention stress reduction, sense of accomplishment, and starting your day off in the right direction.
But here’s where it gets even better. Picture this: after a long day, you finally slip into your cozy haven. It’s like a therapeutic hug for your tired soul.
Want to take it up a notch? Treat yourself to some plush bed pillows, silky sheets, and a cloud-like comforter. It’s your way of saying, “Hey, self, you’re pretty awesome.” So, make your bed each morning, and in return, your bed will make your nights pure magic.
Say it with me, “Meditation, Meditation, Meditation!” Meditating is a way to put life and overwhelming thoughts on hold and simply connect with yourself. It is an opportunity to push the reset button and be able to take on life’s complications more confidently.
There is a misconception with Meditation, that you have to do it for an hour a day or be able to get into a deep trans for it to be effective. Truth is – Breathing is meditating as long as it is done with intention. Four seconds deep breaths in, hold 1-2-3-4 seconds, and release for four seconds. Close your eyes and let thoughts flow freely from your mind. If you’re feeling up to it – add some nice calming music in the mix. And guess what? Even 1 minute of this can have a positive effect on your life!
I personally enjoy making this a part of my morning routine as the very first thing I do when I wake up. I want to wake up with a fresh daily start and take the time to connect with my soul and set my intention for the day. I want to start my day feeling present in the moment. This allows me to go into each day with peace and ease. I will typically do a guided meditation from youtube in a quite room for about 10 minutes, but honestly whatever amount of time my day allows me will suffice, even if thats 1 minute. (Yes, I do wake up 10-15 minutes earlier than I otherwise would just for this practice!)
Don’t over think it or strive for perfection. Just as you need to exercise your body, you also need to “work out” or mind and with time and consistency it will get easier and easier. If your mind is racing a little extra one day, that’s okay! It’s a practice, and with practice comes improvement. Also note: Truthfully anytime of the day that you can carve out works. I know people who love that 3pm Meditation as a pick-me-up from their mid-day crash. Also nighttime can be powerful to in letting go of the day and ready for a good night sleep!
THIS! Music is gets your endorphins going and is a total mood booster. Could you imagine being a teen and getting into your parents car and not begging them to put Toxic, Britney Spears, on full volume so you could sing and dance your heart out? As we get older, it’s easy to forget the joy that music can bring into our lives.
Listening to music can be an effective way to be present in the moment and forget about our worries and stressors. It can also transport us to a different time in our lives and evoke powerful emotions. Research has also shown that music can have a positive impact on our mental health, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
So why not make time for music in your daily routine? Consider taking a moment to create an amazing playlist. Or have a streaming service like Spotify, Pandora, or YouTube do it for you! Now make it a part of your daily routine. Play in on your morning or evening commute, while you shower and get ready for your day, or when you’re cleaning your house. (When it’s cleaning day at my house, I say “Alexa, play Eminems greatest hits.” Instantly focused on the music and am having a blast while in the cleaning zone.
Incorporating music into your life can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. So turn up the volume and let the music move you!
Remember, self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, and it can certainly be fun!
Sunkissed Soul 
Leave a comment