Creating a Self-Care Routine For You

When self-care comes up as a topic, many people have ideas of what they believe self-care is. Spa days, taking a nap, exercising, doing something you love, etc. With all of these different ideas it can feel overwhelming trying to create a routine that works best for you. It took a while for me to figure out how to incorporate all of the things I love to do into a routine that works best for me, but here is how you can figure out your own self-care routine.

1. Make a list of the things that bring you joy and peace

It could be spending time with family/friends, drinking a cup of coffee, waking up early and watching the sunrise, going on vacations. It could be free, or it could be really expensive. Don’t limit yourself when creating this list. The focus is not on the routine just yet, but on the things you enjoy.

2. Separate the list by things you could do daily, weekly, and monthly (or even yearly)

Now that you have this list of things, when can you do them? We’re being realistic here not idealistic. What can you realistically do daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly based on your time, energy, and funds? What on this list is something you want to do, but maybe aren’t at the point to be able to do it yet?

3. Look at your current schedule/routine and see where there are open spots for self-care

You know what you like to do, and how often you can do it. So where can you put these activities? WE ARE NOT ADDING THE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES IN YET! Right now, we are only looking for spaces where we can put self-care. This doesn’t have to be a concrete routine. If you have a routine or lifestyle that has changes frequently you can add your self-care activities in as you change your routine.

4. Build your routine

Again, be realistic when building your routine. You might have 7 things on your list that you marked as daily activities, but realistically can you do all 7? Probably not. Pick 1 or 2 items to start with, and slowly add more if availability allows for it.

5. Enjoy Your Routine

Remember this routine is for you to give yourself the attention and time you need. It is not meant to add stress. If you find yourself stressing over your self-care routine I would encourage you to take a pause and reflect on why it is causing you stress. Are you putting unnecessary pressure on yourself to follow this routine perfectly? Is something in the routine not bringing the joy and peace you hoped it would? Did you pick items that you felt SHOULD bring you joy and peace, and not the things that ACTUALLY bring you joy and peace.

I hope you find this helpful as you incorporate moments of self-care into your life. What are activities that you do for your self-care? Let’s hear it in the comments.