11 Tips for Building Self Care Into Your Daily Routine
It’s hard to focus on your own needs when you are busy taking care of everyone else.
Self-care often feels like a luxury that is just out of reach, but it doesn’t have to be that way!
In this blog post, we will share some easy ways for you to build self-care into your daily routine so you can feel better and get more done.
How to Build Self Care Into Your Daily Routine
Here are 11 great ideas:
- Don’t forget about breakfast – Eating something in the morning helps set up stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. Drink at least two liters of water a day, especially if it is hot outside or if you have been exercising.
Put yourself first – If your to-do list doesn’t include self-care items, add them now before we continue!
It’s important that people take time for themselves and practice good self-love too 🙂
2. Take time every week for yourself – Block off at least two hours each week where all screens (smartphones,) must stay far away!
One of the best ways to build self-care into your daily routine is by finding a sense of purpose and meaning in what you do.
For example, if you love helping others find their dream home, then this will become part of your identity and can easily be built into your day-to-day activities (like notching out time for phone calls with potential clients).
This way it becomes something that makes up who you are as an individual rather than just another task on your never-ending list.
Another great technique is to make sure that all tasks fit within one or two categories such as work/personal life balance (exercise), getting enough restful sleep each night, building relationships outside of family, etc.
If everything fits into one of these categories, then it becomes much easier to prioritize and plan your time accordingly.
Focus on the benefits that you will get by practicing self care each day rather than just focusing on what needs to be done for others or because other people think it’s best for you.
Research has shown that when we focus more intently on our own level of happiness, success, etc., this can lead us down a path toward better mental health.
Just like training at the gym, small doses spread out over time are far more effective than an intense session once in a while (and usually less intimidating).
3.Find a quiet place to meditate – Meditation can have profound effects on your physical and mental wellbeing.
Simple and complex activities will help you build your self-care routine.
You can follow these steps to get started:
- Identify how you want to feel each day
- Write down the things that bring you joy
- Try a new activity every week
- Incorporate mindfulness into everything you do – don’t just focus on one area of life, but aim for balance between activities like work, home life, health/fitness, creativity and learning (and all other areas where we spend our time)
Avoid wasting too much time with restorative tasks or complicated hobbies when it’s not something you love doing. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more is better
4. Even just five minutes in the morning or evening is enough Get outside for some fresh air and sunshine – Getting regular doses of Vitamin D helps improve mood, sleep, memory and more
5. Exercise regularly: Increase cardiovascular activity like walking or running by ten percent each week until you are doing 30-60 minutes per day Stretch early in the morning before work – This will help reduce tension throughout your body
6. Take time every night to get ready for bed (bath/shower,) read a book that calms you down Count out loud backwards from 100 to one.
7. Practice mindfulness by taking slow, deep breaths throughout the day
8. Try a sleep mask if you struggle with light in your bedroom Get outside and enjoy nature by going on a hike or taking photos of the beautiful scenery around you.
9. Remember to smile! Smiling can actually cause positive changes in your brain chemistry, so try it out for yourself when emotions get overwhelming. It may sound silly, but it works!
11. Take time each day to write down what went well that day – This will help keep you focused on the good things in life even when times are tough Try keeping a gratitude journal where you write three new things every night about all the great things happening in your life.
If this is too hard, just do one thing at first until you feel comfortable sharing more and feelings with others (friends, family, therapist.)
With these 11 tips, you can start to build a more healthy and productive lifestyle that will help both your physical and mental health.
As always, we want to hear from you!
What has been the most helpful tip for building self-care into your day?
Which do you feel is the hardest of these 11 items on this list?
Let us know in the comments below
