Routine Maintenance – Self Care, and How to Make It Happen
I had a conversation with my sister recently. I told her that I had a hard week, followed by a busy weekend that was nothing but running. I told her that I was going to skip my normal obligations after work, and spend the evening in peace, playing video games because I needed time to relax. She said in response “That must be nice!”
My response to this? “You could do it, too. The only difference is I refuse to ignore that I need self-care time.”
What Do You Mean, Self-Care?
Self-care is not just about indulging in bubble baths and spa treatments, but it’s a fundamental component of maintaining good health and well-being. It refers to the actions that we take to take care of ourselves mentally, physically, and emotionally. These actions can help us reduce stress, boost our confidence, and improve our overall quality of life. Self-care is essential for our physical and mental health. When we neglect self-care, we are more prone to stress, anxiety, and depression. Self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep can boost our immune system, improve our mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Developing a self-care routine can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think. It’s essential to start small and gradually build up to more complex activities. There are things you can do to develop a self-care routine. They’re pretty simple. Here are some tips:
What Do You Need?
The first step to developing a self-care routine is to assess your needs. Take some time to reflect on the areas of your life that need improvement, such as your sleep habits, nutrition, or stress levels. Once you have identified these areas, you can develop a plan to address them.
Make a List
Make a list of self-care activities that you enjoy and that you can incorporate into your routine. These activities can be simple, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or practicing yoga.They might be bubble baths and spas; it also might mean doing art, meditating, playing music, reading, making tasty food, or even playing those video games I mentioned. It’s INDIVIDUAL!
Create a Schedule
Creating a schedule can help you stay on track with your self-care routine. It’s essential to make time for self-care activities in your daily schedule, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Or figure out a time block that is fairly routine, and maybe something you don’t HAVE to do (do you really need to clean the living room every day?), and swap that out for some self care time once or twice a week. The living room will survive.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Hold yourself accountable for your self-care routine. Make it clear to yourself that this is a needed set of actions. Remind yourself that this is essential to your mental health. Put it on the same level of importance as paying your electric bill – you’re keeping your own lights on with this. Share your goals with a friend or family member who can offer support and encouragement.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to self-care. Make self-care a priority and commit to your routine. Remember that self-care is not a one-time event but a regular practice. Like cleaning that living room I mentioned earlier – this is mental housecleaning. It has to be done, or else your mind will find itself living in a mess. You don’t want roaches in there, do you?
All jokes aside, self-care is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Developing a self-care routine can help reduce stress, boost your confidence, and improve your overall quality of life. Remember to start small, assess your needs, make a list of self-care activities, create a schedule, hold yourself accountable, and be consistent. With these tips, you can develop a self-care routine that works for you.
