How to Create a Self Care Routine that Works for You

A self care routine is not only a great way to take care of yourself – it also ensures that you make time for YOU on a regular basis!

Since self care doesn’t have to take a TON of time, it’s not hard to develop a good routine to make sure you take care of you. And it’s so important that you spend a few minutes of each day doing something to make you a happier, healthier individual.

Note: Including self care into your daily routine may involve setting your alarm clock a few minutes early each morning. If you prefer doing it in the evening, you may have to give up vegging in front of the TV or being on social media. Trust me, these “sacrifices” will be worth it!

Starting a Self Care Routine that Works for You!

Getting into a routine with your self care is vital to ensure you make time for it.

Think about it…

• How many times have you skipped exercise because you were asked to stay late at work?
• How often do you forego reading your favorite books because your kids need to be driven to practice, lessons, or to a friend’s house?
• Do you regularly cancel fun activities because of responsibilities that need to get done?

If answering these questions have you thinking you need more time for yourself, it’s imperative that you get into a good self care routine. One that’s easy, works for you, and will get done on a daily basis.

Picking the Right Time of Day

Deciding when to do your self care tasks isn’t that crucial. The most important thing is that you do them, every day. Maybe it’s 15 minutes before you get ready for work. Perhaps you choose to do it on your lunch hour.

Some people hold off on self care until the evening, so they can truly relax and unwind after a long day.

Make sure you are choosing a time of day where you can spare 15-20 minutes of your undivided attention. Schedule it into your busy day. If you start doing it at the same time, self care will eventually become routine and you will include it without even thinking about it,.

Picking the Right Tasks

When you are setting up your self care routine, you need to think about the types of activities you want to do. You’ll want to make sure you are doing activities that help you in all areas of your life…physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Thankfully, many tasks that are considered self care cross between more than one area.

For example, going for a walk improve your physical wellbeing while also being a mental and emotional break from real life.

Here are some great emotional self care ideas for you!

Also, you need to think about the amount of time you have to devote to self care. If you are going to use 30 minutes of your lunch break, that’s plenty of time to listen to music or do some journaling.

However, if you are only allowed 10 minutes in the mornings, you won’t have the time (or likely, desire) to take a relaxing bubble bath. Just make sure the tasks match up to the time of day, and the amount of time you have.

Splitting your Self Care Routine Throughout the Day

Of course, you can always decide to do more than one time allotment for your self care. You may take 10 minutes to journal in the mornings, then take that bubble bath in the evenings. A chapter of a book can also be read in the afternoon while on break from work or in the school pick up line.

The more self care you mange to fit into your days, the better off you will be.

A self care checklist can help you get into the routine!

A Few Self Care Tasks to Add to your Routine

Not sure what tasks to add to your self care routine? Read on for a few of my favorites!

Grab Motivation from a Book

Reading is a great way to get in the right mindset for your day. Whether you will be shuttling children, hitting the office, heading to the gym, or running errands, having a positive outlook on your day can make all the difference in your mood – and your productivity.

You don’t have to read long…just a few pages can get you going. It’s also helpful to reflect on positive self love affirmations if you will be dealing with the other parent at any point during the day.

Relax in bed or a cozy chair with your favorite coffee mug while you soak in the inspiration from the book and the quiet of the moment. If you are short on time, read while you are popping breakfast in the oven or while your shower water heats up.

Enjoy Quiet Time

If reading isn’t your thing, you can still rise early to enjoy some calming peace before your day gets started. Brew your favorite coffee or tea. Enjoy it while sitting in the backyard listening to the birds wake up.

This is a great time to write in your journal too. Jotting down your feelings is a great emotional self care practice. Getting up before everyone else for a few minutes of peace can do wonders for your mood and wellbeing.

Stuck writing? Take a look at these 75 self discovery journal prompts.

Disconnect from your Devices

Your self care routine should not involve rolling over and grabbing your cell phone as soon as you open your eyes. Facebook and Instagram can wait. Don’t grab that TV remote just yet either. 

The precious few moments you set aside for self care should be about peace and relaxation, and your brain becomes wired as you stare at a screen.

If you find your electronics hard to resist, toss them in the bedside drawer the moment your alarm clock goes off. They can hide for 15 minutes while you focus on you.

Practice Meditation

The morning is also the ideal time to meditate and repeat mantras. Mantras are sayings or words that help to center your focus and make it easier to meditate.

You can also try breathing exercises or traditional meditation. If you want to take a walk in the morning, that can also help you to meditate. Music can be helpful during these activities, but make sure it’s soothing and light — try jazz or some easy listening tunes.

Not a Morning Person?

Though I mention self care in the mornings, this is really all about what works best for you.

However, most recommend a bit of peaceful pampering early in the morning because you help to set your mood for the day. Morning self care defines you as a priority, before your other responsibilities.

You can still incorporate other relaxing activities like a bath at night, but you’ll really lose some of the benefits of self love if you don’t practice one or two in the morning.