How To Start A Self-Care Routine

Carving out some time for yourself can be hard when you’re already running 100 miles per hour for everyone else, and especially so during times of stress. But self-care is essential to your well-being because if you aren’t well, you can’t function well.

Self-care is essential to living a happy, healthy life. Research has shown that not caring for your own mental and physical well-being can have detrimental effects on your health and can lead to issues such as chronic stress, burnout and depression, to name a few. Here are a few self-care ideas that are easy to add to your daily routine.

Commit to exercise in advance

A common self-care method is implementing more exercise into your routine, and a great way to keep your mind and body happy is to commit to exercise in advance. Signing up for a yoga class is a great way to stay active and meet new people. Another idea is to schedule a weekly walk or hike with a friend (#SelfcareSunday!). Exercise is a natural mood booster, and it’ll keep your heart and mind healthy, too!

Make the most of your mornings

An easy way to add self-care into your routine is by making the most of your morning. You can use this time to meditate, read or do anything to jumpstart your day. This will give you a positive mindset and the energy you will need for the day. Grab a cup of coffee, sit on the porch, and read a good book before going on with the rest of your day. Taking a little time to yourself each day is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. If you’re a parent, this may require waking up a little earlier than your children to get that coveted quiet you desire, but it’ll be worth it!

Create a bedtime routine

There are many great ways to practice self-care before hitting the hay. A great way to keep your stress down is to stop working or using devices at least an hour before you sleep. This will allow you to unwind without distractions after a long day. Another idea is to have natural triggers to prepare your kids and yourself for sleep, like a bedtime treat for them and a cup of herbal tea for you!

Eat right for self-care

The type of food that you eat can significantly affect your health, mood and well-being. Avoid processed food and switch to a healthier alternative. There are many foods that are known to stimulate positivity, such as dark chocolate, yogurt, bananas and berries (these all sound like great yogurt toppers!). A happy gut will lead to a happy person.

There are almost endless ways to care for ourselves, and if you don’t take care of yourself first, who will? Becoming the best version of yourself involves taking care of your mind, body and soul. Implementing self-care into your routine gives you the energy you need to show up as the best version of yourself in your everyday life.

Surrounding yourself with nature is a form of self-care. Bring new life to your self-care routine with a fresh plant!