Build a self-care routine that works for you
Create daily care habits that feel doable and nourishing.
What if self-care didn’t feel like another chore?
You’ve tried the checklists, the bubble baths, the fancy journals. But self-care that doesn’t actually care for you? It just ends up gathering dust (or guilt).
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect routine. You need one that works for your real life: your schedule, your needs, your energy.
This guide is designed to help you:
Reflect on what self-care means for you, not just what you’ve been told it is
Take small, consistent steps toward feeling better
Use tools to stay focused, not overwhelmed
Go deeper with support if you're ready for long-term change
Step 1: Reflect on your need for taking care of yourself
Let’s talk about something that often takes a back seat in our busy lives: self-care. Here’s the thing: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s essential. When you make self-care a priority, you recharge your mind, body, and spirit so you can show up as your best self in every part of your life.
Why taking charge of your self-care matters
Think of yourself as your best investment. When you invest time in self-care, it helps you manage stress, boosts your mental health, and enhances your overall well-being. Ignore it too long, though, and you’ll start seeing burnout, low self-esteem, and a general feeling of “blah.”
Self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself (though that’s nice too!); it’s about nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It means doing things that bring you joy, setting boundaries to protect your energy, and working on your personal growth. Imagine starting each day feeling refreshed and ready to go. That’s what real self-care can do for you.
In our hectic lives, with jam-packed schedules and never-ending duties, self-care tends to take a backseat. However, skipping out on self-care is more than just a small slip; it's a lost chance to boost your overall well-being and life satisfaction. That's why creating a self-care routine is not just important, it's vital.
Self-care: More than just a trendy phrase
Self-care is often portrayed as a luxury (think long bubble baths and spa days). While spa days can be wonderful, true self-care means carving out time regularly to attend to your mental, emotional, and physical health. This can be as simple as ensuring you get enough sleep, choosing nutritious foods, or setting aside a few minutes daily to meditate or journal.
These practices won’t just help you unwind; they’ll make you more resilient and effective in all areas of your life.
The compounding benefits of regular self-care
The benefits of establishing your self-care routine are profound and far-reaching:
Increased productivity: When you take care of your health and well-being, you can perform better in all areas of your life. Regular self-care reduces stress and prevents burnout, which means you can maintain your performance without sacrificing your health.
Enhanced self-esteem: Self-care routines reinforce your value through consistent actions that say "I am worth the effort." This can dramatically improve how you feel about yourself and your life.
Better physical health: Many self-care activities, like exercise and healthy eating, directly improve your physical health, reducing the risk of many illnesses and boosting your energy levels.
Emotional resilience: Regular self-care helps you manage stress and lowers your susceptibility to anxiety and depression. By taking care of your emotional and mental health, you can face life's challenges with greater calm and clarity.
Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. Failing to give yourself the necessary attention and care can lead to physical, emotional, and mental health issues. Neglecting self-care can result in increased stress, burnout, decreased productivity, and heightened vulnerability to illnesses.
Over time, neglecting self-care can also impact relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
Reflection activity
Let’s start by stripping away the noise and reconnecting with what self-care actually means for you.
Ask yourself these questions:
What activities leave me feeling calm, nourished, or recharged?
What parts of my routine deplete me, and where can I shift?
What’s one self-care habit I’ve tried to start before? What got in the way?
Step 2: Take action
Develop a self-care routine
Explanation: Having a self-care routine makes sure you’re regularly taking time to recharge and reset.
How-to: Pick activities that genuinely make you feel good. It could be a morning meditation, an evening bubble bath, a workout, or a quiet coffee break. Block off time for these in your schedule and treat them like non-negotiables.
How to make self-care part of your life (for real this time)
The key to consistent self-care isn’t more discipline, it’s building habits that fit your real life.
That means:
Choosing things that actually restore you (not just what Instagram says is “relaxing”)
Making it easy to do something, even when you’re tired
Having a plan that feels flexible, not rigid
Common challenges that let you know you need to take charge
Challenge 1: Feeling guilty about prioritizing yourself
Solution: Remind yourself that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Taking care of yourself means you can better care for others and handle your responsibilities with more energy and focus.
Challenge 2: Finding time for self-care
Solution: Work self-care into your day, even in small ways. A quick 5-minute meditation or a short walk can make a big difference. Schedule these moments with the same importance as any other task, and they’ll soon become a natural part of your day.
Benefits of taking control of your self-care routine
Short-term benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Better mood and higher energy
Improved focus and productivity
Long-term benefits:
Greater overall life satisfaction and well-being
Increased resilience and strength to handle challenges
Ongoing personal growth and higher self-esteem
Prioritizing self-care is one of the best things you can do for yourself. By building a self-care routine, setting personal goals, and staying open to growth, you’re setting yourself up to thrive.
Remember, you deserve it. Taking care of yourself benefits everyone in your life.
Take a baby step
Start small. The goal isn’t to overhaul your life in a week; it’s to begin caring for yourself on purpose, gently.
Try one of these:
Choose one self-care moment you can build into your day this week and protect it like an appointment.
Set a boundary around something that drains your energy.
Make a "self-care menu" of quick, nourishing things you can do when you feel off.
Books to help you
*Self-Care Activities for Women: 101 Practical Ways to Slow Down and Reconnect With Yourself by Cicely Horsham-Brathwaite PhD
*Listen Bitch Affirmation Journal | A Daily Journal To Help You Conquer The Sh*t Out of Every Day by Listen Bitch TM
Self-Care for Autistic People: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unmask! by Dr. Megan Anna Neff
*Heads-up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I genuinely believe are helpful. Thank you for supporting the work I do here.