If you read my last publication about Living with Intention, you know how important it is to have a self-care routine. The purpose of a self-care routine is to prioritize your needs and make it a regular part of your life so you can maintain balance, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Personally, I have self-care routine that is constantly evolving. Because of it I am now happier than I have ever been. Almost all my decisions and activities I throw myself into have a positive influence on my life. That didn’t happen overnight or by accident though. It took a lot of thoughts, efforts and frustrations. But eventually I was able to create a routine that is right for me and I am very happy with.
What is self-care routine anyway?
Self-care routine refers to a set of activities or practices that we can each engage in to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about creating an environment where we feel fulfilled, safe and free to flourish. It also involves intentionally setting aside time for ourselves and making choices that promote self-nurturing, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Creating a good self-care routine however is not easy. It takes time, patience, and true commitment. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution either. It varies from person to person as it depends on personal preferences and needs. That’s why I have come up with 6 simple steps I believe can be very useful in helping you create your very own self-care routine:
- Identify your needs: You can’t address your needs unless you know what they are. Take some time to identify and understand your needs, whether they are big or small. You can do that by considering what areas of your life may be causing stress or imbalance; and what activities or practices you think can help address those needs. Being an introvert, one of my biggest needs was to make sure I have my daily “ME” time. It’s non-negotiable.
- Reflect on your preferences: Think about the things you enjoy and find fulfilling. By that I mean what brings you joy, peace, and relaxation. This can include hobbies, exercise, spending time alone or with the people you love, or even engaging in creative activities. For me, it’s writing.
- Experiment and explore: Get out and try different things to see what resonates with you. Be open to explore and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Go on that solo trip, take that cooking class, go eat at that fancy restaurant…whatever it is, just go for it. While you’re at it don’t forget to pay attention to how each activity makes you feel and whether it truly aligns with your needs. It’s all about discovering yourself and what makes you feel alive and happy.
- Set realistic goals: In other words do not overwhelm yourself. Start by setting small, achievable goals and gradually increase the frequency and duration of your practices. Make sure your expectations are realistic and be flexible as needed. Keep in mind your goal here is to find a routine that’s right for YOU. Slow and steady does it until you can get to where you want to be.
- Prioritize consistency: Assuredly consistency is key in creating a self-care routine. You must set aside dedicated time each day or week to do something for yourself. self-care is not selfish. Treat this time as non-negotiable and give it the top spot on your schedule. It’s all for you and about you.
- Adjust as needed: As people we are constantly evolving. It’s good to regularly assess and adjust our self-care routine based on changes in our needs and circumstances. Sometimes the things we lack can be easily acquired. All that’s needed is a little bit of effort and open-mindedness.
Remember, self-care is a personal journey, and it may take time to find what works best for you. Trust yourself and experiment with different activities until you find a routine that meets your individual needs. It can have a big impact on your life. You’re on the right track. Keep up the great work in taking care of yourself. Years from today you’ll be so glad you did.
✨Live With Intent✨
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