To Do: Start a Self-Care Routine
To Do: Start a Self-Care Routine
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about self-care the past few months. As we’ve been trying to get used to our new realities, it can take a toll on our minds and bodies. While challenges from the pandemic are far from over, self-care is one way we can remain in control during these uncertain times. Now more than ever, it is so important to check in with ourselves and create habits that will nurture your health and wellbeing.
If you are struggling to start a self-care routine,
here’s 5 tips to get you started that will help you stick with it even after the pandemic.
Try Something New
The first step is just to experiment and try some new activities to see what makes you feel happy and takes some weight off your shoulders.
Here are some RIOT girl favorites:
Yoga
Meditation
Journaling
Crystals & Chakra Healing
Going for a walk
Dancing to your favorite songs
Reading
A hot bubble bath
What matters is that you find out what works for you. Be selfish! Your self-care routine is all about you.
Schedule It
If you make a plan and write down self-care time in your planner, you are more likely to actually do it. It helps if you plan to do your self-care at the beginning or the end of your day. For example, when you wake up in the morning, let the first thing you do for 30 minutes be yoga and stretching. Before you go to bed at night, take 20 minutes to journal about whatever thoughts you have.
Scheduling self-care in and setting reminders will make it easier to fit it into your schedule, no matter how busy you are.
Don’t Forget the Basics
It’s important to include those basic rituals that improve overall health to your self-care routine. Do your best to prioritize getting at least 8 hours of sleep and having a proper, healthy diet. Little things like these will go a long way when it comes to taking care of your mind and body.
Keep It Simple
There’s a reason why so many experts have said to keep your self-care routine simple. Adding another task to your plate can seem daunting, so keep your self-care routine easy enough (and fun enough!) that it will fit into your lifestyle. Remember, self-care is all about recharging and relaxing, so it does not have to be complicated. Focus on the feeling you get when you take time out of your day for you.
Hold Yourself Accountable, but be flexible
Having a family member or friend to nudge you and hold you accountable can help make sure you get your self-care in. That being said, don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is messy, and some days are easier than others to practice self-care. Your self-care routine won’t be perfect.
The key is to have a plan in place to get your daily self-care goals done, but give yourself permission to grow and experiment with how you will achieve those goals. Self-care isn’t something that should be stressful!