Taking care of ourselves can feel difficult when we’re busy taking care of everyone and everything else.
But like the airlines remind us on every single flight, we’re no good to those around us if we don’t secure our oxygen mask first. Think of your self-care routine as your oxygen mask.
Contrary to popular belief, self-care doesn’t need to be complex, time-consuming or earned, y’all.
Follow these steps to make self-care super simple. You don’t just need it…you deserve it!
First and Foremost: Assess Yourself (lovingly)
Awareness is the first step towards growth.
How much self-care do you practice now?
How consistent are you?
How do you talk to yourself?
How much of a priority are you in your own life?
Take this simple quiz to assess your current self-love practice so you can make small yet impactful shifts towards giving yourself the care and love you deserve.
(PS…I also highly recommend Christine’s Self-Love programs! They changed my life!)
Secondly: Find What Works for You
You’ll hear me say a lot that every body is different. Just like diet and exercise, your self-care needs are unique and beautiful.
If you’ve struggled to take care of yourself, maybe it’s because you haven’t found the ‘thing’ that works best for you.
Self-care can be as simple as stretching for 10 minutes, taking a walk around the block, throwing on some tunes to make your to-do’s more enjoyable, or busting a move that makes you smile.
Try several different things to see what fills up your heart and your energy reserves.
Last But Not Least: Book It, Girl!
You’ll also hear me frequently comment that your calendar can be your greatest tool.
The most important things make it onto your calendar. Meetings, doc appointments, kids’ events. So why should self-care be any different?
Pick days/times that are easy for you to make happen and throw that time into a recurring event on your calendar.
Do your best to resist booking over it – it’s just as important as a meeting. And when life throws a curve ball, you can easily ‘move’ your self-care time to another time slot.
Bonus! Self-Care Ideas
If you’re struggling with where to get started, or looking to refresh your self-care routine, use this list to kickstart your self-care planning.
- Read a book
- Go for a short walk or run
- Enjoy a bubble bath
- Sit in the sun for 15 minutes
- Listen or dance to music
- Take a yoga class
- List 5 things you’re grateful for
- Meditate for 3-15 minutes
- Take a nap
- Play with your pet or kiddo
- Schedule a girls night out
- Stretch to soothing music for 5 mins
- Make a fancy dinner
- Clear out clutter
- Go out for brunch
- Do an at home facial or manicure
- Breathe in essential oils
“Perhaps we should love ourselves so fiercely, that when others see us they know exactly how it should be done.” – Rudy Francisco
