When you think of self care, you probably think of candles, skincare routines and the occasional evening off. However, self care often needs something deeper and more intentional.
Self care is all about dedicating time to yourself, to help you rest and restore mental clarity.
Creating A Morning Routine That Sets The Tone For The Day
If you start small, you’re more likely to stick to your self care routine.
Pick 2 or 3 habits that matter the most to you, like hydration, movement or just five minutes of quiet, making sure you do them daily.
Make the first 30 minutes screen-free. Use that time to breathe, stretch, write a short gratitude note.
This will help to reduce any stress, and improve your focus.
Make yourself a short checklist, like drinking a glass of water, moving for 5 to 15 minutes (walking, stretching or light yoga) and setting yourself one main goal each morning.
Adapt your routine for your schedule. So, if you wake up early, add in 10 minutes of reading or writing in your journal.
If your mornings are usually rushed, focus on the quick wins, like washing your face, hydrating and naming a top priority task for theme day.
Digital Boundaries That Protect Your Energy
Your phone and apps drain away your focus and your mood, without even noticing.
Set yourself some clear limits on when and how your use them, to protect your energy.
Start with a simple digital detox plan, picking one block of time each day, like an hour after waking, during your meals or before bed, when you turn off all notifications.
Having small and regular breaks all add up. Turn off your non-essential notifications, use app timers and set up “do not disturb” when you’re working or just want some down time.
This will reduce any interruptions, and help you stay “present”.
You can create zones for device use in your home, like keeping your bedroom and dining area a low tech space.
This makes it easier to rest and connect with others, without your screens pulling your attention away.
Learning To Say No Without Guilt
Saying no protects both your time, and your energy. You do not have to agree to everything to be kind or helpful.
Practice short and clear refusals, like “I can’t this time” or “I need to pass”, as these refusals are honest and simple, making decisions easier for both you and the other person too.
Sleep Rituals That Go Beyond An Early Night
Build yourself a bedtime routine that trains your body and mind, that it is time to wind down.
You can do short journaling before turning off the lights, where you write three quick lines of what went well, what you need to let go of, and one thing you’re looking forward to.
Do a brief meditation session, with 5 to 10 minutes of focused breathing or a guided body scan, to calm your nervous system.
Dim the lights, put away any screens and choose a calming scent, like lavender. These cues will help your brain link the environment with rest.
Keep your bed time routine predictable but flexible. On your busier nights, shorter steps rather than skipping them entirely.
Make your bedroom a sleep-focused space, to help your brain associate the room with sleep, so you can fall asleep faster and wake up more refreshed.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.