This post was originally published in 2019. It has been updated with new stock images and my current thoughts on self-care and what my intentional routine looks like.
Ah, the infamous self-care, otherwise known as “bubble baths and wine” because life is hard. But it’s so much more than just a trend!
I think it’s important to first acknowledge that self-care is different for every person. While some may prefer a bubble bath and wine, others practice self-care by simply going on a walk each day, or writing in a journal at night. Some may be slightly more extravagant, taking on true Donna and Tom form (from Parks & Recreation) and seriously treating themselves.
However you take care of yourself, know that this is way more than just a trend. Our bodies and our minds are so important and we need to tend to them the same way we would our job, our family, our dedication to the environment, etc. You’ll never be able to give 100% to anything else if you have only 5% left of your personal battery. So don’t scoff when you see another article about self-care. Take some time to determine what suits you and your lifestyle best so you can feel truly great more often!
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So let’s start by formulating a self-care routine, shall we?
As I mentioned above, the way you practice self-care doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s routine. In fact, one of the things that’s most challenging for me is that so many of the self-care posts I read mention “getting up earlier.” Unfortunately, because of my chronic illness, that’s physically impossible for me. Waking up is a challenge in-and-of itself, let alone actually getting out of bed within an hour of the time I’ve opened my eyes. Self-care for me, personally, means taking my mornings slow – and starting them later than the “average” working woman.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have a routine. I do, and I try to stick with it because that’s another part of self-care: doing what makes YOU feel good on a regular basis. Of course, you should still hop outside your comfort zone every now and again, but stepping back inside it to recharge isn’t wrong. Start by prioritizing self-care on a monthly basis, then work your way down to weekly and daily. See my example below.
Cultivating an Intentional Self-Care Routine (breakdown)
Monthly
Determine one new skill or hobby to cultivate
Have a date night (with your significant other or with yourself)
Plan one thing that you can look forward to (concert, book club, road trip, etc.)
Weekly
Move your body at least three times
Extended “beauty” routine (face mask, bubble bath/steam shower, self-tan, etc.)
Take one full day off of work and spend time with family or alone
Check on your finances and budget for next week
Solo dance party (don’t question me on this, just blast some music and dance, then thank me later)
Daily
Have morning coffee (preferably without screens)
Read for at least thirty minutes
Drink plenty of water
Turn off screens an hour before bed
Wash face and moisturize before bed
How do you practice self-care on a regular basis?
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I totally agree with you that self-care is so different on everyone and sometimes it can change through time with each individual. I love that you mention intentional self-care. So important to distinguish that!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Self-care is so important! I’m trying to go to the gym at least 2 times per week, it’s so hard to me, since I’m lazy sometimes, but I know that this is important to my health!
Thanks for encouraging me to take care of myself more often
These examples of a self-care schedule are really helpful! How do you determine how often to do something when it comes to SC?
Such a great post with wonderful ideas on self care. I do sone of them already like read, workout, drink lots of water and screens off an hr before bed.
I love that you already do some of them. That means you’re practicing self-care in very practical and intentional ways on a regular basis, which is awesome!
I totally agree with you that self-care is so different on everyone and sometimes it can change through time with each individual. I love that you mention intentional self-care. So important to distinguish that!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
It’s SO different for every person. I know that for me it can even vary by the day or mood I’m in. I’m grateful to have learned some intentional ways to practice it no matter the circumstance.
Self-care is so important! I’m trying to go to the gym at least 2 times per week, it’s so hard to me, since I’m lazy sometimes, but I know that this is important to my health!
Thanks for encouraging me to take care of myself more often
It can be really challenging. For me, the struggle is because of my health challenges. Getting a workout in can be extra exhausting or sometimes feel impossible to get through – but in the end, my body thanks me for it. Even just a little light cardio or some weight exercises can be so good for the mind and body!
I think the fact that its being talked about and recognized as a routine now is more so a trend than the acts themselves. But I agree that in today’s time we are always on the go and EVERYONE should be taking some sort of time for themselves to relax on a regular basis!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
That’s an interesting perspective I hadn’t fully thought about. However, I’ve had a couple of people recently tell me they felt like self-care was so “trendy” right now, and it just made me sad. It SHOULD be prioritized, in my opinion!
These examples of a self-care schedule are really helpful! How do you determine how often to do something when it comes to SC?
What it really comes down to for me is just what makes me feel the most comfortable. Self-care has so much to do with our comfort levels and getting ourselves in the right mindset. Kind of a recharge – or a PREcharge (before something happens that might feel overwhelming). I believe everyone is different, so schedules will look differently based off the individual preference!
I couldn’t agree more with this post! Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad you found it helpful.
You are so right … self care means different things for different people and it is so important to carve out time for ones’ own care – physical, mental, spiritual – everything!
❥ tanvii.com
Agreed! And I’m glad it’s different for everyone. We’d seem like robots if we all took care of our mental health in the exact same way.
These are such great tips! I especially love cultivating a new skill or hobby!
Right? It’s feels AMAZING to me when I’ve learned something new!
Thank you so much for this article. I struggle a lot with General Anxiety Disorder and Mild Depression, and I’m trying to get better with bringing myself up instead of breaking myself down. Self-Care is just one of those things for me where I never really thought to put it into a routine, so thank you so much for this!
You’re 100% not alone. I was diagnosed years ago with the same things, along with bipolar disorder, so I understand the challenges that come along with all of that. It can feel so heavy. It’s what kind of forced me into prioritizing self-care in the first place. Putting it into a routine has become increasingly more helpful as the years have gone by. I hope it can help you too!
I think the fact that its being talked about and recognized as a routine now is more so a trend than the acts themselves. But I agree that in today’s time we are always on the go and EVERYONE should be taking some sort of time for themselves to relax on a regular basis!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
That’s an interesting perspective I hadn’t fully thought about. However, I’ve had a couple of people recently tell me they felt like self-care was so “trendy” right now, and it just made me sad. It SHOULD be prioritized, in my opinion!
Yes! Self-care is so important! You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
You are so right … self care means different things for different people and it is so important to carve out time for ones’ own care – physical, mental, spiritual – everything!
❥ tanvii.com
Agreed! And I’m glad it’s different for everyone. We’d seem like robots if we all took care of our mental health in the exact same way.
I always end my day reading! I’ve also put my phone on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode at 9 so I get the notifications, but I don’t hear those annoying alerts. It has made my nights a lot easier!
Thank you so much for this article. I struggle a lot with General Anxiety Disorder and Mild Depression, and I’m trying to get better with bringing myself up instead of breaking myself down. Self-Care is just one of those things for me where I never really thought to put it into a routine, so thank you so much for this!
You’re 100% not alone. I was diagnosed years ago with the same things, along with bipolar disorder, so I understand the challenges that come along with all of that. It can feel so heavy. It’s what kind of forced me into prioritizing self-care in the first place. Putting it into a routine has become increasingly more helpful as the years have gone by. I hope it can help you too!
I love this. Filling ourselves up is so important to be present for others. I’m learning the importance of this balance especially now, as a mom!
Yes! Self-care is so important! You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
Exactly. It’s like what they say on airplanes during the safety instructions. Put the mask on yourself before trying to help others. Same concept applies to self-care!
I always end my day reading! I’ve also put my phone on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode at 9 so I get the notifications, but I don’t hear those annoying alerts. It has made my nights a lot easier!
I absolutely love that! I end my day reading as well, and put my “do not disturb” on the second I begin enjoying my book. It really does help to wind down!
I love this. Filling ourselves up is so important to be present for others. I’m learning the importance of this balance especially now, as a mom!
That’s such a great way of wording it. And it’s so true as well. Especially for you as a mother. I’m sure your self-care routine might look different from mine – maybe even just taking a moment of peace and quiet to yourself now and again can be something you’ve added. But I bet it helps a ton!
I love that you mentioned it looks different for everyone. There is no magical self care answer / find what works! For me it’s time kid free with girlfriends, exercising, bubble baths and reality tv!
Agreed! Those all sound like amazing self-care activities. I love getting out with my girlfriends for an evening of wine and chit-chat (sometimes even just the surface stuff to avoid the DEEP life issues haha). It’s amazingly helpful!
Self-care is SO important, I have really had to learn that since being a mom. Self care for me, looks like a good work out!
Kileen
cute & little
Self-care is SO important, I have really had to learn that since being a mom. Self care for me, looks like a good work out!
Kileen
cute & little
Oooh YES. A good workout is the way to go at the end of a long day for me. That’s why I try to make it to the gym at least three times – but even if it’s not because it feels good, I know it’s good for me, which is also important.
I think it’s so important to practice self-care on a regular basis. I get so stressed with work, school, keeping up with things, etc. I think self-care helps you to slow down and remember that your own happiness and sanity is the most important thing!
Thanks for sharing, Xx. C
gah i was the poster child for self-care back in my 9-5 days and was still miserable! It’s so much more than meditating and working out. It’s being true to yourself.
That one full day off work is so important to my self care routine. I need to work on my bedtime routine…turning off screens an hour before would be beneficial! Now to find the discipline to do so.
Bedtime and wake-up routines are the most satisfying to me. They can play into self-care so intensely!
This is such a great post. You have so many great tips and ideas. I think its so important that we take time for ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this! I also have to add that I really love the layout and design of your blog!! Its so pretty!!
I love this! And I love that you mentioned that self-care looks different for everyone. Sometimes for me it’s a work night so that I can get ahead of things and feel less stress.
YES. So true! I feel that way as well. Sometimes for me it’s also going out with my girlfriends for drinks and chatting for hours. It definitely looks different for everyone!
I just watched a whole YouTube video on self-care and then read your post!!! I love your suggestions here – self care is so so so important.
You’re definitely getting the ball rolling. Self-care is gonna be EXTRA important for you once Baby Mobley arrives 😉
Honestly, once I stopped spending so much time on Instagram over the past 10 months, self care has been super easy. I do all these things on a regular basis, and all I really had to do was spend way less time on the gram. Thanks for the tips!
http://www.ohtobeamuse.com
That’s a seriously awesome way to enjoy self-care. I love just logging off and spending time in the moment with my family and friends. It’s so helpful!
I think it’s so important to practice self-care on a regular basis. I get so stressed with work, school, keeping up with things, etc. I think self-care helps you to slow down and remember that your own happiness and sanity is the most important thing!
Thanks for sharing, Xx. C
I wholeheartedly agree! If you don’t take those moments for yourself – to just slow down and BREATHE – life can really catch up with you in a nasty manner. I’m grateful for the little moments that make me the happiest and let me just take care of myself and my mental health.
gah i was the poster child for self-care back in my 9-5 days and was still miserable! It’s so much more than meditating and working out. It’s being true to yourself.
That’s why I started with how it’s different for everyone. It’s definitely something you have to figure out for yourself. I just want to stress the importance of it being incorporated into routine.
That one full day off work is so important to my self care routine. I need to work on my bedtime routine…turning off screens an hour before would be beneficial! Now to find the discipline to do so.
Bedtime and wake-up routines are the most satisfying to me. They can play into self-care so intensely!
This is such a great post. You have so many great tips and ideas. I think its so important that we take time for ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this! I also have to add that I really love the layout and design of your blog!! Its so pretty!!
Thank you so much for all the encouragement! I’m glad you found this post to be beneficial 🙂
I love this! And I love that you mentioned that self-care looks different for everyone. Sometimes for me it’s a work night so that I can get ahead of things and feel less stress.
YES. So true! I feel that way as well. Sometimes for me it’s also going out with my girlfriends for drinks and chatting for hours. It definitely looks different for everyone!
I just watched a whole YouTube video on self-care and then read your post!!! I love your suggestions here – self care is so so so important.
You’re definitely getting the ball rolling. Self-care is gonna be EXTRA important for you once Baby Mobley arrives 😉
Honestly, once I stopped spending so much time on Instagram over the past 10 months, self care has been super easy. I do all these things on a regular basis, and all I really had to do was spend way less time on the gram. Thanks for the tips!
http://www.ohtobeamuse.com
That’s a seriously awesome way to enjoy self-care. I love just logging off and spending time in the moment with my family and friends. It’s so helpful!
Yes! Thank you for taking on such a nuanced view of self-care! I agree that it does look different to everyone and it’s more than just taking a bubble bath every once in a while (though yes, that is indeed self-care). My self-care routine consists of bullet-journaling with a cup of coffee in the mornings. Planning my day and knowing that I have things to get done gives me a sense of purpose and a sense of control over my life that I find really fulfilling!
I absolutely love your bullet journal! You have so many creative ideas with it. I enjoy setting up my planner each week and even find that really helpful for my mental health. It’s definitely different for every person, and I love that!
Spot on. Self-care is essential! Thank you for such an excellent post!
Agreed, it definitely is. I find that everyone treats it differently, but that’s part of what makes it great!
What a great list! I love the idea of being mire intentional about this, thanks for sharing
I find it incredibly beneficial to add self-care to my “to-do” list, of sorts. In being intentional, it becomes a habit rather than a trend, and in the long run it really helps me!
Things have been so busy lately that I’ve been completely forgoing self care and it’s (obviously) not okay! I need to get back into the swing of things so I feel so refreshed (not to mention, get those anxiety levels down!).
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
I feel you. It can be challenging to remember it! But once it’s in place as an every day/week/month thing, it becomes as routine as brushing your teeth, and it can really help! I used to take a bath and do a face mask every Monday evening to start my week, and it’s been SO long since I’ve done that. Realizing it was beneficial, I’m adding it back into my weekly schedule!
So good, Stephanie! I am very similar to you! I simply cannot wake up quickly without feeling sick, so slow is best for me. I feel accomplished if I start my work by 8:45 lol!
I’m so sorry to hear that you have to deal with that. I wouldn’t wish it for anyone! It’s awful to wake up feeling unwell. Sure, I love the idea of starting my day bright and early, but my body disagrees. So it’s slow mornings for me, and coffee in bed, which is okay too. Gotta do what’s best for US!
Yes, yes, yes!! Love how you broke it down too!
Thanks girl. How do you maintain a self-care routine?
My husband is a therapist and he talks about this too. Self Care is so important so beyond being “trendy”!
He’s certainly got it right. It’s way more than just something that’s socially popular. It’s important for our mental health to take that time to ourselves and figure out what makes our bodies and minds the happiest.
I love the statement, “doing what makes you feel good on a regular basis”. It reminds us to tap into our own desires and feelings to figure out what makes us tick on a daily basis. I’m an early riser, but I feel like I definitely take my mornings slower. I love daily walks (when it’s not 100 degrees here in Florida lol) and journaling is definitely a newer form of self-care for me. I like that you’ve created daily/weekly/monthly. I’m going to break mine down in my journal later. 🙂
I love this post so much! I totally agree that self-care goes wayyy beyond a face mask on Sunday night. It is about being intentional with your time and giving yourself space to do your own things each day, week and month! Thank you for sharing!
Precisely. Though those face masks can really be beneficial as well. Just finding the time to practice what makes you feel the best and calms your mind is so necessary!
Self care is so important. It took me a while to get in the routine of it and now it’s a vital part of my life.
I personally think that’s how it should be for everyone. I’m glad you’ve found a way to add it to your daily routine!
I love this so much gal! I also really love how you broke down self-care by month, week, and day. I definitely need to do better at the daily self-care. Thank you for the inspiration! You have truly inspired me to make it more of a priority!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Sometimes I literally write it down in my planner, because one of my “odd” self-care things is being able to check off items on a list. So if I can check “self-care” (in whatever form it takes that day), it feels EXTRA satisfying!
I love the idea of daily, weekly & monthly for self-care practices!
It has become seriously beneficial for me over the years. How do you maintain a self-care routine?