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 thrive in situations such as a bubble bath and wine, others practice self-care by simply going on a walk each day, or writing in a journal at night, and some may be slightly more extravagant – taking on true Donna and Tom form (fromΒ Parks & Recreation) and seriously treating themselves.
However you take care of yourself, know that this is way more than 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 children, 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 articleΒ about self-care. Take some time to determine what suits you and your lifestyle best so you can feel truly great more often!
So let’s start by formulating a self-care routine, shall we?
As I mentioned above, the way you practice doesn’t have to look like anyone else. 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 gettingΒ 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
Weekly
Go to the gym at least three times
Face mask and bubble bath
Take one full day off of work and spend time with family or alone
Daily
Have morning coffee with my husband
Meditate
Read for at least thirty minutes
Drink plenty of water
Turn off screens an hour before bed
Listen to instrumental music
Take off all my makeup before bed
Are any of these on your self-care “checklist” on a regular basis? They can be so beneficial!
related posts
The Not-So Subtle Art of Girls Night //Β The Ultimate Guide to Combatting a Bad DayΒ //Β 6 Stress Relief Tips for When Life Feels Too Hard
How do you practice self-care on a regular basis?
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Rach says
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
Lina Melo says
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
Annie says
These examples of a self-care schedule are really helpful! How do you determine how often to do something when it comes to SC?
Fawn says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Rach says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Lina Melo says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Morgan says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Annie says
These examples of a self-care schedule are really helpful! How do you determine how often to do something when it comes to SC?
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Anna English says
I couldn’t agree more with this post! Thanks for sharing.
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m glad you found it helpful.
Tanvi Rastogi says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Erin says
These are such great tips! I especially love cultivating a new skill or hobby!
Stephanie Whitman says
Right? It’s feels AMAZING to me when I’ve learned something new!
Rachel says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Morgan says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Helen says
Yes! Self-care is so important! You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
Tanvi Rastogi says
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!
β₯ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Alix Maza says
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!
Rachel says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Christine says
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!
Helen says
Yes! Self-care is so important! You can’t take care of others until you take care of yourself.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Alix Maza says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Christine says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Erin says
I love that you mentioned it looks different for everyone. There is no magical self care answer / find what works! For me itβs time kid free with girlfriends, exercising, bubble baths and reality tv!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Kileen says
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
Kileen says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Carrington Barfield says
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
Rachel R Ritlop says
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.
Andi Preston says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
Bedtime and wake-up routines are the most satisfying to me. They can play into self-care so intensely!
colleendenise says
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!!
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Taylor Mobley says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
You’re definitely getting the ball rolling. Self-care is gonna be EXTRA important for you once Baby Mobley arrives π
Oh to Be a Muse says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Carrington Barfield says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Rachel R Ritlop says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Andi Preston says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
Bedtime and wake-up routines are the most satisfying to me. They can play into self-care so intensely!
colleendenise says
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!!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much for all the encouragement! I’m glad you found this post to be beneficial π
Crystal // Dreams, etc. says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Taylor Mobley says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
You’re definitely getting the ball rolling. Self-care is gonna be EXTRA important for you once Baby Mobley arrives π
Oh to Be a Muse says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Deborah says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Gemma Newbery says
Spot on. Self-care is essential! Thank you for such an excellent post!
Stephanie Whitman says
Agreed, it definitely is. I find that everyone treats it differently, but that’s part of what makes it great!
Marlene says
What a great list! I love the idea of being mire intentional about this, thanks for sharing
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Rachel says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Summer says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Lily says
Yes, yes, yes!! Love how you broke it down too!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks girl. How do you maintain a self-care routine?
Greta says
My husband is a therapist and he talks about this too. Self Care is so important so beyond being “trendy”!
Stephanie Whitman says
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.
Katherine says
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. π
Nataly says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Megan says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Laura Leigh says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Em says
I love the idea of daily, weekly & monthly for self-care practices!
Stephanie Whitman says
It has become seriously beneficial for me over the years. How do you maintain a self-care routine?
Jasmine Vargas says
self-care is so important to me. I love doing yoga, meditation and of course doing stuff for me.
Katherine says
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. π
Stephanie Whitman says
Exactly! You get it, girl! I’m glad you have things that you’re enjoying for yourself. I love taking walks too, but hate the heat, so I try to find outdoor malls in the shade where I can step inside if I’m getting uncomfortable, or I wait until the evenings when the sun goes down. It’s so nice to just walk and find peace!
Becky says
This is great because I think one of the most important parts of self care is figuring out what that actually means. For me I think it’s slowing down a little from my extremely busy day and taking the time to do something I enjoy but that I don’t normally fit into my schedule.
Stephanie Whitman says
YES! See, it really is different for everyone. But that’s part of what makes it not trendy. If it was just a trend, everyone would do things exactly the same! I love that you have an idea of what makes you the happiest.
Nataly says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Megan says
Self care is so important. It took me a while to get in the routine of it and now itβs a vital part of my life.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Laura Leigh says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Em says
I love the idea of daily, weekly & monthly for self-care practices!
Stephanie Whitman says
It has become seriously beneficial for me over the years. How do you maintain a self-care routine?
Jasmine Vargas says
self-care is so important to me. I love doing yoga, meditation and of course doing stuff for me.
Stephanie Whitman says
Yoga and meditation are excellent practices. They help get you in the right mindset to practice self-care to the best of your abilities! π
Ashley Rollins says
I agree – self-care needs to be so personal. Glad that you feel the same way. <3
Stephanie Whitman says
It definitely does. It’s a very personal thing and it’s so unique to every person who practices it!
Taylor Aube says
I’ve been focusing a lot on self-care lately and I can already see improvements. We all need to invest more time into ourselves and our mental health – life can be so tolling and often out of our control!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s amazing what can happen for our mental health when we really purpose to make self-care a priority in our lives! Life is stressful, so it’s necessary to take care of ourselves!
Elodie says
Your self-care routine is perfect! What I hate about the self-care “trend” is that it just focuses on having Instagram-worthy bubble baths and smoothie bowls – no thanks. But I’m all about cultivating a new hobby or making sure to take time for yourself! Self-care isn’t a one-off thing. It’s something you need to do every day.
Stephanie Whitman says
That totally makes sense. Which is why I’m trying to talk up how self-care itself isn’t a trend (though posting all about it on social media certainly is). I think bubble baths and smoothie bowls can definitely be part of self-care, but it’s an individual process to determine what works best for YOU on a regular basis! π
Laura S says
Yes, yes and more YES! Self care is so important! Side note but these photos look like a mamas DREAM come true haha!
Stephanie Whitman says
Aww thanks haha! They were taken when I visited a local apartment complex, and it was just sooo nice outside, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to don the fluffy robe and get sassy with the shots.
Megan says
What a great post this week! Self care is so important, I can’t stress it enough. I love that you break down your ideas monthly, weekly, and daily.!
Azanique S Rawl says
I need to get better with some of these daily tasks. Monthly, I can keep up with self-care but day to day is hard for me. I would love to get away from screens the last hour of the night. That’s such a great idea!
-xo, Azanique | https://www.lotsofsass.com
Kyla says
I love your list because you have so many simple yet beneficial ways to practice self care! I sure had a lot more time to indulge in self care before I became a single mom! Struggle finding any time for me these days!
Kyla
Kristina says
Totally agree that self care means many things- for me it’s taking time in my bedtime routine to take care of my skin (and the occasional massage)!
Jerrieal Small says
I am saving this, it is so perfect! Self care is so important π
Ruthie Ridley says
Preach mama!! Self care is a must these days for me! I am still trying to figure out how to rest and what that actually means!!
Sara Kelley says
I just wrote a blog article for a company about how incorporating self-care into a fitness regimen is important. I agree it’s important to do what’s right for you. I second the whole “getting up early” as something that just doesn’t work for everyone. I’m someone who really struggles to sleep as is, and for the past few months I was waking up every day at 7 am to get my day started. I recently became so burned out from that alone and realized that following what others say is good for them really isn’t always what’s good for me. Thank you for also breaking down your routine. It’s nice to see overlaps when dealing with chronic illnesses. Great blog article as always, Stephanie.
Sara
http://www.mindovermango.com
TianShanae says
Having breakfast with my husband in the morning is definitely a regular on my self-care checklist. However, I really need to work on turning off my phone before bed.
Fawn says
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.