How to Build a Self-Care Routine That Works for You

1. Forget What You’ve Heard (Self-Care Isn’t Selfish or Extra)

Myths to Ignore: ❌ "Self-care has to be Instagram-worthy." ❌ "You need hours of free time." ❌ "It’s only face masks and yoga." 2. Start With the Basics

Non-Negotiables for Everyone: Hydration (Keep water nearby—sip all day.) Movement (Stretch, walk, dance—just get blood flowing.) Sleep (Even 15 extra minutes helps.) Real Food (One nourishing meal a day counts.) Pro Tip: Pair habits with things you already do (e.g., drink water while waiting for coffee to brew). 3. Choose What Fills Your Tank (Not Someone Else’s)

Ask Yourself:

☑️ "Do I feel better or worse after this?" ☑️ "Does this actually fit my life?" Examples of Real Self-Care: For the overstimulated: Noise-canceling headphones, turning off notifications For the exhausted: A 10-minute power nap, saying no to plans For the stressed: Screaming into a pillow, a quick walk outside Your self-care shouldn’t feel like another chore. 4. Make It Ridiculously Easy (Or It Won’t Happen)

Tiny Habits That Add Up:

Micro-meditation: Breathe deeply 3x before checking your phone in the morning. "Two-minute rule": If it takes less than 2 minutes (washing your face, taking vitamins), do it now. Tech boundaries: Charge your phone outside the bedroom (no late-night scrolling). Success = Consistency, Not Grand Gestures. 5. Schedule It Like a Boss Meeting (Because You’re the Boss)

How to Actually Make Time:

Block 5-10 minutes daily (e.g., "2 PM: Cup of tea in silence"). Weekly "maintenance" time (meal prep, laundry, or budgeting—future-you will thank present-you). Monthly "big picture" check-in (What’s working? What’s draining you?). Treat these appointments like you would a doctor’s visit—non-optional. 6. Ditch the Guilt (You Deserve This)

Reminders for When You Feel "Selfish": You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s repair. Kids/partners/friends benefit when YOU feel better. Try This: Set a phone reminder: "Taking care of myself = taking care of everyone I love." Sample Routines (Steal These Ideas)

For the Morning Person:

☀️ 5-minute stretch → Coffee without phone → Play upbeat music while getting ready For the Night Owl:

🌙 Quick skincare → Read fiction (not work emails!) → Gratitude bullet point in a notebook

For the Chronically Busy:

⏰ Set phone to "do not disturb" during meals → Keep healthy snacks in bag → Laugh at a meme between meetings