Like any new habit, adding self-care into your life can seem kind of tricky. You probably wonder how you’ll manage to find time to do anything extra for yourself, let alone how you’ll actually remember to do these things.
One of the best ways to get started is to build your activities into predictable parts of your day. In order to make something a habit, it has to happen regularly. Keep reading, and I’ll show you some tricks to making self-care a routine part of your life.
Make It Personal
The first thing that will help you in creating your self-care rituals is to choose activities that are meaningful to you and that you enjoy. If you enjoy yoga do yoga. If you enjoy reading, read a couple of chapters. You do what you want to do.
This is your practice, so you want to be sure it’s customized in order to get the most out of it.
Consider making a list of things that help you to feel relaxed, peaceful, excited, or happy. These activities should be able to be done in a short amount of time and easily fit into your life without special equipment or tools. At least as you begin your practice, the things you choose to do should be as simple as possible.
I challenge you to start that list today. Open your favorite list app, like Trello, Evernote, or just the notes app built-in on your phone. Or go total analog and write in a notebook, journal, or Post-it note. Whatever works for you, as long as you do it.
Fit It In
You should add your self-care rituals to the most convenient parts of your day. Choose times that are already somewhat flexible so that incorporating something new into that space will be less stressful.
Many people go with morning or evening routines, right when they wake up and before going to sleep each night.
Getting up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and setting aside a window during the usual night-time schedule are usually things most folks can do.
However, maybe designating your daily lunch break as your self-care time might work better for you. I usually use my 20 min school break to do 5-10 mins of yoga. Because getting up earlier than my kids isn’t really possible. They wake at 4, 5, and 6ish respectively.
Consider activities like writing a gratitude journal entry before bed, listening to music while having your morning coffee, or going for a short walk during your lunch hour. Trial and error may be required, but find a moment to call your own every day. And it doesn’t have to be a long moment. 5 mins here and there during the day can be a good start. Whatever fits you and your life.
Be Flexible
It’s best to come up with a routine that works for you and stick to it. Committing to a particular schedule will help you to create a habit and ensures that you get the self-care you need.
However, try to cut yourself some slack. Some days are more hectic than others. You may not be able to fit in your anticipated self-care activity, and that’s okay.
Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again. Soon, you’ll find yourself wanting to take part in these rituals, and getting back on track will be easy.
Getting into the practice of regular self-care doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few adjustments to your existing schedule can free up some space in your day. Choose things that will refresh you and that are simple in nature will make getting started a breeze.