Self Care Routines

Why is it so hard?

I am among those people who have a tough time keeping myself on track. I understand the importance of self care, I wrote an article about it. I know I will feel better, physically, mentally, and emotionally, if I follow a self care routine. So why don't I?

I should do what?

Jack intends to start yoga and meditate tomorrow. Tomorrow arrives and his self care intentions are neglected or forgotten.

Diane, a self care beginner, skipped several days of jogging due to illness and a few more for recuperation. It becomes something that no longer crosses her mind.

How do Jack and Diane overcome these obstacles? Schedule time for self care, of course.

There are calendar apps that will now include self care in your schedule or you can include in self care segments with any methods you may utilize to schedule your day. You are reminded throughout the day to take time out for yourself and these moments become positive events to look forward to throughout your day.

Allotting time for self care guarantees it is not overlooked when the routine needs to alter for some time.

Yes, schedule that.

It can be easy to forget the minor things so be sure to schedule them too. Those five minutes are something to look forward to and provide the breaks necessary to recharge throughout the day.

Adding affirmations to your self-care schedule is an excellent way to remind yourself of why this time is important. Personal notes with each self care activity may be the motivation needed to keep the routine going.

Schedule 5 Minutes

• Drink a glass of water
• Focus on your breathing
• Listen to a favorite song
• Read your favorite quotes
• Recall a positive moment from the day
• Water your plants
• Eat a healthy snack
• Cuddle with your pets

Schedule 10 to 20 Minutes

• Meditate
• Do yoga
• Take a walk outdoors
• Write yourself a letter of gratitude and love
• Have a cup of tea or coffee
• Clear out unhealthy foods from your pantry
• Declutter your space
• Call a family member or friend
• Watch the clouds

Schedule As Much Time As You Need

• Have a home spa day
• Watch a favorite movie
• Go hiking
• Learn something new
• Read a new or favorite book
• Try a new recipe
• Unplug from social media
• Try a new journal prompt
• Take a weekend vacation
• Get the sleep you need

Scheduling not your thing?

I know there are a lot of you who may not use schedules for various reasons. A self care checklist would be just as effective and may be more beneficial for accomplishing a specific goal.

Here are a couple examples of some self care checklists:

Daily Self Care Checklist

Creating a daily, or even weekly, self care checklist to your personal goals is beneficial for keeping yourself on track and seeing how far you have already come each day. Options may be added, removed, or repeated based on your needs.

Physical Health

• Drink enough water. (Daily water intake recommendations are dependent on current health and activity. Consider speaking with your health care provider if you are unsure of how much water you need on a daily basis.)
• Eat mostly healthy foods. (I say mostly healthy because, let’s face it, I know if I deprive myself of my favorite junk foods, I end up binging on them and feeling horrible about it. Allowing small portions every once in a while is perfectly acceptable!)
• Exercise for an allotted amount of time. (The amount of time and specific activities are dependent on the individual. Goals for exercise should be attainable as per your level of physical activity. Be mindful of your limitations and speak with your health care provider if there are any concerns.)
• Complete hygiene routine. (This option is helpful for those with mental health diagnoses, like depression, where it may be difficult to accomplish even small tasks.)
• Take daily medications. (This option may also be included in other sections.)
• Get enough sleep. (It is recommended to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.)
• Make and keep necessary medical appointments. (This option may also be included in other sections.)

Mental and Emotional Health

• Meditate for an allotted amount of time. (The time and type of meditation may vary depending on the situation or emotion.)
• Find something to be grateful for in every situation. (This will be difficult to begin with and may not happen at the moment. Try to reflect upon the events after to search for a moment to be grateful for, even if it may only be a lesson learned.)
• Journal for an allotted amount of time. (There are many different styles of journaling and countless apps to use as well. It may take time to find what may work best for you.)
• Social interaction. (This can be very difficult for some but it is important to maintain a healthy you. Be sure to associate with those who make you feel happy and cared for. Removing any toxic people from your life is a necessity, not an option.)
• Take daily medications. (This option may also be included in other sections.)
• Make and keep necessary medical appointments. (This option may also be included in other sections.)

Other

• Spend an allotted amount of time on hobbies. (Hobbies may be beneficial for physical health, mental health, or both depending on the activity.)
• Spend time on spiritual goals. (This option is dependent on the individual as many do not follow any type of spiritual path.)
• Self care affirmations. (These should be personalized to your self care needs.)

Self Care Goal Checklist

A simple checklist for keeping track of your self care goals. Options may be added, removed, or repeated based on your self care needs.

Self Care Goal

• Activity toward achieving this goal. (How often this activity is performed and how it helps you achieve your goal.)
• Resource helpful in achieving this goal. (How this resource helps you achieve your goal.)
• Affirmation related to your goal. (How this affirmation is important to you and your goal and how often you repeat it.)

Beyond Little Thoughts

Having several chronic illnesses means my self care routine is never truly routine. Having a calendar that enables me to schedule even the tiny stuff is very beneficial in getting me back on track once I am able to.

A younger, less wise Me believed that scheduling things like self care appeared foolish and not necessary. The Me now understands that schedules are for the essential things to be remembered for the day and nothing is more essential than self care.

If we do not take care of ourselves, we are unable to care for those we love. This is a great reminder that self care is not selfish. We all deserve to be healthy and happy.

What are your thoughts?