Are you feeling run down? Do you give more to others than you give to yourself? You’re not alone. You can combat the burnout if you practice self-care rituals to keep you feeling your best.
It’s tempting to ignore feeling depleted and stressed. This is especially true when you have people depending on you to get things done. But this puts your physical and mental health at risk. The reality is that you’re not able to give your best self to others when you’re sick or overwhelmed.
Practicing a self-care routine that keeps you feeling good benefits others, too. Simple wellness rituals make you a better version of yourself. You ultimately have more to give throughout the day when you tend to your needs first.
What is self-care?
Self-care is anything that you do to take care of yourself. This includes caring for yourself emotionally, mentally, and physically. It can include simple rituals such as taking a bath or reading a book. Self-care could also target self-improvement goals that make you feel accomplished. For example, it can include going to the gym or meditating.
Practicing self-care means making time for activities that are energizing, fulfilling, and enjoyable. Your rituals should help make you feel like a better version of yourself.
The important thing is that self-care should be tailored to what works for you. There isn’t one right way to do it. Still, many people struggle to stick to rituals that are easy or sustainable.
What makes self-care difficult?
You’re bombarded every day by emails, apps, and texts. Your attention is constantly pulled towards whatever issue needs to be addressed next. You can lose track of your own needs if you’re moving this quickly all the time.
Sometimes we give away time that we would otherwise take for ourselves. You may neglect to practice self-care if you don’t see yourself as worthy of the same energy you give to others.
If this is the case, remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not selfish to attend to your own needs when self-care rituals help sustain your ability to give.
Here are some tips to help you practice self-care in a meaningful and sustainable way.
How to Build Rituals and Routines to Practice Self-Care
Try these three simple steps to create a sustainable wellness practice for yourself.
1. Choose a daily time to disconnect your mind from the outside world.
At the root of self-care is self-awareness. Do you really know what your body and mind need to feel recharged?
To find meaningful wellness routines, first, tune out the world and tune into yourself. Try meditation or journaling to reflect on how you’re feeling and what your routine is missing.
2. Reflect on people and activities that make you feel centered.
As you meditate or journal, consider the following questions. Do you feel aligned with your goals? Are you making choices that add meaning and longevity to your life? Are you taking time to connect with people you love? These questions will guide you as you learn to practice self-care routines that help you feel your best.
Many people reflect first thing in the morning to set the tone for the day. Others prefer to reflect in the evening as a way to process the day’s events. Choose a time you know can stay consistent with.
3. Do small things that make you feel good (even after you finish doing them).
What are the things that make you feel physically well? Working out and eating nutritious foods make you feel accomplished in the moment. They also benefit your body and mind long after they’re over.
What activities soothe the mental stress of daily life? Some people enjoy quality time with positive people. Others like to disconnect by painting, making music, or writing.
Once you have an idea of what activities make you feel great about yourself, take a few minutes each day to do them.
It’s important to be realistic when creating your routine. If you try to do too much, your routine won’t be sustainable. Start small and add things gradually.
Self-care is not about checking things off a list, it’s something that should be enjoyed. Just remember to take things slow, and be patient with yourself. We all deserve to take some time for ourselves.
