A self-care routine is not limited to healing from burnout. It should be used within our day-to-day lives to rejuvenate, nurture, and balance our well-being.
Just as the name implies, self-care is about taking care of ourselves.
Misconceptions About Self Care
Some common misconceptions I had regarding self-care were
- Self-care is only about face masks and bubble baths
- It’s a reward after burnout
- It’s time-consuming and takes up too much time
- Self-care is a luxury and requires spending money
- Self-care is solely about taking care of my mental health
What is Self Care
Many health experts define self-care as any activity (Within reason) that promotes health and well-being.
- Physically
- Mentally
- Emotionally
- Spiritually
How to Implement a Sustainable Self Care Routine
Make a List
- Things you enjoy doing
- Activities you’re interested in trying
- Activities that can help make your day easier/reduce stress
- Things that you find energizing and fulfilling while doing them and/or at the end
- Activities that you can do when you’re having a tired/low energy day and on an active/high energy day.
Gentle reminder: These activities should support health and well-being and not harm your mind and body.
You may also like: 20 Underrated Self-Care Ideas
Analyze Whether Your Listed Activities Will Work for you
Running, for example, has some good health benefits.
However, if you don’t find it enjoyable, fulfilling, or energizing then don’t force it into your self-care.
Instead, choose a different exercise activity, to maintain your physical health.
Learn how to Incorporate These Activities Into Your day
Certain activities may not be a daily thing but something that’s done weekly or even monthly.
Create intentionality and schedule self-care activities within your day until they become second nature.
Maintain a Gratitude Mindset
Overall, adopt and maintain a gratitude mindset for being able to practice self-care.
Give Yourself Grace
Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is full of external commitments and often times our personal health is pushed to the back burner.
If you forget to actively do your self-care and have reached burnout, give yourself grace and nurture your mind, body, and soul back to health.
