International Self-Care Day is recognized annually on July 24th to spread awareness on just how important it is to regularly take time for yourself. You have likely already heard of some self-care strategies and the benefits that they provide. But when it comes to the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time for self-care can be extremely challenging. That is why today, we are sharing strategies for building a self-care routine that actually works for you!
Start by Brainstorming
To build your self-care routine, you will need to have a variety of activities and strategies to pull from. Before you start brainstorming, it is useful to take a self-care assessment. This can help you to know what is already working and where you need to focus a little more.
When you are ready to begin brainstorming, ask yourself what makes you feel energized, balanced, and fulfilled. You can also think of some things that may be holding you back, and how you can make the most of your time. Jotting down your ideas can be effective and you can even put them together in a mind map or other visual diagram.
Organize your ideas
Now that you have thought of some self-care ideas, it is time to start organizing them. One way to do this is by thinking of what self-care activities you should do yearly, weekly, and daily. A yearly self-care activity could be a vacation to recharge while a weekly activity can be cleaning your living space. Daily activities may involve making breakfast each morning and listening to a podcast before bed. Breaking down your ideas this way can help you to get into a self-care routine that is realistic and thorough.
Monitor your Progress
Once you get into the rhythm of your self-care routine, it is important to check in with yourself. Self-care is something that is unique to you, which is why it is important to adjust as needed. An activity that you once enjoyed may begin to feel like a chore or you could start struggling to find time. In this case, using a wellness worksheet can help you switch things up and plan effectively.
Additionally, mindfulness is a great strategy to tap into if you are feeling short on time. You can mindfully do just about any activity such as eating, walking, and cleaning. This makes it a great strategy to elevate your routine and help you progress.
Now that you are ready to start building your self-care routine, make a self-care promise today! This is a great way to make an active commitment this International Self-Care Day. You should also look out for the Brighter You Podcast launch hosted by our very own, Dr. Cindy T. Graham! These weekly episodes will help to provide you with continued inspiration. Remember, it may take time to figure out what works best for you and that is okay. As long as you are making a regular effort to care for yourself, your mind and body will thank you.