How to Build a Self-care Routine: Part 2 -Set Up

In our last post we discussed what Self-care is, what it isn’t and how to engage in self-care. If you have missed it, you can go back and read that one before continuing. It is recommended you read from the beginning to get the full experience of building your self-care routine.

How to Build a Self-care Routine: Part 1

What is Your Goal?

Once you are ready with a list of self-care items you would like to do, your next step is to come up with your goals for each one. What are you doing on which days, how often are you doing your self-care items, and plan them into your regular routine. Be realistic; don’t try to do too much all at once, and all at the same time. It is very hard and it will wear you out.

Start Small and Keep it Simple.

Start by adding one new self-care item to your routine that you will do every day or you can add one new item in each day to get a variety. Don’t overwhelm yourself. You don’t want this to feel like a chore, you want it to help your body; mind and soul relax and rejuvenate. Keep it simple! See how things are going after a week or two and re-adjust if it’s not working. Be flexible.

Hold Yourself Accountable for Your Self-Care

One way you can do this is to physically schedule your self-care items into your calendar. Make a bullet journal spread and mark off that you did your self-care every day. Put a dry-erase board on your wall and write what self-care you did each day.  Find a way that is comfortable to you, to keep yourself accountable for your self-care.

Find an Accountability Buddy

If you are having a hard time keeping accountability for yourself and need that little extra push. See if a friend, co-worker, or family member will be your accountability bubby. This way you can get support and advice from someone who you trust and you can give them support and advice when they need it.  This doesn’t mean your accountability bubby is responsible for you doing your own self-care, don’t blame them if you miss a day or a few days. They are there for support and encouragement. It’s up to you to make it happen.  

Recognize Your Successes

Acknowledge when you have completed your self-care routine. Be proud of your accomplishments and achieving your goals. Celebrate your wins, and keep track of them. The feeling you will have at succeeding will be the best feeling.

Contemplate if You Need More

Once you have been doing your routine for a while, re-evaluate and see if there is something missing. If there is, find a way to add it in. If there is something that your started that you think just isn’t working out, drop it. Do what makes your body, mind, and soul feel at peace. Continue to adjust your routine until you have it the way you want it. And don’t forget…