Self Care Routine Ideas Corey, February 15, 2024March 31, 2024 Wellness; how to create a routine that works for you! I’m going to kick things off with a truth bomb: Not all self-care is created equal. What works like a charm for one person might not hit the mark for another. That’s why it’s vital to carve out a self-care routine tailored specifically to you. You’re probably wondering how to unearth what your self-care needs are. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect on the first go; it’s all about iteration. What I suggest is a reflective practice. Take some quiet time to really think about what resets your stress levels and what brings you joy. It might be a quiet evening with a book or a raucous night out with friends—and that’s okay. Something that might be of interest to start uncovering your personal routine, is re-aligning on your values. Start with establishing what you value most by doing a simple values exercise to help guide you in what your self care routine might include. Now, when it comes to your values and self-care, I’m here to tell you that they go hand in hand. What you hold dear can and should inform your self-care practices. If family time is at the top of your list, your self-care might include unplugging for a game night. Or, if your career is your focus, maybe it’s about setting boundaries to leave work at work and recharge. Once you’ve got a clear understanding of your self-care requirements and how they align with your core values, you’re primed to step into the world of active self-care, including practices like meditation and yoga. And guess what? That’s going to include a blend of mindfulness and physical activity that’s not just beneficial for the body, but also for the soul. So in the next section, we’re going to shift our attention to ‘Meditation and Yoga: A Synergy for Wellness’ to explore how these practices can be woven into your daily life to complement your personalized self-care strategy. Meditation and Yoga: A Synergy for Wellness I’m going to walk you through how meditation and yoga can be powerful tools in your self-care regimen. Meditation is like giving your mind a chance to breathe. It’s not about turning off your thoughts; it’s about learning to observe them without judgement. And guess what? Studies have shown that regular meditation can reduce stress, improve focus, and even contribute to a healthier heart. Yoga isn’t just about flexibility; it’s a holistic practice that unites body, mind, and breath. When you combine yoga with meditation, you’re setting up a dynamic duo for self-care. You’re going to find out how this combo doesn’t just calm you in the moment—it actually helps build resilience over time. Here are my top picks for getting you started with 3 YOGA gear essentials: Yoga Mat Yoga Block Carry Strap If you’re new to both practices, don’t worry too much about getting it perfect. Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. Start with just a few minutes of meditation each day and a simple yoga sequence. You can always adjust your approach down the road as you become more comfortable. That’s going to include recognizing that this isn’t just a physical exercise—it’s also about cultivating a mindful approach to life. Choose a practice that resonates with you, whether that’s a guided meditation app or a yoga class that fits your level of experience. I believe that when you start these practices, you’re laying the groundwork for a powerful form of self-care that can support you for a lifetime. Revitalizing Morning and Bedtime Rituals I’m going to walk you through creating a morning routine that’s like a launchpad for your day. It’s not just about getting up and out the door; it’s about setting a tone that empowers you. You’re going to find out about simple habits, like stretching, journaling, or even sipping your favorite tea, which helps you wake up with purpose and positivity. My personal morning routine: Rise and scrape my tongue (yes I said that lol) – I found this handy Tongue Scraper” tool on amazon and it has been a refreshing morning ritual now! Add 1 scoop of my “morning complete” powdered mix with a glass of water and chug that so my gut health is in check and gets proper nourishment to start the day. Put on a 5-10 min guided meditation to begin my day with simply breathing. Body movement; I like to swing my arms in a twisting motion side to side and then swing them up and down with a slight knee bend on the downswing to help release any trapped emotion from the day/night before. Make sure to follow my guy Mike Chang on Instagram for amazing content to keep you moving! Body taps; this wakes up my nervous system by tapping my entire body awake (its’ easy and fun haha) Finally, I have my morning coffee and check my phone only after the first 5 items are completed. It’s like my reward, for being disciplined and consistent, COFFEE lol. But let’s not overlook the flip side: your bedtime routine. This isn’t just about catching z’s; it’s also about how you wind down and prep for the next day. A consistent sleep schedule matters and how activities like reading, stretching before climbing into bed, or listening to calm music can signal your body that it’s time to rest. I really hope that you’ll choose something that resonates with you for both morning and evening. The key is making these routines your own. They’d ideally include self-reflection or gratitude practices that link back to the meditation and yoga methods we discussed earlier. By bookending your day with intention, you’re weaving self-care into the very fabric of your life. Now what about rest and relaxation? They don’t fall into the fringe category; they’re core to any self-care strategy. This flows into the next section, where I’ll help you with making the most of your downtime—whether that’s practicing mindfulness, being with nature, or simply doing what relaxes you the most. Harnessing the Power of Rest, Relaxation, and the Outdoors Don’t worry too much about fitting rest into an already packed schedule; sometimes, it’s about quality over quantity. You’re going to find out about the critical role of downtime and how to spot signals that it’s time to slow down. In my opinion, merging the therapeutic effects of nature with physical activity is a silver bullet for enhancing well-being. I’ll show you the two-for-one benefits of getting exercise and fresh air together, and how this links to relaxation. You can always adjust your approach down the road, but I’m going to propose some outdoor activities that are manageable no matter how busy you are. From a quick walk in the park to a weekend hike, there’s a lot of opportunity to blend fitness with pleasure. For me, fitness is a must for therapeutic benefits. Check out my fitness hacks here! Nourishing Body and Mind: Supplements and Nutrition I’m here to help you understand that self-care is as much about what you put into your body as what you do with it. Eating a well-balanced diet is key, and sometimes, supplements might be necessary to fill nutritional gaps. But don’t worry too much about figuring it all out on your own. You can always start with whole foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for your health and well-being. Choose something that resonates with you, whether it’s incorporating more leafy greens or hydrating more throughout the day. And if you want to explore supplements, consult a healthcare professional to tailor them to your needs. But it’s not just about the food on your plate or the pills in your hand; it’s also about mindfulness. Paying attention to how foods make you feel can guide you toward better choices. A diet that aligns with your values and self-care goals promotes overall health and can power you through your daily self-care practices, including your exercise and meditation routines. In my opinion, when you prioritize nutrition, you’re setting a foundation for a resilient body and mind. That’s the strategy I like to leverage—a holistic approach that values the role of every bite and sip in my day-to-day wellness. And remember, your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. You can always adjust your approach anytime! Leave a comment and let me know your own morning routine! Corey Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. 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