Self care in the little routines

Self-care is the intentional practice of taking actions to preserve, enhance, and prioritize one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It involves recognizing one’s own needs and actively engaging in behaviors that promote health, relaxation, and overall quality of life. Self-care encompasses a wide range of activities, from basic hygiene practices to more intentional acts of self-nurturing, such as setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, seeking support, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Ultimately, self-care is about cultivating a compassionate relationship with oneself and making choices that honor and prioritize personal health and happiness.

As an occupational therapist, self-care is often categorized as the common thing that we need to do, our activities of daily living or ADLs. These activities include things, like showering, brushing our teeth, brushing your hair, eating… You get the idea. In the past few years, since I became an occupational therapist, I have been shifting my approach of personal self-care to be more about taking care of myself and my basic needs, then about fancy self-care activities.

Self-care doesn’t always have to be grand gestures or elaborate plans; sometimes, it’s the little routines we incorporate into our daily lives that make the biggest difference. These small, consistent acts of self-care can have a significant impact on our well-being, helping us stay grounded, rejuvenated, and resilient in the face of life’s challenges. Here are some ideas that I’ve been doing for integrating self-care into your daily routines:

1. Skin care routine : it sounds simple and boring but this is my favourite way to connect with myself! I’ve collected different skin care items that I use every morning and every evening, and it has become part of my daily time for me. If I have some extra time I’ll even add an eye mask!
2. Taking time to cook something special : this is NEVER my first go to as a self care project because it takes a lot of executive functioning for me to cook, but sometimes when I have the energy I will make something special for myself
3. Engaging in Hygge: Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish term that encompasses a feeling of coziness, contentment, and well-being. It’s more than just a word; it’s a cultural concept that emphasizes creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, cultivating connections with others, and embracing simple pleasures. Hygge can be experienced in various ways, such as enjoying a cup of hot tea by the fireplace, spending quality time with loved ones, cozying up with a good book on a rainy day, or savoring comfort foods in the company of friends. Essentially, hygge is about embracing moments of comfort, warmth, and togetherness, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. It’s a mindset and a way of life that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and the appreciation of life’s small joys.
4. Coffee and reading in bed: This is by far my favourite way to engage in self care! I don’t know why drinking coffee in bed with a good book is so relaxing and luxurious to me. I know it is very hygge so maybe that’s why, but on a Sunday morning making a coffee and reading in bed is my favourite 🙂
5. Evening Wind-Down: Create a relaxing evening routine to unwind and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. This could include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle relaxation techniques before bed.
6. Manicures/pedicures: Regardless if you’re into fancy nails or just want to do a basic manicure/pedicure for hygiene, it can be a very simple way to spend some time with yourself and relax while someone else gives you some attention! And to add another piece, you can always go with another person if you are looking for that social time
7. Gratitude Practice: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Whether you jot down a few things in a journal or simply take a mental note, cultivating gratitude can shift your perspective and increase feelings of happiness and contentment. You can also explore self compassion in these moments when you may not be feeling as grateful as you wish to be
8. Healthy Habits: Incorporate small, healthy habits into your daily routine, such as drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, eating nourishing meals, and taking short walks throughout the day to get some fresh air and movement.
9. Tech-Free Time: Set boundaries around your use of technology by designating specific times of the day to unplug and disconnect. Whether it’s during meals, before bed, or during dedicated breaks, giving yourself a break from screens can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
10. Reset routines: I’ve seen a lot of tik toks about girls having “reset nights”, and honestly I love this idea! Everyone’s routines seem a bit different, but this could include a long shower with a hair mask, shaving, exfoliating etc, cleaning up the house or rearranging your items, meal prep etc. I try to do a bit of this spread out throughout the week because I don’t have the energy to do everything all in one day like these girls do! But being able to feel clean, calm and energized can be so rejuvinating.

Remember, self-care is personal, so feel free to customize these routines to fit your preferences and lifestyle. By incorporating small acts of self-care into your daily life, you can nurture your well-being and cultivate a greater sense of balance, resilience, and fulfillment.