I’ve struggled with self-care over the years. Not only did I have a hard find simply thinking of self-care ideas, but I also tend to quickly talk myself out of it. I recently discovered I’m a 3w2 on the Enneagram – which means I am super achievement-oriented (3), but I also strive to help others with those achievements (2 wing). (Not shocking that I founded Blush now, is it?) Anyway. Somehow along the way, I decided self-care is neither useful for my achievements, nor does it help anyone else.
I could not be more wrong about that.
Self-care is necessary for SO many things in life, including achievement AND healthy relationships. And while self-care isn’t putting more work into Blush or cleaning the house (traditional “productive” tasks), it does clear my mind and refresh my energy. It allows me to be more patient with my husband – and therefore he greatly benefits. And it also paves the way for more productivity throughout the day.
But still, it’s difficult to come up with self-care ideas and the motivation to engage in self-care on a routine basis. So I’ve put together a list of strategies and thought processes to get yourself in the zone.
Nighttime Routine for Self-Care
One of the best times I can engage in self-care is in the evening. In the morning, I tend to bounce straight to work and am typically in my pajamas before I’m forced to change.
Yes, I am in my pajamas right now.
So at nighttime, when it’s socially acceptable to wear pajamas, I’ve found that it’s much easier to develop a routine that is strictly meant for my own self-care. And, there are OBVIOUS benefits which are very helpful for my achievement-oriented mind.
Here are some self-care ideas for a nighttime routine.
First, I’ll go through mine, and then I will elaborate so you can find some nuggets you can use as well.
- Meditate for 10 minutes
- Read for 30 minutes
- Go through a skin-care routine
- Wash my face with a makeup removing cleanser
- Wash my face with a gel cleanser
- Wipe radiance pads over my face
- Apply a hydrating or nighttime serum
- Apply a nighttime cream/moisturizer
- Apply rosehip oil over face and neck
- Brush my teeth for 2 full minutes (I’m such an adult now!)
- Get in bed
- Apply hand lotion
- Apply Blistex lip balm
- Apply under eye cream
- If I’m still wound up, I’ll watch a comforting show for 30 minutes
- GO TO BED
I like this one because it FORCES me to indulge. I used to be one of those people who would take my makeup off and call it a day, but a friend forced me to come face to face with my skin (get it). So I decided this could be an amazing time to engage in self-care on the daily. It forces me to TAKE CARE of myself, and ideally I will continue to see the benefits.
PS – as my friend brought up to me, skincare doesn’t have to cost much. I love CeraVe products from the drugstore and you can do a full skincare routine!
And, if you’re looking for an expert to help you out here, I highly recommend following @skinmonger.
So let’s talk about YOU. If you don’t like my routine, I am mildly offended, but that’s okay. I came up with some other self-care ideas as a back up!
Here are some self-care ideas for a great nighttime routine:
- Face mask
- Hair mask
- Crossword puzzle
- Listen to calming music
- Yoga/stretching
- Night time tea
- CBD Oil meditation
- Knitting
- Listen to a soothing podcast
- Pray
- Journal
- Bubble bath
Each of these count as self-care. Again, self-care is meant to set you up for SUCCESS. It’s meant to focus on YOU and YOU only. It’s not meant to be shared.
It’s also meant to rejuvenate you or prepare you for whatever is coming next. Without properly rewinding for the next day, you’re going to continue to feel fried day after day. Every single one of these nighttime routine steps are meant to settle you down while you focus on your own reflection, needs, and dreams.
Don’t skip this. Even if you only have five minutes – pick at least ONE item above to adopt into your own routine.
Self-Care Breaks Throughout The Day
I have a confession: I think the 40 hour work week is absolutely insane.
Like, you’re telling me that in one week, we are supposed to work 40 hours, sleep 56 hours, do chores and cook and clean and do other shit we hate for 10 hours, and the rest are meant for playtime?!?! THAT’S IT?!?!
We are burning ourselves out day in and day out. And I’m included in that. There has only been ONE week long stretch where I completely unplugged from Blush, and that was during my wedding.
No, it did not include my honeymoon.
So my point is, if we don’t build in self-care during the day, we can easily go long stretches without ever investing in ourselves. And eventually, we will all lose our pretty little minds.
Here are some self-care ideas of what to do throughout the day to keep yourself in a balanced, positive, non-burned out mood:
- Take a walk around the block when you can get away for 15 minutes
- Take a coffee/tea break and sit and reflect on anything other than work
- Take advantage of your commute. Call a friend, listen to soothing music or an entertaining podcast.
- Take “mental health” days whenever you can. (Again, I loathe the 40 hour work week and aim to push back at it whenever possible!)
- Read small articles in increments throughout the day for re energizing My favorites are advice columns and AITA on reddit, but to each their own.
Point is, we won’t get through these brutal 40 hour weeks if we don’t routinely take time for ourselves throughout the day. Without mental breaks, our work will become sloppy, forced, and deserving of resentment. So don’t force it. Take time when you need it, and use the energy you’re building up to produce quality work you’re proud of.
Self-Care Affirmations
Part of self-care is living a life you’re happy with.
If you don’t need a break from your life, then chances are, you’re engaging in self-care on the regular within your work, family, relationships, and hobbies. You’re living a pretty intentional life.
If that’s you, wow. Lots of respect going your way.
If that’s not you, do not for one second shame yourself. I have built an entire job that was meant to be TAILORED to fit my personality and I STILL need to escape most days. I’m not sure if it’s my temperament or the fact that I have a narrow pool of interests and the shit I don’t want to have to do irks me. Maybe I need to work more on my boundaries.
But again, not about me. This is about you.
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