Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Self-Care Routine

Hey Ladies! How is it going? Can you believe we only have a few more days left in January? Time is flying by. Have you gotten into a routine yet? If the answer is no, don’t worry; you are not running behind schedule; this is not a competition. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that small changes over time and not giving up is the key to reaching your goals.

Many women around the world have declared this year as the year of self-care. They have decided that they will make themselves a priority and will do so unapologetically. What self-care goals have you made for self? Do your self–care goals reflect your needs? Unintentionally, are your self-care goals a reflection of what social media, your friends, or others around you have told you are necessary for the “perfect” version of self?

To help decrease the chances of creating a self-care regimen that looks ideal or that is trendy but not beneficial, I encourage you to take the time for self–reflection. Self–reflection can be hard. You have to ask yourself some really hard questions and be honest with self.

Questions for Reflection:

· Who am I?

· What are my fears?

· What matters most in my life?

· What am I willing to give up to achieve my goals?

· What do I need to change about myself?

· How can I use my time more wisely?

· Do I like what I see in the mirror?

· What will make me feel more confident?

· What makes me feel alive?

These are just a few questions I ask myself during my time of reflection. You may be surprised, as I was by some of my answers. Depending on how much time has passed since your last moment of self-reflection, you may find that you don’t know who you are anymore. You may not be able to answer what makes you feel alive because you haven’t felt alive in a long time. You may realize that your fears have held you back more than you realized. Or, you may realize that you are exactly where you want to be in life and you just need to find a regimen to help you enjoy living in this moment.

Whatever Your Time of Self-Reflection Reveals it is Ok.

Once you have completed self-reflection, it is time to create a self–care regimen. You have done the hard work of reflection, so I encourage you to avoid a self–care regimen that is superficial. Yes, making yourself beautiful on the outside will boost your confidence, but in some seasons of your life, you need more. A quick fix won’t work. Below I have listed a toolbox to use when evaluating your self-care regimen.

Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Self-Care Routine:

1. Take time for self-reflection. Taking time for self-reflection before you set your self-care goals can help ensure your goals reflect your personal needs and preferences.

2. Give yourself permission for your self-care goals to change. Give yourself grace. Life happens. Plan time to re-evaluate your goals and make changes when necessary. Give yourself what you need at the moment.

3. Keep it simple. Self–care does not have to be elaborate to be special. Something as simple as taking a nap can reset the day.

4. Schedule it! We have learned by now that we have to be intentional with our time. We cannot leave our happiness and state of wellness to chance. Use your time wisely.

5. Be unapologetic. You have no reason to be sorry for making time for self. You deserve to feel alive; to have goals. You are on this earth for more than just to take care of others. Yes, you are a mom, but you still deserve alone time (hiding in the bathroom for five minutes doesn’t count). Yes, you are a wife. Your relationship should help both you and your husband achieve your dreams.

If you feel like you need a reset, don’t be afraid to start over. Take the time to get to know you. Discover your needs. As you discover your needs, create a self-care routine that will promote growth and a state of wellness. It’s ok for your routine to be different; it is ok if your self-care goals don’t make sense to anyone else or it's not trending on social media. Don’t compare yourself, dig deep, and do the work. Be sure to always make wellness your best accessory!

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren