The 5-Minute Self Care Routine That Anyone Can Do
“Self care” - it’s a term we hear so often. People say that in order to take care of our mental and physical health, we need to take relaxing baths, go to the spa, spend more time with friends, get lots of rest, go on daily walks and more. But when our to-do lists are already overwhelmed with daily responsibilities and obligations to our family, friends & jobs, these self care activities are usually pushed to the side. Making time for ourselves is ideal, but how are we supposed to practice “self care” when our lives are so busy?
The truth is, self care isn’t an indulgence or something you can just check off your to-do list. It’s a practice that is essential for our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. It’s about making a commitment to yourself and ensuring that you do what you need to to feel happy, healthy and grounded, even when life becomes overwhelming. Self care takes discipline, and it’s something that we have to make time for. That’s why we’ve created a simple 5-minute routine to help you prioritize yourself throughout your day.
Step 1: Morning Mantras
Consider your mornings as a time for preparing and protecting. As you get ready for your day, arm yourself with positive thoughts, either by journaling or meditating on the aspect of yourself that you truly love. Filling your head with these positive thoughts can help offset any negative thoughts that come at you during the day. It’s a simple task that you can do while you brush your teeth, get dressed or wake your kids up for school. Then before you leave your house or get started on your daily to-do list, write those affirmations on a sticky note and place it on your mirror so it’s the first thing you see each day. Remind yourself that you can handle everything that is required of you today. You’ve got this!
Step 2: Rest & Reflection
Your evenings are the time for you to rest and reflect on your day. Take some time to think back on your day and give yourself props for the things you did well. And for the things that you didn’t handle well, assess them with love and gentleness. Think about why you weren’t able to accomplish the thing(s) you had intended to accomplish, and show yourself grace in that moment. Perhaps you need to set a different goal or change your approach for that task. This is your time to reconnect with yourself and get the rest and relaxation you need in whatever way is best for you.
Just following this simple two-step process has the potential to transform your life. Self compassion starts with the way you talk and engage with yourself. You deserve to thrive, and this 5-minute self care routine is a great place to start.
