In this blog  letter I am write about a 5 step approach for creating and sticking with a self-care routine. We often get so busy with our lives and everything we have going on that we neglect ourselves. However, in order to be healthy both physically and mentally it is essential that we not only focus on our self-care but also have a plan to ensure we follow through with it. Here are 5 steps to making that happen. I hope you find them helpful and interesting.

5 Step Approach for Creating & Sticking with a Self-Care Routine:

1. Search for what makes you feel centered

One size doesn't fit all, we're all unique. Your self-care might look different than someone else's, and that's okay! Finding something to do on a regular basis that makes you feel happy or relaxed is a great start. Start by writing down as many things as you can think of that bring you a good feeling, whether it be the color orange, certain smells, your favorite dessert, it can be anything!

2. Fuel your body

A healthy body makes for a healthy mind. Start with making a menu for the week. Eating healthy, fresh foods sounds easy enough until, well, life happens. By pre-planning your meals you can often eliminate the impulse purchases, and you're feeding your body what it needs in the process! If making a menu for the week sounds a little tough right now, start by drinking a glass of water right when you wake up, or even ask your therapist to help you with your meal plan.

3. Set daily goals

Setting realistic and measurable goals is a great way to keep your mind in the right space. We are all on a mission to be "better", whatever that may be. Your goal for the day could be as simple as incorporating self-care behaviors, such as going on a walk for 10 minutes or drinking more water. This makes it easy for your daily goals to turn into weekly goals, then monthly goals, and so on. Keep track of your progress, it's rewarding to see!

4. Confront your negativity... on paper

Write down the negative self-talk, self-doubt, the lies, and then combat that with what you know to be true--what you're capable of. Writing it down on paper helps acknowledge the negatives, but not allowing it to overtake the positives in your life. It is a great exercise to start with in your self-care routine to minimize the negative self-talk.

5. Adjust and tweak your approach as you go

There will be bumps along the way, and that is okay. It is a process and it takes practice to find a self-care routine that fits for you. Sometimes your needs may change, which could mean your routine may look different in a week, a month, a year--what might be self-care today might be different than in another time.

Self-care shouldn't be a chore. “More self-care equals more self-awareness, which equals more self-love, which will ripple out onto others you interact with every day in the form of compassion, gratitude, and deeper kindness".

Need help finding what works best for your self-care routine?  Give us a call at 562-566-4257 to set up an appointment with one of our therapists and see if more personalized support can help you. We currently have opening for both in person and online therapy appointments. For more information about us feel free to visit our website at: www.daybreakcounselingcenter.com