Self-care is like most things in life: to become proficient at it, you need to make it a priority.

SELF-CARE STARTS WITH YOU

What does self-care mean to you?     

There are so many ideas of what self-care is – you’ve heard it all through your favourite memes, celebrity posts, and magazine articles – that it’s hard to discern exactly what it means to you.
Big picture, it’s caring for ourselves in a mindful way that promotes our overall health and
happiness. And because you know yourself best, the only one who can define your self-care – is you.

Find Your Self-Care

In our daily lives, self-care encompasses everything from small behaviours to significant lifestyle choices that impact our health and well-being. If you’re newly forming your personal meaning of self-care, this idea might seem overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t need to become a self-care master overnight. The key is to start small.

A great way to start small is by developing a self-care routine that consists of things you can do to promote a healthier and happier you. Reliable online resources can be a great place for ideas on kickstarting your self-care. Just keep in mind that what works for someone else might not work for you, because self-care is personal.

 

3 Steps to Starting A Self-Care Routine That’s Right for You

  1. Ask yourself what makes you feel like the best version of you.
    Part of developing your own self-care routine is asking yourself personal questions such as, “What activities make me feel my best, both mentally and physically?” Make a list and find ways to integrate more of these activities into your routine – this may require reprioritization to highlight what’s working for you. Whether it’s a painting class, cycling, or eating a healthy meal, doing more of what makes you feel good makes perfect sense.
  1. Pay attention to the moments you feel the most present in.
    Did you know that being mindful relieves stress? That’s why it’s important to focus on the activities (like walking in nature or meditating) that strengthen your present moment awareness.
    By practising mindfulness, you’ll reduce stress and build resilience for those unavoidable daily triggers that life serves up.
  1. Define your self-care routine in small doses. And then keep it on track.
    Remember, beginning your self-care routine is investing in yourself. Try starting with one small change at a time and managing it as you move forward. Slowly but surely, your self-care habits will build and blend seamlessly into your life that doing them with feel like second nature. Self-care practices have a significant positive impact on your well-being, even in small doses. And remember to make time to celebrate the small wins. You’ve come a long way in your self-care journey. You deserve it.

Need more ideas on how to start creating your self-care routine?

Self-care is like most things in life: to become proficient at it, you need to make it a priority. Also, like most things, it changes over time. What self-care means to you today, may be very different than what it means to you in a year. As the needs of your body and mind change, your routine will too. So, don’t be afraid to redefine your self-care routine. It’s healthy to remind yourself of the positive impacts your self-care has on your life and the lives of those around you—like reducing stress levels, improved breathing, and a brighter outlook on life. At any given time, you’re only one decision and three steps away from a journey to a version of you that’s happier and healthier–it all starts with you.