elfA self-care ritual only works if you stick to it—and that’s easier said than done! If you’ve ever tried to make self-care a habit but lost interest after a few days, you’re definitely not the only one.
The best way to create a self-care ritual that actually sticks is to make it easy, fun, and realistic. Here are some quick tips to get you started.
Start with What Already Works
You don’t have to start from scratch, especially if the thought of doing so feels overwhelming. Just think about things you already do that make you feel good—there’s a good chance you already incorporate at least some self-care practices into your lifestyle.
Maybe you love taking long showers, drinking tea before bed, doing your daily skincare, or going for a short walk in the morning. Instead of adding a long list of new tasks to your self-care ritual, build on what’s already part of your routine.
For example, if you already light candles in the evening, pair that with a 5-minute journaling session. Or if you drink coffee in the morning, turn it into a mindful moment by putting your phone down and focusing on the taste and warmth.
Keep It Simple
The more effort something takes, the more likely you are to skip it, so don’t make your self-care any more complicated than it has to be.
Instead of aiming for an hour-long routine that you’re unlikely to commit to, start with something that takes five minutes. Even just a short stretch or deep breathing can make a difference.
If your schedule is unpredictable, you’ll need to be flexible. You won’t be able to stick with your self-care ritual if you try to do everything at the same time every day. Forget about perfection—you just want to be consistent!
Make Your Environment Work for You
You might not realize the impact that your surroundings can have on your ability to stick to self-care. If your living space is cluttered, you’ll find it harder to relax, while keeping your home nice and organized will encourage you to follow through.
Think about other ways you can make your environment more conducive to your self-care goals.
For example, if you want to wind down before bed, keep a book or journal on your nightstand, so you’re less likely to reach for your phone. And if you want to create a calming atmosphere when you’re driving, you can use personalized air fresheners for cars from Make My Freshener with a fresh scent and one of your favorite photos to make your drive home feel like part of your self-care routine.
Stick With It
The first few days of starting a new habit are the toughest. If you need help remembering, set a reminder on your phone or leave a note for yourself where you’ll see it. But if you miss one day, don’t stress—just get back on track the next. Missing one day doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
The more you make self-care a part of your routine, the more it’ll become second nature. Follow these steps to get started, and over time, it’ll stop feeling like an effort and just become something you do without thinking.
