3 Steps to Building a Self-Care Routine That Sticks
We hear it all the time: “Practice self-care!” “What does your self-care look like?” or “Self-care night!” But what does self-care actually mean, and how do you make it a consistent part of your life?
Let’s start with the basics: self-care isn’t just face masks and bubble baths (though those can be part of it!). It’s about taking intentional actions to meet your needs in various areas of your life: emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, professional, social, and even financial. Self-care is identifying what helps you feel your best and intentionally weaving those practices into your routine.
So why is it so hard to stick with self-care?
The Self-Care Struggle
We’ve all joked about “getting over the hump” on Wednesdays because we’re already running on empty by midweek. Sound familiar? That’s because many of us weren’t taught how to care for ourselves while balancing the demands of modern life.
In Western culture especially, productivity is celebrated, and rest is stigmatized. Taking time for yourself can feel like a luxury—or worse, like laziness. So, we lean into perfectionism, striving to do everything for everyone else, all while neglecting what we need to sustain ourselves.
It’s time to challenge that perspective. Let’s break it down into three simple steps to build a self-care routine that works—and sticks.
Step 1: Shift Your Mindset
Self-care is not a luxury. It’s not optional. It’s a necessity.
Think of it like a prescription:
You wouldn’t skip your allergy meds and then wonder why your symptoms flared up.
You wouldn’t forget your vitamins and be surprised if your energy dipped.
The same goes for self-care. It’s just as essential as anything else you do to keep your body and mind functioning. When you start viewing self-care as something you need—not something you can put off—you’ll stop discounting its importance.
Pro tip: Call it your “self-care prescription.” Whether it’s five minutes of breathing exercises or a walk around the block, remind yourself it’s just as important as taking your vitamins or brushing your teeth.
Step 2: Identify Your Non-Negotiables
Your non-negotiables are the self-care practices that make the biggest difference in your life. These are the activities that support you in any category of self-care (emotional, physical, etc.) and help you function at your best.
Think of it this way: if you’re having a rough day, look at your non-negotiables. Have you skipped them? If the answer is yes, there’s a good chance your bad day is connected to that.
Examples of non-negotiables:
Hydration: Drinking enough water to avoid headaches and fatigue.
Movement: A quick stretch or 10 squats to remind you of your body’s strength.
Daily rituals: Putting on mascara or a favorite outfit to boost your confidence.
Breathing: Pausing for a few mindful breaths to reset during stressful moments.
Non-negotiables don’t have to be big. They just have to be meaningful.
Step 3: Schedule It In
If self-care isn’t scheduled, it’s easy to let it fall by the wayside. It becomes the thing you’ll “get to later” … and then you never do.
The solution? Put it on your calendar.
Here’s how:
Attach self-care to existing habits. For example, play a breathing meditation in your car before driving home, or take a five-minute walk after lunch.
Plan bigger activities in advance. Whether it’s an exercise class or a quiet morning to journal, block out the time and treat it like an unmissable appointment.
Find a self-care buddy. Accountability can help. Schedule a yoga class or a coffee date with a friend who values self-care, too.
Your Permission Slip to Prioritize You
When you follow these three steps, self-care stops feeling like a chore or an afterthought. Instead, it becomes an intentional way to recharge and show up as your best self—not just for you, but for everyone around you.
You deserve to prioritize your care, your needs, and your joy. And the best part? It only takes three steps to get started.
Ready to Put Yourself First?
Building a self-care routine is transformative—but it’s not always easy to shift old habits and mindsets on your own. If you’re ready to explore what’s holding you back from prioritizing yourself and create a life where self-care feels natural, let’s work together.
✨ Book a consultation with me today and let’s start building a life where YOU come first. ✨
