4 Simple self-care routines.

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body. But what exactly is self-care and how do you do it in practice? Here are some simple ways that actually work in everyday life.

What is self-care?

Self-care has become a popular term and is fundamentally about taking care of your mental well-being. It can be everything from small daily habits to more mindful moments for yourself.

The idea behind self-care is that you can find small moments in your day that make you feel good, just like you brush your teeth to take care of your oral health or rest because your body needs it.

Sometimes self-care can also be about doing things that feel a bit challenging but help you in the long run, like setting healthy boundaries or allowing yourself to feel even the more difficult emotions. But many times, it’s actually the simple, small things that make the biggest difference.

There’s a lot of talk about self-care nowadays, and it can easily feel overwhelming with all the advice. But it really doesn’t have to be that complicated. Here are some simple ways to take care of yourself that actually work in an ordinary, hectic everyday life.

4 Simple Self-Care Routines You Can Do Every Day

You don’t need complicated routines or expensive products to take care of yourself. These small habits can make a big difference in how you feel:

1. Go out in nature.

Even short moments in nature can work wonders for your well-being. A walk around the block, a few minutes on the balcony, or tending to your plants. All of this can help your brain wind down when you feel stressed.

2. Give yourself some peace and quiet.

In our constantly connected world, the brain needs breaks. Try setting a timer for five minutes and just be, without phone, music, or other distractions. Just you and your thoughts. At first it might feel unfamiliar, but over time it becomes a lovely recovery.

3. Practice saying no (in your way).

Having clear boundaries is actually a form of self-care. When you say yes to something you don’t want or can’t handle, you’re simultaneously saying no to something that’s important to you. Start by practicing in small situations. You don’t need long explanations. A simple “that doesn’t work for me today” is perfectly fine. (It gets easier with time, we promise).

4. Surround yourself and talk with people who understand you.

Good relationships are perhaps the most important thing for our well-being. A short but genuine conversation where you’re truly present can give more than hours of superficial hanging out. Prioritize people where you can be completely yourself.

Create your own self-care routine.

We’re all different, and what works for someone else might not suit you. The best self-care routine is the one you’ll actually do. Think about what helps you specifically when you:

• Feel anxious: Maybe deep breathing helps, a short walk, or writing down your thoughts.
• Feel down: Calling a friend who makes you laugh, doing something creative, or listening to music that lifts you up.
• Feel overwhelmed: Take a break, change environment, or break down what feels big into smaller parts.

When self-help isn’t enough.

Sometimes taking care of yourself on your own isn’t enough, and that’s completely okay. It’s actually a sign of strength to be able to see when you need more support.

Therapy can be a nice complement to your own self-care routines. A therapist can help you see patterns that can be difficult to discover yourself and give you tools to handle life’s challenges.

Starting therapy can feel like a big decision, but it’s one of the most valuable steps you can take for your well-being. Our self-assessment can give you insight into your mood and help you determine if therapy might be the right path for you.

Take the test and see if therapy might be right for you here.