How can women start a sustainable self-care routine?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Establishing a sustainable self-care practice begins with a personal assessment of one's own needs and limitations. Many women find it hard to get started because they picture elaborate spa days or hour-long meditations. This misconception creates an unnecessary hurdle when starting your journey of wellbeing.
Micro-Practice Implementation
- Start with 5-minute sessions during natural pauses in your day
- Choose activities requiring minimal preparation like breath awareness
- Anchor practices to existing habits like morning coffee routines
Habit Stacking Techniques
- Pair journaling with breakfast routines
- Add stretches during television commercial breaks
- Practice gratitude while brushing teeth
Personalization Framework
- Track energy patterns to identify optimal practice times
- Match activities to current life stage demands
- Adjust routines seasonally as circumstances change
Micro-practices are most effective when they seamlessly integrate into your existing practice routine. For example, try counting breaths while driving to work or mindfully enjoying your tea before work. These minor practices facilitate consistency without cluttering your calendar. They are the means through which sustainable changes are established as a result of regular repetition.
Habit stacking turns daily habits into self-care activities. Pair affirmations with brushing your hair or practice present-focused eating with lunch. This method builds on existing habits, making the new easy to do. You easily work well-being into your life without taking extra time.
Customization is what makes your routine work with your life! For some (night owls), evening rituals designed to calm them into the night work best, while for others (early risers), morning rituals feel better. New mothers may be most in need of quick stress-swiping tips, while professionals may need boundary-setting tips. Stick to what your unique self dictates, rather than generic advice.
Building a sustainable approach to self-care is not about perfection, but rather consistency. Forgive yourself for missing days and get back to your practice. Track your progress in a notebook where you make notes of small wins. Your regular micro-commitments to your self-care will yield compounded results over time.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Self Care Tips for Women
