5 Ways to Develop a Self-Care Routine as A Beginner

Do you think you need a lot of time to indulge in self-care?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that self-care takes a ton of time and effort. This couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’re new to the self-care arena, all the tips, tricks and ideas found on the internet can cause overwhelm. They leave you feeling lost and unsure about how and where to start. The good news is, no matter how new you are to the space, a self-care routine isn’t difficult to begin.

Here are 5 simple ways for a beginner to develop a self-care routine that really works.

1. Move Your Body: One of the best things you can do to kickstart a self-care routine is to simply move your body and start exercising regularly. You don’t have to join a gym, invest in expensive equipment, videos, or apps – make the decision to be more active. Make a list of activities you enjoy – walking, hiking, dancing, swimming, yoga, running, etc. Set aside 30 minutes a day and get your blood pumping.
    
2. A Good Belly Laugh: Bring more laughter into your life. You may have heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine,” and it really is. Laughter releases endorphins into your body which boost your mood and makes you feel good. Make time for a good belly laugh. Have lunch with a friend and re-live old times. Watch a comedian that you enjoy. Read the comics. Get in touch with your inner six-year-old and do something silly just for the fun of it. Find different ways to laugh each day to kickstart a great self-care routine.
    
3. Journal: Keep a journal and start each day by jotting down whatever comes to mind – freewriting. Take time to declutter your mind on paper before you begin your daily tasks to kick of the day with a clear head. Use your journal to dig deeper into any blocks you might face and get in touch with your true thoughts and feelings – a big part of self-care. We have an overabundance of thoughts buzzing around in our head at any given moment. Your journal provides you with a quick and easy way to sort out those thoughts and give importance to the ones that matter.  
    
4. Unplug: We are connected to the world through social media, yet we miss so many moments by having our heads stuck in our phones. Allow yourself to be present and in the moment. This is one of the greatest acts of self-love you can gift yourself. Schedule time each day to detach yourself from social media and recharge your mind and body. Turn off notifications, put your phone down, and step outside to breathe in the fresh air and notice beauty all around you.
    
5. Get Creative: Get in touch with your inner artist, baker, writer, etc., and make something just for the fun of it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be good. Play and get messy. Try your hand at something new or finish a project that’s been on your mind forever. What is something that you’ve always wanted to try but never allowed yourself to do? What did you enjoy as a child? Give yourself the chance to explore and make creation a part of your daily self-care routine.

Implementing a self-care routine is easy, even for the beginner. Try a few of these ideas to kickstart your routine. Small, simple things each day will keep your momentum going and you’ll be a self-care pro before you know it.