5 SIMPLE WAYS to add SELF CARE to your routine

When our to-lists feel endless, it can feel like there’s no time left for self-care; so today I’m sharing 5 SIMPLE WAYS to incorporate self care into your busy schedule! If I’m not having self care moments regularly, I notice a big shift in my ability to deal with stress, so doing even little things like these can have major positive influence on my mood!

1.Burn some candles

Adding scent to your environment is such an easy way to change the vibe of a room! Diffusing essential oils is one great method to do this but, during the fall/winter months, nothing beats a candle. On late work nights, I’ve been bringing a candle to my office (safely away from any flammable paper, haha), and it’s instantly made me feel so cozy. I’m currently burning a candle that smells like hot chocolate and I’ve genuinely never wanted to drink? (eat?) a candle more, haha!

2. Take breaks from the screen

If you’re reading this right now, I’d imagine you (like myself) spend a lot of time during the day looking at screens— computer screens, phone screens, tv screens….it’s endless! With so many people now working from home and taking classes online, taking a 5 minute break from looking at screens every hour is a small act of kindness you can do for your eyes and brain.

Use the five minutes to grab a snack, rehydrate, or take a walk around your room. I personally also like to take this opportunity to stretch out my body because, although I’m only 23, I already feel my back strongly protesting to hours spent sitting in my office chair.

**As a side note, because we’re talking about screens, turning off notifications for emails and social media on your phone/computer can be a great act of self care in the form of protecting your “flow” time (i.e. when you’re in the groove with work and are so focused that items are checking themselves off your to-do list). Notifications tend to encourage interruptions that limit productivity, so keeping them to a minimum can help keep you focused!

3. Embrace “me minutes”

I know this might sound strange, but although I love being clean (let’s not misunderstand me here lol), I do not find showers to be a fun time— more specifically, I don’t love the moment the water turns off, and I’m suddenly cold, wet, and have heavy soaked hair. So what I try to do to make those 5-10 minutes after a shower a bit more enjoyable is use that time to have a little pampering session: I use a mask or exfoliating scrub on my face, I apply body lotion, I spray some nice smelling toner, I put on some music and jam out…it’s awesome!

Often when I’m scrambling to meet deadlines, I’ll feel the need to rush showers/skincare/eating/etc., but you know what? We all deserve to take a few minutes to take care of ourselves!

4. Get a Virtual Assistant

I know, I know— you’re sitting here being like, “Caitlin, HOW IS THAT SIMPLE?!” Well, when I say “virtual assistant,” I’m putting heavy emphasis on VIRTUAL haha! Their names are Siri, Alexa, and Google Home.

I have an Alexa echo and Google Home in my apartment (yeah, I don’t quite understand how I ended up with both either), and I have been shocked by how much I really do use them. My favourite feature? Reminders! Throughout the day, I’m constantly setting reminders for my future self to do things like “take out garbage", “transfer pizza dough from freezer to fridge,” and “reschedule dentist appointment by 5.” As I navigate my day/week, I get these reminders from my past self through my smart speakers and I rarely miss them because its broadcast through my entire apartment. Obviously regular phone reminders do a good job of this too, but the added component of hearing a reminder keeps it from being a victim to notification fatigue.

5. Treat Yo’ Self

If you were to walk into my apartment for a surprise visit, chances are I have easy-bake pillsbury cookies in my fridge. Stressful day? 3 cookies go in the oven. Menstruating? 3 cookies go in the oven. Watched a TikTok that got me emotional? You guessed it, 3 cookies go in the oven. Emergency goodies are necessary to have on hand! Everyone has their own preferences for a “treat yo’ self” moment, but having something small to brighten your mood is such a great thing!

I hope this list gave you at least a couple new ideas on how to make your busy seasons a bit more enjoyable! What are simple ways you add self care to your day? Let me know in the comments below :) Want some more inspiration? Read my 5 TIME-SAVING MORNING HACKS! Talk to you all soon, Xo —C.

*affiliate links are used within this post