Revitalize your self care
It’s bedtime again, and you’re going through the motions of your skincare routine -- cleansing, toning, moisturizing. Then you do a few stretches and spend 15 minutes journaling. But something feels off. Your mind doesn’t feel as settled, your energy isn’t as balanced as usual. Suddenly, your once-soothing ritual feels like just another chore.
Just like our bodies and minds, our needs change over time. Factors like stress, aging, diet, and even weather can impact what helps us feel our best, what is most effective at refilling our cup. That means sticking to the same routine or self-care methods year after year may no longer be serving you. If your self-care routine is starting to feel stale or even ineffective, it’s time to reassess and revitalize.
The biggest mistake people make with self care is that they stick to the same exact routine out of habit or familiarity rather than efficacy. Maybe your initially perfect morning meditation no longer grounds you, or your favourite chamomile tea isn’t helping you sleep as well. Your lifestyle may have changed too. Maybe you’re dealing with more stress, spending more time indoors, or experiencing hormonal shifts. Any of these changes can alter how effective your established routines can help you feel centred.
Another reason your self care routine may not be delivering results is over complication. Self-care isn’t like puppies or mimosas; more isn’t always better. If you’re trying to fit ten different elements into your routine without clearly knowing what actually works for you, you could be overwhelming yourself rather than decompressing.
So how do you know what works for you? The best way is to go back to the basics and really just have a conversation with yourself. Ask yourself do I feel more drained or more energized after my practice? Am I experiencing more stress or emotional exhaustion because of it? Are there certain practices that I’m doing just out of habit or automation?
We suggest taking a week to simplify your routine and focus on a few core habits that make you feel good, refreshed, revitalized. Once you feel you’ve reset, you can start introducing new practices one at a time to see if they enhance or impede your routine.
Self care should be something that you look forward to, not something that you have to simply get through. You can create a soothing atmosphere, light a candle, play your favourite playlist, and embrace the ritualistic aspect of it. If you’re feeling like you’re in a rut, you can treat yourself to a brand new and exciting wellness experience. If you don’t like it, it’s simply not for you. But if you do, you now have a new element of self care to look forward to. Because that’s how it should feel!
Don’t feel afraid to switch things up. What worked for you last year may not work for you this year, and that’s okay. It’s good, in fact - it means you’ve grown. And self care is about taking care of yourself in the moment and adapting to what your mind and body truly need. You can try breathwork and breathing exercises to help with stress, energy levels, and focus. You can try journal prompts for deeper self reflection (find some intriguing journal prompts in Journaling for Self Discovery). Don’t be afraid to try anything you’ve felt curious about or interested in; it could be your new favourite activity.
Just because you’ve written in a journal every day for a year doesn’t mean you need to make it one year and a day; if it’s no longer serving you, get rid!
See you next Sunday xx
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