Self-Care: 13 Tools That Can be Easily Integrated in Your Daily Routine

Has anyone ever told you: If you really cared about yourself, then you would get this high-end skin-care line. Or, if you really cared about yourself, then you would be in the gym 2hrs a day every day. There are so many ideals of what self-care is or what it looks like. Truth of the matter is, there is no set equation that works for everyone. It is a very individual process for all, it only makes sense. Everyone has different interests, backgrounds, ethnicities, cultural values, beliefs, etc. Here are some self-care ideas that do not cost a thing, do not require fabricating extra hours in your day, and can easily be incorporated in your daily routine.

1. Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing is usually the go-to when someone is having difficulties with emotions. It’s rather simple, it relaxes the body. There are so many breathing techniques out there… look it up, pick one that works for you and give it a shot. You can do deep breathing literally anytime of the day and anywhere, no need to take time aside. Besides, you are always breathing. I hope.

2. Mantras/Affirmations

This is a tool that is usually underestimated, greatly. Every time we speak out loud our inner person, inner child, or subconscious –whatever you want to call it—hears it too! And it believes it. Every time you say something negative, the inner you believes it, same with the positives. If you find a quote that really clicks for you, the one that elevates your mood by at least a bit, and somehow inspires you—that’s the one! Go for it, be consistent though, otherwise you can’t really say it does not work. This is another tool that you can use on the go, anytime and anywhere.

3. Fidget Toys

If you need physical stimulation and you just need to release emotions, fidget toys could be for you. You can use them in multiple settings, and they come in all shapes and sizes! Depending on your setting, pick one that works for you.

4. Gratitude Lists/Things Looking Forward to

This is another tool that is underestimated, maybe underused often. Making a gratitude list in the mornings can get you in a clearer headspace to have a better day, or it can be done at night to end your day on a satisfying mood. Or you can do both! If you are having issues identifying things you are grateful for, perhaps identify things you are looking forward to. Don’t feel pressured to identify huge goals or accomplishments… it can be as simple as “I am grateful to be alive this morning” or “I am grateful to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin” or “I am grateful to have food on my plate.” This list does not have to be written; you can simply say them out loud whenever it is convenient for you.

5. Hydration

Staying hydrated is a usual recommendation, but it just works! Lack of hydration impacts your whole body, from your organs all the way to the way you look and feel. Well, for a being that is composed of mostly water, wouldn’t you say it needs water to keep functioning well? Otherwise, you will dehydrate. And you can hydrate anywhere and anytime. Find your preferred method, go for it!

6. Games/Apps Based on Interests

You can download any game or app that you like on any device that you keep with you on the go. You can play it on your break, whether it is a break from school, work, or a bathroom break. At least five minutes of virtual coloring, action games, card games, puzzles, etc. Anything that can help you stop thinking and just relax a few minutes can be helpful. It would be ideal to set a timer for however long you have available, this way you don’t have to be looking at a clock every 10 seconds and not enjoy the time you have.

7. Scrolling

This is a tricky one due to the highly addictive side effects! Set a timer, discipline yourself—whenever that timer goes off, it is time to stop. You got this; you can do it. It helps to stop thinking and just be mindless for a few minutes.

8. Window Shopping

Yes, it is very normal to add items to your cart and visualize a project you are thinking about and then not purchase anything! Or not even adding anything to your cart, just browsing. People go to the mall and look around all the time, same idea.

9. Stretching/Physical activity

For those that need the physical stimulation, this can be a good fit for you. Pun intended. From the moment that you open your eyes, you can stretch! Yes, in your bed or couch, or just stand up and stretch. You can stretch different parts of your body throughout the day, one minute at a time. Not time consuming at all. If you like working out, make it more challenging—do 10 pushups when you wake up, sit ups when commercials are on, whatever does it for you.

10. Complimenting Yourself

This is so important. If you compliment yourself already, just do it with more intention—to build on your strengths and confidence. If you do not compliment yourself, start with the easiest things to help get in the habit of doing so. For example, if you can only compliment the color of your eyes, go for it, milk it as much as you can. When you notice something else you like or something you did well, add it to the list and keep moving forward. You have a ton of qualities; it is just a matter of being able to see them and saying them out loud. Own it.

11. Check-Ins With Yourself

Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to pee! Or you forget to eat. Yes, you are not the only one. No shame. It is what it is. If you can get in the habit of checking in with yourself several times a day, you will be able to tend to your personal needs. Neglecting yourself and your needs just does not work anymore, you have to take care of yourself. That is your responsibility. Checking-in can help you be more mindful and aware. It is also not time consuming at all; you can check-in between classes, meetings, or during breaks, just ask yourself: How is my body? How is my mind? Do I need anything? It works!

12. Sexual Pleasure

Sexual pleasure is one of those animalistic urges that need to be met, whatever your flavor or style—find something that works for you and go for it. Again, it does not have to be time consuming. You can get some pleasure while you shower, when you go to bed, or for some people it works during a bathroom break! Get creative. And if you have a significant other that can help enhance the pleasure, enjoy! It’s a good way to release stress.

13. Music/Audible/Podcasts

If music does it for you, then add it to your daily living. You can listen on the way to doing whatever you have to do, or when you are getting ready, or when doing chores, or heck—you can be singing in your mind during meetings! Maybe not the ladder, but you get the idea. Same thing with audibles and podcasts, or videos. Whatever rocks your boat. Just go for it.

Once you get in the habit of doing little things for yourself here and there, it will then become a priority in your life. Then you can get creative with it and tailor it to your specific interests. Remember, self-care is an individual process, and no one gets to dictate how you go about it. Live by your own standards, not others’ opinions!