Healthy Habits for Self-Care: A Simple Guide

The world moves so fast nowadays, and self-care can be so easily neglected if you do not prioritize your well-being and create routine healthy habits. I understand this only too well through years of depression, being overworked, and stress. It eventually overwhelmed me in 2018, when I was hospitalized several times throughout that year. 

I am here to advise you not to be like me. Don’t wait for the dire consequences to set in. I am grateful that nothing serious came out of it. Of all the doctors, only one showed genuine concern and told me I was stressed out and dehydrated. 

To this day, his words resonate with me. You don’t need to change your entire lifestyle or sign up for a gym membership. In fact, you do not want an extreme shift in your daily routine because you will overwhelm yourself again. 

Check out my post about tips of self-love.

Let’s start small and easy. In this simple starter guide to creating healthy habits for self-care, we will explore what you can incorporate into your daily routine. These are small, manageable steps for you to begin your self-care journey. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep every night is essential to good health. Many benefits come with getting a full night’s rest. 

Set a goal for  7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow your body and mind to recharge. I aim to be in bed by 10:30 PM or 11 PM every night as a healthy habit so I can be up by 6 AM the following morning. 

TIPS:

Create a Bedtime Routine

For example, my evening routine to prepare myself for bed is simple. I send all my kids to bed at 9:30 PM. They do their bedtime routine, and they go to bed. I spend 20-30 minutes wrapping up any projects I am working on and work out for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, I shower, brush my teeth, dry my hair, and skincare. And that is my bedtime routine. Keep it simple and easy. Do what works for you.

Avoid Screens Before Sleep

This is an ongoing challenge for myself and my husband. A tip is to place your phone away from your bed. I put my phone on a small shelf on the opposite side of the bed so I could not grab it. I try not to start a movie or TV series right before bed. Instead, opt for a good, positive book and try to read a chapter or two. This will help your body relax and leave you in a positive mindset for bed. 

Consistency is Key

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is challenging, especially with kids. I have a toddler with an extremely inconsistent sleep schedule. Some nights, he sleeps at midnight, and other nights he will sleep at 4 AM. 

Likewise, my husband or I would have late-night meetings that sometimes will go until midnight. Either way, whatever happens, it should not hinder you from trying to aim for your ideal bedtime. Work around it and try again tomorrow. 

Nourish Your Body

You may have heard this your whole life now. Proper nutrition is vital for your physical and mental health. It is a knowledge we’ve been taught our entire lives, but if not prioritized, the neglect can cause consequences. As a healthy habit, it’s always good to be aware of what you are putting into your body. 

Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. I try to incorporate as much as possible during my meal planning, and I supplement the rest with daily vitamins. Do what works for you and your schedule. 

Some other tips are to stay hydrated throughout the day and reduce your intake of processed foods and sugary drinks. Another tip is to remove these items from your grocery list and opt for healthier options. 

Regular Exercise Routine

Exercising is not an activity I enjoy, but it has many benefits to your physical and mental health. What is great about exercising is that it is not about going to the gym to sweat your butt off. 

Instead, exercising is choosing a physical activity you enjoy that will get your heart rate up as a healthy habit. This includes walking, dancing, riding a bicycle, or doing yoga. Regular movement releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and increase your energy level. 

The recommendation for exercising is 30 minutes a day. If you are a beginner or your schedule does not allow that time, you can opt for 10-15 minutes daily. 

I enjoy a nice brisk walk at the park, but some days my schedule is full. Instead, I would spend 15 minutes doing light stretches and yoga. These exercises help relieve my lower back pains and remind me to slow down. 

Mindful Moments

In this fast-paced environment, things can get overwhelming quickly. Even as an adult, processing it all is too much to handle alone at times. Overcome these obstacles by incorporating mindfulness into your day. 

Take a few moments to breathe deeply, meditate, or practice mindfulness exercises. These healthy habit practices can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall sense of calm. 

Breathing exercises in a bathtub with Epsom salt is extremely useful in my experience. I do this when I am overwhelmed with anxiety and nothing else is helping. 

Another exercise I do is halting everything I do, and making a list of 5 things I am grateful for. This technique is useful to help calm me down and remind me of how far I have come. It forces me to change my perspective and redirect my focus towards productivity. 

Set Boundaries

It is never too late to learn to establish a healthy habit of boundaries for yourself. Learn to say “no” when necessary, and communicate your needs to others.  Setting boundaries prevents burnout and ensures you have enough time and energy for self-care.

Do not let anyone guilt-trip you about your boundaries. Only you know how much you can handle. It’s okay to say no to family and friend events, and it’s okay to decline an offer from a potential client. 

I always let my husband know when I need time and space to reset. He understands and respects this process. He would take all the children and allow me as much time as needed to reset. This alone has improved our overall relationship.

Do Digital Unplug Regularly

Constantly being connected digitally can be draining. It can be challenging because there is so much happening online. I deactivated my Facebook for a year to learn to discipline myself. You don’t have to be as extreme as me. 

Instead, create a healthy habit by setting aside designated times to unplug from screens. This includes smartphones, iPads, TVs, and computers. You can use this time to spend with your family and friends, explore your hobbies, or discover something new. 

Cultivate Routine Gratitude

Remember to count your blessings. This healthy habit technique is useful to help calm me down and remind me of how far I have come. It forces me to change my perspective and redirect my focus towards productivity. 

You can keep a gratitude journal and write down one or a list of things you’re thankful for daily. This practice can increase contentment and appreciation. 

Maintain Social Connections

As an introvert, I still long for a connection with friends and loved ones once in a while. Spending time with others and nurturing your relationships can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. 

Sometimes, reaching out to a friend or family through messaging impacts your relationship. As a healthy habit, my sister and I message each other every day. As we grow older, we enjoy each other’s company, even if we live miles apart. The same goes for my friends. I would reach out once in a while to catch up. 

Everyone is busy with their own activities and schedules. If you cannot meet for coffee, a simple text message or phone call goes a long way. 

Conclusion

I urge you to prioritize your self-care through these healthy habits. I hope my experiences and thoughts inspire you to develop your own self-care practices. It is a necessity in today’s fast-paced world. We cannot afford to neglect our needs, so I equip you with these practices.

It does not require a massive change in your lifestyle. Remember that persistent consistency and balance will help you develop these small habits. By starting small, you’re embarking on a journey to a healthier and happier you. Your future self will be grateful for these mindful choices.