self-care habits that really make a difference

What is self-care?

We can search this online and get a variety of responses: bubble baths, medication, healthy foods, mindfulness, extensive skincare routines—you name it, someone has probably coined it as “self-care.” While there are superficial and indulgent levels of self-care, genuine self-care is far more complex. True self-care practices provide meaningful and long-lasting benefits for mental health, physical health, and your spiritual and emotional well-being. However, the kind of self-care that works requires discipline and dedication to fully reap the rewards.

What habits are you practicing that truly leave you feeling restored?

There are only a handful of self-care practices I can honestly say I’ve dedicated enough energy toward to see a difference. I’m not always consistent with the habits I’d like to embody, such as eating more whole, nutrient-rich meals, seeing a therapist regularly, practicing gratitude, or limiting alcohol... I could go on. However, the habits I have stayed consistent with have had lasting benefits that I continue to feel every day as I commit to them.

• Getting a good night’s sleep

  • Yes, I know you’ve heard it before. And yes, I know it’s much easier said than done (I’ve recently been in that phase myself). Many factors impact your ability to get quality sleep: meal timing, morning routines, bedtimes, what you consume before bed, blue light, red light, stress levels, social activities, and varying schedules. That said, I’ve found that maintaining as consistent a bedtime routine as possible has made a huge difference in my energy levels, both in the morning and throughout the day.

  • The habits I prioritize to optimize my sleep include using red lights in the bedroom, brushing my teeth, washing my face, applying lavender essential oils and lotion, using mouth tape, and wearing earplugs (especially when my fiancé is snoring louder than a lawnmower—God bless him).

  • I’ve also almost entirely replaced my phone alarm with my Hatch alarm clock, which provides a sunrise simulation and gentle wake-up sounds. This gradual, natural awakening helps me start the day without the jolt of a phone alarm.

• Setting healthy boundaries

  • I close my laptop right around 5:00 every day. Some days it’s a little early and some days it’s a bit later, but I make a point to physically separate myself from work. Close the laptop, put away the planner, load everything into my backpack, turn off my work notifications on my phone. The physical steps in this process really help me keep work from bleeding into my personal time.

  • Keeping my phone on do not disturb is an underrated boundary I have set for myself and my friends/family that are contacting me. It gets to be my choice when I get engaged with my phone. If I leave my phone out of dnd and get a text, it is almost guaranteed that I end up doom scrolling - just because I got a text!! Keeping the dnd on helps me stay off my phone, or choosing when I want to be on it. I also spend more time answering any messages instead of replying impulsively immediately when the text comes through.

  • Saying “no.” This is something that I have been sure to communicate with people important to me - if I say no to invites/plans/etc, it is because I need alone time or R&R. They have an understanding that it is nothing personal and that they should not push for me to say yes to something I don’t have capacity for.

• Silent time

  • Sometimes, the best part of my day is the drive home from work in complete silence. No phone, no radio—just the white noise of the engine and traffic around me.

    I also dedicate silent time throughout the day: no music during my shower, no noise while sitting outside for a break. These quiet moments allow me to hang out with myself and tune in to my inner dialogue and thoughts. This helps me stay more in touch with myself and builds self-awareness.

• (Almost) daily movement

  • Realistically, I need days without rigorous exercise, but I make it a point to incorporate movement into each day.

  • Some days, this means a 6 AM pilates class. Other days, it’s using my walking pad at the office or taking my dogs for a longer evening walk. The one constant is that I always feel better after moving. It’s a chance to get off my phone, boost my endorphins, and challenge myself physically with mental discipline. “We tell our bodies what we are capable of, not the other way around.”

You deserve to take care of yourself. Small, indulgent self-care habits like sheet masks and pedicures are not a waste—I love them too! But taking care of your inner self through intentional lifestyle habits can create a deeper sense of well-being.

What is one self-care habit you’ll commit to this week? Small steps, practiced consistently, add up. I’ll be dedicating myself to journaling every day this week—what about you?

xo

rach