Self care is something that’s become a very popular term recently. When most people think of self care they think of a spa day, pampering yourself, or a full on vacation-esque day. But anyone who’s had days where they just feel like they can’t go on knows the truth about self care. Sometimes self care is sometimes the hardest thing to do, and it might take all day, but it has to be done.

As someone who has anxiety and depression, I’ve had my fair share of days where waking up was even a problem. I could have used some sort of push to have some self care. Sometimes self care isn’t always the most glamorous thing to do, but what needs to be done

Keep reading to read my step by step self care guide to get your day going.

Updated: 12/3/2019

If you like this post or know someone who might like this post, please give it a share! Shares, comments, and likes are what keep this blog running! Thank you! <3

Step 1: Take a Shower

The first step for self care is to take a shower. Doesn’t matter how you feel, how much you want to stay in bed and sleep, get up and take a shower. Want to get fancy? Take a bath and even throw in a bath bomb or some epsom salts if you want.

Why?

Feeling fresh from the shower is a way to kick start your day. You’ve washed away all of the bad vibes from the day before. You’re now a clean slate. It might even give you the push to go about your day.

Related: How Changing My Shower Time Improved My Life

Step 2: Have a Healthy, Hearty Meal

Another way to kick start your day is to get some food into your system. Ever have a moment where you’re so busy time just flies by, but you notice you’re getting a bit grumpy and don’t know why? You probably haven’t eaten in a while. There’s a reason it’s Snickers’s tag line.

Having something that’s healthy and filling gives you the extra push to feel better. I mean, who doesn’t feel good with a full belly?

Step 3: Start Doing Something Small

Heard of the 5 minute rule? It’s where if you have something to do that will take less than 5 minutes, just get to it. Do it. No excuses, no ignoring it. More often than not it’s the spark that will get you going.

Everyone has some chores to do around the house. Maybe take out the garbage, wash a few dishes, vacuum your room, put away some laundry, make your bed, anything. Just this morning I had no desire to get out of bed, but I knew if I did I would waste my weekend watching YouTube. So I got dressed and headed out to go grocery shopping.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to Decluttering

Step 3a: Keep the Momentum Going

Now that you theoretically have gotten going, keep that momentum up and get on with your daily tasks. If you don’t have anything to do try something new, Read a book, take a walk, play with a pet, write in a journal.

Once you have things started it’s much easier to keep it going. Hell, you might even find yourself doing things that you hadn’t planned on! There are times when I get into a cleaning groove by starting with the dishes and end up deep cleaning the bathroom in the end.

Related: College & Minimalism: How They Go Together and Why It’s Important

Step 4: Take Breaks When you Need To

The good thing about self care is that you can take a break whenever you need to. If you’re getting overwhelmed you can just stop what you’re doing and go back to it in a few minutes. It’s not going to go anywhere and it’s not going to kill you if you don’t do it right now or all at the same time. The dishes overwhelming you? You can leave them there while you sit down for a few minutes.

Related: 8 Things to Do When Depression Hits

Step 5: Relax at the End of Your Day

As your day winds down, take the time to actually relax. I know I’m one of those people who have a hard time to relax. So what I do to wind down starts right after I get out of work.

The first thing I do is change into comfortable clothes. I put my things away from the day, and grab some water to fill up my oil diffuser. I bought a small one from TJ Maxx and I love it. I also don’t use the overhead lights if I can help it. I have a few small table lamps that give my bedroom a cozy atmosphere. I’m trying to add a cup of herbal tea to this ritual, but usually once I get in bed to lay down I don’t really want to get up. I have recently added a shoulder heating pad while I watch YouTube or read a book.

Related: 11 Ways to Get a Good Night’s Sleep (Even in a Rowdy Dorm)

TL;DR

• Take a shower. It’ll not only get your nice and clean, but it will help calm you down.
• Have a healthy meal! No, cookies and junk food don’t count. No, fast food really doesn’t either. If you’re in a bind, grab a smoothie at the least. 
• Do something small. 5 minute rule: if you can do it in 5 minutes, DO IT NOW
  • If you can, keep the momentum and get more stuff done!
• Take some breaks. No point pushing yourself if you’re tired.
• Relax at the end of the day. You’ve had a good day, you deserve it.

Do you have a self care routine? Do you do anything I’ve listed? How about anything different? Tell me what you do below!

Leave a comment, tweet me, or hit me up on Instagram. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest!

Want to help support the blog? Consider donating to my Ko-Fi page or support me by buying me something on my Amazon Wish List.