When Self-Care Feels Like a Chore

Self-care is a very important part of your day-to-day life. But so often it is never a priority. I used to view self care as a never-ending to-do list and a tool to beat myself up. I would compare my appearance to others and decide I needed to overhaul my self care routines so I could be more like the person I was comparing myself to. This left me dreading all self care and never feeling good enough when I finally did complete a self care activity. 

Redefining Self-Care From the Inside Out

Then I decided to change the definition of self care. Instead of using it to change into someone I wasn't. I was going to design my routines around the person I authentically was. So, no more trying to wake up at 5 AM because I thought it would make me a superior person. I was no longer trying to do a specific workout routine because someone online told me to. Instead, I started to reconnect with myself and figure out what I actually enjoyed. 

My New Self-Care Criteria

I decided to focus my self care routines on the following criteria: will it be fun, help me relieve stress, or help my long-term health? This changed the game. To me, self-care became a way to show myself respect. 

It’s Your Turn to Personalize Self-Care

Now it is your turn! I have a list of self care activities below. Check them out and see if any of them align with your authentic self. And start designing your self care routines on who you are as a person, not from a place of fear. And if you want more guidance on this topic check out our Own Your Self Care Workbook below. 

Ideas to Get You Started

1. Cooking yourself a delicious meal
2. Treat yourself to a facemask
3. Sit down, relax, and watch your favorite show (bonus points for doing it distraction-free)
4. Take a nice warm bubble bath
5. Try a new workout class
6. Take yourself to lunch
7. Read a book that you keep putting off
8. Do something you used to love to do from your childhood
9. Paint your nails
10. Go for a walk
11. Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while
12. Forgive yourself … journal prompt: something I need to forgive myself for is… Now free write everything that comes out.
13. Volunteer for a cause that is special to you
14. Go to sleep early
15. Play your favorite board game