Start Your Self Care Routine in 2024 {43 Simple Ideas}
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This post is about starting a self-care routine in 2024 with 43 Simple Ideas.
Are you ready to get started with a new self-care routine? Have you thought of making some changes to your physical health, emotional health, and overall wellness? In this blog post I’ll share 43 simple ideas for starting or improving a self-care routine.
Benefits of a self care routine
Gosh, there are so many benefits of a self-care routine. I know what its like to just get through each day trying to survive all the tasks on your plate. It is incredibly stressful and starting a self-care routine was the best thing I have ever done to take better care of myself!
Having a solid self-care plan is the best way to make the small changes needed for overall health. A self-care routine can have a positive impact on your physical health and mental health. Having a daily routine can decrease your stress levels, increase your energy levels, and help you find ways to enjoy the present moment.
Feel free to use the information below to make your own self-care checklist!
When to start a new self-care routine
To be honest, the best time to start a new self-care routine is right now! But you may find it easier to choose a time of transition to start your new self-care practices.
A time of transition could be something YOU decide on after realizing your own needs are not being met by your current efforts at healthy habits. Or perhaps you are finding yourself in a time of transition (starting a new job, moving, becoming a parent, etc) and realize you will need some solid self-care strategies in this new season of life.
Either way, the best time to commit to adding in new self-care activities is a time when you are actually willing to do the work required to make these small steps in the right direction. If you are not truly committed to making changes in your daily routine, then you probably aren’t ready for your own self-care routine.
How to Create a self-care routine
“You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret to your success is found in your daily routine.”
- John Maxwell
Having a daily to-do list is a great way to get started with your self-care daily practice. I’ve listed out 43 ideas to help you get started, but ultimately the most powerful way to feel the benefits is creating the right daily routine that works for YOU.
When creating a self-care routine, it is important to know your priorities and perhaps change your concept of self-care. You can start with the best intentions, but if you lack consistency and purpose with your new habits, then you will end up right back where you started.
Do you feel it is selfish to take time for yourself? Do you feel guilty when you schedule self-care time away from your kids or partner? Do you feel you should always be available to your workplace/clients/customers/boss? Is there a specific area of your life that you’ve been avoiding making even a small change that would have huge benefits?
Examining your feelings around self-care is an important step of the process. Realizing a self-care routine for yourself is something that benefits EVERYONE around you, can be an important first step in getting started.
Common mistakes people make when starting a self-care routine
In my years of coaching hundreds of women with their health and wellness, I’ve learned where mistakes are most often made. See if you can relate to any of these pitfalls below:
Don’t let the start stop you! Sometimes starting a self-care routine can feel like just one more thing on our plate. Don’t feel like you have to get everything figured out immediately, instead take things one step at a time and add on to your habits as you make progress.
Take ownership of YOUR daily habits. Copying what you see other people doing doesn’t work. Instead use other people’s ideas for inspiration and create daily habits and routines that resonate with your unique needs.
Keep it simple. The longer and more complex your routine is, the less likely you will be to keep up with it.
Understand you will most likely need to sacrifice some of your current habits for your new habits. That extra half hour you spend scrolling social media each morning might have to be replaced by a workout. Sacrificing mindless escapism for intentional habits will pay off in the long run, but you may need to give yourself some tough love along the way!
Don’t be afraid to go it alone. I see many people embark on a new self-care habit with a friend or family member. While it CAN be fun doing things together, you want to make sure you are not relying on them to follow-through with your plans or using them as an excuse to give up. Self-accountability is the best form of accountability.
And the biggest mistake most people make? Giving up! If you are serious about making change then you need to be flexible. You may not get it right the first time, but keep trying. I’ve changed my self-care routine many times. Some habits I’ve kept from the start, while others have come and gone. I’m always looking for new ways to improve, even if it doesn’t always work out on the first try.
Where to Start
Before you make a plan, first get honest with yourself about which specific areas you are serious about making change. Which areas of your life do you struggle with on a regular basis? What will have the most impact on your life? Start there and choose some small ways you can make progress in those areas.
The ideas I’ve listed below are great and can be incredibly powerful, however if you are struggling with your mental health please seek professional medical help. Having a self-care routine is an essential piece of improving your mental health, but it is not a substitute for appropriate therapy and professional mental health support.
43 Simple Ideas for starting a self-care routine in 2024
Weekly and Daily Self-Care Routine Ideas
Embrace the power of simple checklists and systems with these essential routines. These are the exact routines I use to stay on top of personal tasks and help my days run smoothly. Even if you miss a task here or there, it will stay top of mind and get done! For more details, click on the blog posts below:
Health and Wellness Habits to start in 2024
Taking care of your body is an essential part of self-care. If we’ve learned anything over the last few decades, its that crazy fitness trends are not sustainable. Instead look for sustainable and enjoyable ways to get movement in. It will have a ripple effect on every other aspect of your life for better health.
go for a walk/get more steps in
start lifting weights
add exercise to your workday routine (for example: park farther away and use the stairs to get more steps in. Seek out ways to move more in your daily activities)
try new workouts and stick with the ones you enjoy
start stretching
sign up with a race or fitness challenge with a friend
schedule your annual check-up with your doctor
Nutrition Habits to start in 2024
Again, lets let go of the fad diets and look for sustainable and enjoyable ways of eating that support your long-term goals. You can find more specific nutrition guidance in my FREE DeMystifying Macros video workshop.
eat adequate protein daily
eat more whole grains/plants
start meal prepping/planning
drink more water - invest in a water bottle
invest in kitchen appliances that make eating healthy easier
learn how to plate your meals
create a basic grocery list of healthy foods you eat on a weekly basis
Better Sleep Habits to start in 2024
Sleep is finally being recognized as the third piece of the puzzle when it comes to overall wellness. Fitness, nutrition, and sleep all work together in supporting a healthy immune system and overall health. If you’re struggling with sleep, now is the time to make some changes.
go to bed early`and try to ensure 7-8 hours sleep or as much as you need to feel well rested
high quality bedding
meditate using an app like Calm
use cognitive behavioral therapy to train your mind for better sleep with an app like CBT-i
use a weighted blanket
use sleep sounds or a white noise machine
limit social media - I highly recommend reading the book Indistractable for tips on digital time management/boundaries
Pamper yourself in 2024
There are so many small ways you can treat yourself! Don’t wait for someone else to do it, treat yourself to something that brings relaxation and joy to your daily and weekly routines. Schedule something special for yourself and give yourself permission to enjoy it!
buy flowers for yourself
manicure/pedicures
skin care routine
date night (and YES you can absolutely treat yourself to a solo date night!)
get a pet that matches your lifestyle
listen to podcasts and audiobooks while doing mundane chores
start a gratitude journal
start a new hobby
Get Organized in 2024
Gaaah, getting organized is the ultimate life hack for finding peace and being present in the moment. I get more specific in my How I Organize My Life blog post. there’s nothing more stressful than living in chaos, so now is the time to get your sh*t together and streamline your calendar.
Create a specific organization system that includes planning for all aspects of your life
Learn how to time block
Use a digital calendar you can easily update and share with family members
Use a digital tasks lists to track your daily routines and to-do list
Get an smart watch/Apple watch and sync with your calendar/reminders
Clean your sink and run your dishwasher every night before bed
Use a home management system like Amazon Alexa or Google Home and learn how to use it to streamline things like grocery lists, reminders, weather and managing your home
I hope you found these tips helpful in planning your self-care routine for 2024!