Self-care. It seems like another one of those buzzwords filling headlines and Instagram posts, but don’t let that deter you from this key practice. Today, we’re helping you incorporate self-care into your daily routine.

So, what is self-care anyway?

We define it as an intentional act of taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This may look different for everyone, which is completely okay. Self-care is what you want it to be.

And why is self-care important?

Research shows that practicing self-care can help improve your health, increase productivity, and prevent burnout. Sometimes, it’s easier to pencil in our work, family, and friends in our daily planner before ourselves, but know that we can’t pour from an empty cup. Give time to yourself as needed. When you are at your best, you are able to give so much more to those around you.

It’s time to reclaim your self-care on your own terms. Not sure where to start? Here are some practical self-care tips to help you fill your cup:

What Self-Care Is and Isn’t

Above: Passion Planner Weekly 2021 Annual in Radiant Rose Gold, Just Start Sticker Book, Passion Markers

When you hear the word “self-care” what do you see? At first, I thought it meant going to the spa with my girlfriends, spending the day in a bathrobe, and listening to some smooth jazz while thin cucumber slices sit on my eyes. Now, I know that’s just one way to define self-care (and not a bad one, at that). There’s no right or wrong answer here. 

However you define it, self-care is what makes you feel good and at your best. Do not let anyone else—a friend, a family member, or especially an influencer tell you how to best take care of yourself. Whether it’s getting a mani AND pedi, treating yourself to your favorite comfort meal (Spicy McNuggets, anyone?), or doing absolutely nothing, your self-care is putting your needs first and being absolutely unapologetic about it. However you define it, your self-care should not: break your bank, drain your energy, or leave you feeling guilty.

Most importantly, self-care is NOT selfish.

How to Define Self-Care For Yourself:

• What does self-care look like to you?
• How do you want to feel at the end of your self-care practice?
• What self-care activities will leave you feeling re-energized?

Schedule in Personal Me Time

Above: Passion Planner Weekly 2021 Annual in Serpent Spring, Self-Care Sticker Book, Passion Markers

If you’re reading this, high chances are you are a planner person. I, too, am a planner person. I am a plan-my-week-ahead-of-time, fill-my-schedule-to-the-brim kind of planner person and feel the need to be on the go. All. The. Time. Self-care? Who has time for that? 

I came to realize that constantly being on the go left me tired, drained, and certainly not my best self. My mind was everywhere, my health was declining, and that fire and drive burning within me was quickly running out of fuel. Once I started scheduling in relaxing activities for myself, I noticed I was able to give so much more to myself and those around me. 

So, how’d I do it? The secret: schedule in time for self-care. Be intentional with your time and set an hour or two or even a whole day for yourself. Make this non-negotiable.

Give yourself permission to rest.

How to Schedule in Me-Time:

• Write in me-time in your Passion Planner Weekly. Honor this for yourself and try your best not to cancel!
• Schedule an appointment with yourself in your Google Calendar. Block off as much time as you need so others know not to disturb you during this time.
• Set your notifications for Slack, social media, e-mail, or any other apps on OFF. Don’t feel the need to be online, and be okay with saying no to others. Be absolutely unapologetic in this.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Above: Passion Planner Weekly 2021 Annual in Serpent Spring, Self-Care Sticker Book, Passion Markers, Water Tracker PDF Download

Remember, self-care does not have to be luxurious, expensive, or some sort of grand gesture. There is no metric or KPI to measure how much you are succeeding at self-care. Big or small, all forms of self-care are valid. Acknowledge that some days will be harder than others, and activities such as drinking water, washing the dishes, or simply getting out of bed are all forms of self-care worth celebrating.

As long as it leaves you feeling good, count it as a win.

How to Feel Good About your Self-Care Practice:

• Cover your planner with cute, matching self-care stickers to remind you of your accomplishments.
• Create a self-care to-do list and mark off each task along the way.
• Write it down in your Good Things That Happened and reflect on it at the end of the week.

25 Soothing Ideas for Self-Care

Above: Passion Planner Weekly 2021 Annual in Radiant Rose Gold, Just Start Sticker Book, Passion Markers, Self-Care Reflection PDF Download

Ready to practice self-care? Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Get up from your seat and get moving
2. Watch a movie you love, for the seventeenth time
3. Set time to meditate for 5 - 10 minutes in the morning
4. Indulge in your favorite comfort meal
5. Have an at-home spa day, face mask and all
6. Reach out to a friend or family member to catch up
7. Or spend a day with yourself on Do Not Disturb mode
8. Go out for a walk around your neighborhood
9. Listen to a new playlist on Spotify
10. Mindlessly color with Coloring Pages
11. Drink a tall glass of water
12. Practice a skin-care routine
13. Take a nap in the middle of the day
14. Reminisce through your Photos album and clean out anything you don’t want to keep
15. Watch a Youtube video on a topic you’re curious about
16. Light a candle in your favorite scent
17. Clean your room, work space, or entire house
18. Wear the outfit you've been saving for a special occasion
19. Delegate a small task to someone else
20. Play with your fur baby (if you have one)
21. Go to your favorite grocery store
22. Fill your space with plants
23. Wash your sheets and enjoy their fresh scent afterwards
24. Read that book you’ve been meaning to read
25. Cook a nice meal for yourself

Make your self-care a top priority. Take time to intentionally schedule it into your day with a Passion Planner Weekly or Daily. However you define self-care, make it for you and no one else. And remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start. 

What’s your favorite self-care activity? Let us know in the comments!

Author Bio

Jamie Santos works on the Passion Planner Marketing team and is a lifelong learner. On her off time, she is an ice cream aficionado and baker-in-progress who enjoys indulging in anything sweet.