Self Care Day Routine: 10 Tips for Your Perfect Mental Health Day
Self Care Day Routine
How often do we forget to give ourselves the time to truly relax and care for ourselves, just as we do for others? Think of planning your self care day routine as if you were organizing a vacation for yourself. It doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Here are some tips to help you get started on creating a rejuvenating self care day routine!
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Before diving into this blog post, let's tackle the most obvious and perhaps biggest challenge: logistics (I know. I know. It’s a bit of a hassle, but essential for you!) If you're like me, you probably appreciate having a clear outline for your self care day routine. While this post focuses on creating a mental health day, consider asking yourself, “How long would I like to take off? A half-day, a full day, or a few days?” If you have responsibilities at home, school, or work, be sure to inform those who depend on you about your availability and return time.
Tip #2: Self Care Kit
Consider building a unique self-care kit that includes items like your favorite book, snacks, essential oils, or anything that brings you comfort. Having these items ready can make your self-care day even more personalized and enjoyable.
Reflection Questions:
What does a self care day routine look like to you?
If you have never taken one or it’s been some time since you had time off, think about how you would like to feel on that day? Relaxed? Rejuvenated? (insert other emotions here)
Is there one thing that you have always wanted to do, but it seemed to be out of reach?
Tip #3: Engaging in the Arts
Remember those days in school when you engaged in arts and crafts, dance, or music? Reflect on how those creative activities made you feel and think about incorporating similar activities into your self care day routine. Whether it’s painting, dancing, or playing a musical instrument, reconnecting with these creative outlets can be a joyful and fulfilling way to enrich your self care day routine. Explore what brings you happiness and relaxation, and make time for those activities as part of your mental health day.
Paint and Sip
Pottery class
Drawing
Photography
Dance class (i.e., Latin, Hip-Hop, Ballet, etc.) You can also find free classes on Youtube!
Pole dancing
Learn how to play a musical instrument (i.e., harmonica, ukulele, keyboard, drums, guitar, etc.)
Paint by numbers
Put a LEGO set together
Color from a coloring page or mandala
Make a collage/vision board with newspaper or magazine clippings
Singing karaoke
Flower arranging
Bake or cook your favorite thing to eat
Listening to music/creating a mental health day playlist
Tip #4: Engage in Your Child-Like Wonder
Kids are incredibly present with their surroundings and naturally curious about how things work. They find joy in simple, playful activities that often become cherished memories. As part of your self care day routine, consider revisiting a favorite childhood activity or exploring what you find fun. Whether it’s playing a sport you loved, visiting a park, or trying out a new hobby, reconnecting with these joyful experiences can bring a sense of nostalgia and happiness to your self care day routine. Embrace these playful moments as a way to nurture yourself and enhance your mental well-being.
Noticing your breath for a few minutes
Playing a sport (either you know how to play or wanted to learn)
Going to the park or an outdoor jungle gym (i.e. The Forge: Lemont Quarries, Sky High Sports)
Arcade
Go-karts
Rock-climbing
Going to a museum (Check out your favorite museums for free days.)
Go on a bike ride
Explore a new area you’ve never been to before
Try a new type of food or cuisine that’s been on your bucket list
Going to the library and read a book on a topic you’ve wanted to learn more about
Go to the zoo or aquarium (alternatively, go to a local animal shelter or pet store)
Gardening
Axe-throwing
Knife-skills class
Walk along the lakefront
Attending a sporting event
Watching the clouds
Re-watching one of your favorite movies
Putting together a new outfit from your closet
Schedule a game night
Set up a tea party for yourself with all of your favorite foods
Leave your phone for one hour and re-learning how to be bored
Playing with Play-Doh/modeling clay
Tip #5: Mindfulness Check-Ins
Set a timer every couple of hours to pause, take three deep breaths, and check in with how you're feeling. These small moments of mindfulness can help you stay grounded and present throughout your self-care day.
Tip #6: Make AND Attend an Important Health Appointment (Personal Grooming is also included)
How often have you been putting off going to the doctor's, maybe telling yourself, “Oh, if I have time for this, I’ll go…”, but then it’s days, weeks, and maybe months later that your body is acting up and now it’s serious? Is it just me? Also, getting a haircut is included in this as well. I know I’m guilty of putting it off too. So do yourself a favor and to make the most of your self care day routine, take a few minutes right now (Yes, now. Put a timer on for 10 minutes) and make that important appointment for your health. Integrating these tasks into your self care day routine not only helps you maintain your health but also allows you to fully enjoy and benefit from your dedicated time for self-care.
Tip #7: Tech-Free Time
Set your out-of-office emails and “Do Not Disturb” on your phone to remind others that you will be unavailable so that you are not distracted by the notifications. This may be a tough habit to break, especially if you are usually checking your phone for emails, messages, social media, etc. and making sure everyone is taken care of. If you notice an urge to check your phone, notice it and then set a timer for 10 minutes to dedicate a part of your self-care day to being completely tech-free. Once the 10 minutes are up, check in with your body and how your mind feels. Whether you spend this time journaling, reading, or simply enjoying a cup of tea, disconnecting from screens can help you reconnect with yourself.
Tip #8: Adulting and Giving Back
You might be someone who constantly gives and gives to others, often neglecting to invest in yourself. It may seem counterintuitive to suggest that you should "give back" as part of your self care day routine, but it's important to remember that giving back can also mean taking time to nurture yourself. This could involve volunteering at local shelters, engaging in activities that fulfill you, or finding tangible ways to care for your own well-being.
Incorporating these acts of self-care into your self care day routine can help you recharge and ensure that you’re not just giving to others, but also to yourself. Your future self will thank you for making self-care a priority. Consider inviting a friend or family member to join you for part of your self-care day, like taking a walk together or attending a class. Sharing these moments can enhance your sense of connection and support.
Volunteering at a local place of your choice (i.e., animal shelter, nursing home, soup kitchen, etc.)
Cooking your favorite meal
Scheduling recurring time off (i.e. weekly, monthly, quarterly)
Listen to a guided meditation
Learn about a new religion or dive deeper into your own spirituality
Create a life bucket list
Embracing silence for one minute at a time
Create or set-up a financial plan/sinking fund
Plan a trip itinerary of where you would like to go
Solo date night
Journal and/or brain dump
Apply for one new job
Update your resume
Finding a new hobby
Create a date night bucket list
Focus on one area to stretch your body
5 minutes to tidy one area in your home
Research a skincare routine that works for your skin type
Create a meal plan with healthy alternatives
Tip #9: Reflect and Plan Ahead
At the end of your self-care day, take a few minutes to reflect on your experience. This can be making a note on your phone with a reminder, a journal entry, an email sent to you, scheduling your next self care day in your calendar, etc.
How did you feel about slowing down and taking time for yourself?
What activities did you enjoy the most?
What were the ones that you found were the most challenging?
What would you change for next time? Spending more time with one area or less in another?
Tip #10: Take the Next Step Towards Your Mental Well-Being
Now that you’ve explored how to create the perfect self-care day routine, why not schedule one for yourself? Set a date, start planning your activities, and commit to prioritizing your mental health. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who could use a self-care day too! And if you’re looking for more personalized guidance on your mental health journey, feel free to reach out and schedule a session with me. Let’s work together to create lasting change in your life.
