The concept and practice of self-care has been becoming increasingly popular over the past several years due to social media and the recognition of alternative health care methods as legitimate. In the light of current circumstances, self-care has become incredibly crucial to maintaining mental health, coping with excess stress, and enriching feelings of self-love. It is important to accept that everyone has individual approaches to self-care. The practice of self-care is a personal experience that will be more beneficial if a person implements the practice in their life in a manner that aligns with their values and interests. However, it is difficult to discern what methods of self-care works for YOU, versus what self-care methods appeal to the masses or appears to be widely accepted by others. The decision to liberate oneself from societal constructs of the "right" approach to self-care will enable you to create a routine or activities that will be incredibly fulfilling.

In order to create a self-care routine that is unique to who you are as a person it is important to define WHAT feelings or frame of mind you want to obtain, WHAT you enjoy doing in your free time, WHAT activities are relaxing, and WHY you want to perform self-care. Self-reflection is the prime way to determine your individual vision or concept of care. No one else can answer these questions for you. The simplest way to answer these questions is to sit in a quiet place with a journal and pen, then begin writing words or phrases you associate with the questions. There should be no filter or censorship of your thoughts during this time. Once you are finished, look over the list and circle words or items that internally resonate with you. These are the elements that will guide your creation and execution of a self-care routine.

The best way to start a self-care routine is to begin small and simple. Do not pressure yourself into utilizing the "perfect" practices or forcing yourself to enjoy things that you inherently dislike. The resistance and strain of adhering to a self-care routine that is demanding, as well as uninteresting, counteracts the positive impact of the practice. Some basic ways you can implement self-care are consistently maintaining a skin care routine, journaling a few times a week, cooking your favorite meal, reading books, and/or trying yoga routines. Self-care does not need to be extravagant or aesthetically pleasing enough to document via social media. It is not realistic or financially feasible to go to a spa every week, take trips to a tropical location on a regular basis, or craft gourmet "Instagram worthy" buddha bowls for dinner every day.

Ultimately, you have the power to create a self-care routine that is captivating, empowering, satisfying, and promotes internal growth. This is an opportunity to demonstrate to yourself just how much you matter, develop a more compassionate approach to life, and explore what makes you genuinely happy. I urge you to invest time in yourself and create a self-care routine that causes you to feel loved, valued, beautiful, and safe.