Creating an Effective and Sustainable Self Care Routine

Creating an effective and sustainable self-care routine is one of the best ways to take charge of your mental and physical well-being. By prioritizing a routine that supports us day in and day out, we build resilience, handle stress better, and make space for meaningful growth. Let’s explore how to develop a self-care routine that’s more than just a temporary boost—a lifestyle choice that truly supports us in the long run.

Creating a self-care routine that feels genuinely nourishing has been a journey for me, too, as I’ve explored what activities lift me up and help me stay grounded. I’ve found that self-care is most powerful when it includes things that get me out of my head and into my body, tapping into that space of mindfulness and even finding what’s known as a "flow state."

Preventative Self-Care vs. Just Putting Out Fires

Many of us reach for self-care when we’re already feeling drained or overwhelmed, like grabbing a band-aid for a cut. This type of self-care is reparative, where we’re trying to fix something that’s already worn down. But there’s also preventative self-care, which is more like putting sunscreen on before a sunny day—it’s the small things we do consistently that keep us feeling strong and steady, so we don’t hit those crisis points as often.

For me, gardening is one of those activities that acts as a preventative practice. It’s grounding to dig my hands into the soil, nurture new life, and take a few moments to breathe deeply outdoors. Even a few minutes in the garden on the weekends can help me feel centered.

Flow State: What It Is and How It Feels

One of the most enriching parts of my self-care routine is finding activities that help me reach a state of flow. Flow is that feeling when you’re so deeply absorbed in something you love that you lose track of time, your mind is fully engaged, and everything else falls away. It’s not only calming, but it’s also incredibly rejuvenating. When I’m ice-skating, for example, on my best days, I forget about problems off the ice. I’m fully present, aware of my body, and focusing on the current challenge while also taking a break from other problems in my life.

Whether it’s skating, crafting, or gardening, flow-state activities remind me of the joy of simply being. They get me out of my head, keep me moving, and help me feel refreshed rather than just distracted.

Self-Care That Sustains You

It’s easy to think of self-care as those little “treat yourself” moments—whether it’s indulging in dessert, splurging on a shopping spree, or booking a spa day. But true self-care goes beyond a quick fix or dopamine hit; it’s about creating habits that genuinely nurture us for the long haul. Sometimes, those treats that feel great in the short term—like impulse shopping or “rewarding” ourselves with unhealthy foods—can lead to other stresses down the road, like financial strain, health impacts, or even guilt and shame. This can actually contribute to depression and anxiety rather than alleviating it.

Sustainable self-care doesn’t deplete us but, instead, leaves us feeling refreshed and centered. It’s about choosing activities that align with our values and goals, providing real nourishment instead of a temporary escape. When we pick self-care practices that feel genuinely enjoyable, build us up, and contribute to our long-term well-being, we create a routine we can sustain and truly benefit from over time.

How to Start Building Your Routine

If you’re starting your own self-care journey, here are a few tips:

1. Find What You Love: Look for activities that bring you out of your mind and into your body—those that leave you feeling refreshed and in the moment. Experiment with different hobbies until something clicks.
2. Incorporate Mindful Moments: Self-care can be as simple as a few mindful breaths while having your coffee or as active as yoga, gardening, or hiking. Start with little moments that fit easily into your day.
3. Make It Routine: Begin with one or two practices you can enjoy daily or weekly. Over time, they’ll start to feel like second nature, and you’ll build a routine that naturally supports you.

The most sustainable self-care doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about building a small, meaningful routine that centers, grounds, and lifts us day by day.