Creating a Self-care Routine That Sticks (Without Overthinking it)

My obsession with self-care is truly something that needs a proper professional analysis. But let’s be real, not everyone is like me—creating a self-care routine sounds amazing, but actually sticking to it? That’s a whole different ball game.

Life gets busy, plans fall apart, and before you know it, you’re too burnt out to even think about “self-care.” But here’s the thing: self-care doesn’t have to be some big production (that’s where most people fall at). It’s all about finding what works for you and making it feel easy (and maybe even fun … right?).

Here are a few ways I’ve learnt to create a self-care routine that I’m finally able to stick to without it feeling like an overwhelming chore.

Step 1 | Figure out what self-care means to you

First things first: what even is self-care for you? It’s not just bubble baths and face masks (although those are totally valid options). It’s about taking care of the parts of your life that need the most love.

• Feeling stressed? Maybe meditation or journaling could help.
• Feeling sluggish? A quick walk or some stretches might do the trick.

Take a sec to think about what actually makes you feel good and recharged. There you have it—you’ve just found your starting point!

Step 2 | Start small (like really small)

Here’s the deal: if you try to overhaul your entire life overnight, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, pick one or two tiny habits to add to your day.

• Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
• Stretch for five minutes before bed.
• Write down one thing you’re grateful for each day.

These little things might not seem like a big deal (yet), but they add up over time—and they’re way easier to stick with than a huge list of “must-dos.”

Step 3 | Make it fit your life

Your self-care routine should feel like a natural part of your day—not another thing to cram into your already packed schedule. The trick? Sneak it into the moments you already have.

• Morning: Start with something simple, like a quick meditation or writing a gratitude list while sipping your coffee.
• Afternoon: Take a 10-minute breather—go for a walk, or just listen to a fun podcast.
• Evening: Wind down with a book, do your skincare ritual, or have a quick journal session about your day.

No need to overcomplicate it—just work self-care into the cracks of your day.

Step 4 | Do stuff you actually like

This one’s a no-brainer, but it’s worth saying: pick activities that make you happy! Hate running? Don’t force yourself to jog. Love music? Blast your favorite playlist and call it a dance party. The more you enjoy your self-care routine, the more likely you’ll stick with it.

Step 5 | Remove any barriers

Sometimes, it’s the tiny inconveniences that stop us from following through. Fix that!

• Lay out your yoga mat or workout clothes the night before.
• Keep your journal and pen by your bed so it’s ready to go.
• Prep a playlist or app you love for guided meditations.

Make it as easy as possible to do the thing—you’ll thank yourself later.

Step 6 | Celebrate the little wins

Every time you follow through on your self-care, it’s a win—even if it’s small. Drank that water? Go you! Took a quick walk? You’re crushing it! Acknowledge your progress and feel good about the effort you’re putting in. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it. Self-care is about progress, not perfection.

Step 7 | Keep tabs on what’s working

Here’s my (some-what pro) tip: pay attention to how your self-care routine makes you feel. If something’s not clicking, change it up! Maybe mornings are too rushed for journaling, so you switch to doing it at night. The best self-care routine is the one that works for you—and it’s okay to tweak it as you go.

Create a self-care routine like this

Here’s an example of a simple self-care routine that’s even possible on your most busiest days (feel free to steal it!)

Morning:

• Drink a glass of water
• Take a couple of deep breaths or meditate for 3 minutes
• Write down one thing you’re excited about for the day

Afternoon:

• Take a 10-minute walk or stretch
• Listen to your favorite song or podcast while you work

Evening:

• Journal about something that went well today
• Do a little skincare or take a relaxing shower
• Read a chapter of a book or just chill with some tea

Final thoughs

The key to building a self-care routine that sticks? Keep it simple, make it fun, and don’t stress if it’s not perfect. Start small, listen to yourself, and before you know it, self-care will feel like second nature!