The thing about self-care that's important to remember is that there's no wrong or right way to practice self-care. However, some wonderful things you may have overlooked can take your self-care game to the next level. So here are five self-care tips you wish you'd known sooner!

5 Self-Care Tips You Wish You’d Know Sooner!

A lot of these tips are often overlooked. But they can make a massive impact on your day-to-day life!

1. Create a morning routine!

One of the best and often overlooked self-care tips is to create a solid, habitual morning routine.

A consistent routine can provide comfort if you often feel frazzled in the mornings. You'll wake up knowing what to expect as you begin your day. A great morning routine can easily set the tone for your entire day.

The routine doesn't have to be complex. It can be as simple as getting up earlier, doing light stretches, and journaling. Or it can be as simple as making your bed, enjoying a warm beverage, and reading for five minutes.

You'll feel calmer, less frazzled, and more prepared to take on the day. It will also help you feel more accomplished before you even set foot out of the door!

2. Take 15 minutes!

One of the best self-care tips we can offer is to practice simple acts of self-care every day.

It's essential to recognize the power self-care has on your mood. It's not a cure but a preventative tool to keep you balanced. It should be a consistent part of your daily routine.

Prioritize yourself by setting aside fifteen minutes for yourself a day.

It might be during your lunch break! Or while you wait for the kids to get out of their extracurricular activities. Maybe you can squeeze in some "me time" during that wonderful quiet lull before bedtime.

Take this downtime to do something that makes you happy. It can be as simple as taking a relaxing shower with your favorite music playing in the background. Maybe it's reading your favorite book? Or it can be as simple as taking an extra few minutes before bed to do a face mask. The possibilities are endless.

Remember – these fifteen minutes belong to you! So do whatever brings you joy.

(Psst! Here's one of our best-kept self-care tips! Schedule self-care into your calendar. Sounds crazy, but trust us, you'll thank us later!)

3. Make sleep a priority!

One of the most overlooked self-care tips is prioritizing deep, high-quality rest.

You most likely have already noticed that your mood takes a nosedive when you don't get enough sleep.

It's not just a coincidence! Sleep is a vital process in the biology of all living things. Not getting enough sleep has physical, mental, and emotional consequences.

Your ability to handle stress is impaired when you don't get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can also lead to heightened anger, anxiety, and depression levels. A good night's rest can immediately positively impact your mood.

Everyone's rest requirements are different. Most adults need between seven to eight hours of rest. Make sure you're turning in early enough to get some well-deserved rest.

4. Prioritize your daily tasks!

If you feel you cross off one task on your to-do list only to add two more, this self-care tip is for you.

Prioritize your to-do list!

We hear you, and we understand you. There is no denying that you are busy, and your overwhelming to-do list is perpetually never-ending.

But it's an unfortunate reality of life.

It's important to realize that not every task on your list is high-priority. For example, it's okay if there are dishes still left in the sink before bed. It's also okay if you're too tired to call your friend back.

Prioritize the things that must be done today and let the others tasks roll over to tomorrow. It's not the end of the world. There's always tomorrow.

Let it be this if you only take away one of our self-care tips! We promise that this will have the most immediate impact on your day-to-day life.

5. Put the phone down!

One of the most overlooked self-care tips is to take a break from technology!

Technology is all around us. There is no escaping it. We use it for work, keeping in touch with loved ones, and entertainment. But too much exposure can put a damper on your mood.

It's time for a technology detox!

Do you find yourself answering phone calls, emails, and Microsoft Team messages outside your working hours? Put that cell phone on Do Not Disturb! It can wait until tomorrow when you return to the office.

Do you find yourself scrolling through your social media feeds consistently? Do you find yourself comparing yourself to others? Limit your exposure by unfollowing social media influencers, friends, and accounts that make you feel bad.

Using technology right before bed can also affect your sleep! The blue light emitted from electronic devices, such as cell phones and tablets, suppresses the body's melatonin release. Melatonin is the chemical that causes you to feel drowsy. This disruption in your body's circadian rhythm can make falling and staying asleep difficult.

It's best not to use these devices within two hours of bedtime. But if you have to use technology before bedtime, invest in blue-light-blocking glasses!

Unwind for bed by reading a book instead of scrolling through social media!

Don't you wish you knew these self-care tips sooner?

Remember – there's no wrong or right way to practice self-care.

Stop putting unrealistic self-care expectations on yourself. What matters is that you do it– your way - and in a manner that makes you feel happy and relieves stress.

We hope that you found these self-care tips helpful! Are you looking for some more ways to relieve stress? Check out how to de-stress at home with hydrotherapy!

About The Author

Jasmine is a writer who is passionate about self-care and skincare. She has over eight years of experience in specialty retail in the bath, body, and personal care industries. After a long day, Jasmine practices self-care by curling up in bed with a book and a hot cup of tea.