By Kirsten Schmidtke

There’s no doubt that self-care has seen more time on our social media feeds than ever before and it shows no signs of stopping. What was once associated with trips to the spa or a glass of wine with girlfriends, has turned into something much more meaningful and essential to our well-being. As we continue to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with the current territory, it is easy to feel out of touch not only with reality, but with ourselves. And when we take care of ourselves first, we are able to take care of others. 

Over the last year, I have found myself drawn to the world of wellness and I have been thriving thanks to the self-care practices I’ve adopted and implemented in my day-to-day. I’ve learned that when you prioritize your wellness, finding balance in your life comes much more naturally. And in creating space for self-care practices, we are led to living happier, more fulfilled lives. 

Below, I’ve gathered my favourite self-care practices that continue to support my lifestyle and leave me feeling energized and full of vitality. Know that this is a place to start and I encourage you to pick your favourite one to see if it works for you - consistency is key here. If you’re looking to adopt a new ritual or practice in your daily routine, choose something that’s accessible and attainable and commit to doing it every day to experience its full benefits and create lasting change. 

Create A Morning Ritual

Find something in the morning that you look forward to doing, and take that time for yourself every day. Bonus if you can make it at the same time every morning too. What started as lemon water first thing when waking up, has evolved and is now followed by yoga, meditation, journaling, and reading - oh, and coffee! (I get up pretty early).

Drink More Water

Tip: Prep your water the night before. I pour myself a pitcher of filtered water before I go to bed so that it’s room temperature and ready to drink the next day. I’ve measured it to know that when it’s empty, I’ve had my full 64 ounces for the day.

Practice Mindfulness

And if you’re up for it, meditate too. Being mindful can be as simple as ditching the multi-tasking mindset and paying attention to what you are doing in the moment. I’ve learned that sometimes doing nothing is everything. 
Want to try meditation but not sure where to start? My friend Danica founded The Sit Studio for you and has a great 7-day intro you can access for free. 

Dress For Yourself

When you dress up for yourself, you show up for yourself. It doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy working in a pair of leggings or comfy bottoms, but enjoy the process of picking out what you wear every day. Be intentional about what you put on and how it transforms your mood - accessories included!

Wear Your Wellness

Accessories have the power to elevate your outfit - especially when people are only seeing you from the waist up! I’ve prioritized my skincare routine, ditched the makeup, and added jewelry to look polished online. Take it one step further, and wear pieces featuring gemstones that have properties that promote energy, healing, and feeling grounded. 

Get Outside

Even if it’s only for 10 minutes, enjoy breathing in the fresh air and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.

Move Your Body

Find an activity that works for you and get that body moving! Whether it’s taking a meeting while you go for a walk, having a mid-afternoon dance party, or getting in a sweaty workout before the day starts, do what works for you.

Express Yourself

Be curious, be creative: self expression is self care. Find something that brings you joy and leaves you feeling in the flow. I’m so passionate about this topic that I created a community to support those looking to thrive by living creative lives. Join us here.

Create Boundaries

I’ve learned that boundaries are needed in both our personal and professional lives in order for us to do our best work and be our best selves. Whether that’s staying firm on when you shut down at the end of the day, or setting expectations with loved ones about how they communicate, boundaries are essential to your well-being. Here’s my guide on how boundaries can keep you from burnout.

Turn Off Tech 

Give yourself a break in the morning and shut down at least one hour before bed. If looking at your phone is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do before going to sleep, believe me, you’re doing it wrong. Tip: leave tech out of the bedroom to avoid the temptation. 

Give Your Gut a Break

Whether you’re an advocate for intermittent fasting or not, there is no doubt we sleep better and wake up feeling better when we don’t go to bed on a full stomach. Take it one step further and check in with your sugar consumption - it can be found in unsuspected places and send your energy on a rollercoaster throughout the day.

Prioritize Sleep

Get those Zs in by following three simple tips: 1) Turn off tech an hour before bed and leave it outside your bedroom, 2) Give yourself a couple of hours to digest your last meal before calling it a night, and 3) If you’re tired, give in and go to bed.