Self care is a necessity. If you’re navigating a packed schedule, juggling responsibilities, or simply looking to recharge, a self care routine will help you reconnect with yourself and look after your physical and emotional health and well-being. But as life evolves, so should your routine. If your current self care plan feels a bit stale, it might be time to switch things up.
From mindful habits to pampering rituals, here are fresh and achievable ways to upgrade your self care routine and give yourself the TLC you deserve.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Start Your Morning Without Your Phone
- 2 2. Create a Nighttime Wind-Down Ritual
- 3 3. Paint Your Nails — Yes, Really!
- 4 4. Romanticize the Ordinary
- 5 5. Unplug for a Full Day
- 6 6. Set Weekly “Do Nothing” Time
- 7 7. Upgrade Your Environment
- 8 8. Invest in Body Care Beyond the Basics
- 9 9. Swap Multitasking for Mindfulness
- 10 10. Organize a Monthly Self Care Date
- 11 Final Thoughts
1. Start Your Morning Without Your Phone
Many of us reach for our phones the moment we wake up. But diving into emails, news, or social media first thing can spike stress levels before your feet even hit the floor. Try carving out the first 30 minutes of your morning to focus on yourself.
Use this time to stretch, hydrate, journal, or sit quietly with your coffee. Starting your day with intention rather than information overload can drastically shift your mindset and energy for the better.
2. Create a Nighttime Wind-Down Ritual
Getting better sleep is one of the most transformative self care upgrades you can make. The trick? Creating a consistent bedtime routine lets your body know that it’s time to unwind.
This could mean turning off screens an hour before bed, lighting a lavender-scented candle, or reading a few pages from a book. Over time, these habits can improve your sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and leave you feeling more refreshed in the morning.
3. Paint Your Nails — Yes, Really!
Sometimes, the smallest rituals bring the biggest mood boosts. Painting your nails is more than aesthetics — it’s a calming, creative act of self-expression. Whether you prefer classic nudes or colors, taking the time to care for your hands can feel surprisingly therapeutic.
Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to carve out some “me time” without distractions. Light a candle, play your favorite playlist, and turn your manicure session into a mini self care retreat.
And if you want your nails to look as good as they feel, don’t settle for just any polish. Choose products that offer salon-quality results at home. You can shop FOX Nails for high-quality gel polishes, base coats, and accessories that make your DIY manicure feel like a spa day.
4. Romanticize the Ordinary
It’s easy to think self care means buying fancy products or going on expensive getaways, but sometimes, the most impactful moments are already part of your daily life. The important thing is being intentional.
Pour your morning coffee into your favorite mug. Take a moment to appreciate how the sunlight hits your kitchen table. Listen to music while you tidy up. Add lemon slices and cucumber to your water like you’re at a resort. When you start treating ordinary tasks as rituals, they become little acts of joy instead of chores.
5. Unplug for a Full Day
Digital detoxes might sound intense, but dedicating a day, or even just a few hours, to being offline can reset your nervous system in ways you didn’t expect. Being constantly connected means we’re rarely alone with our thoughts, which can leave us feeling scattered or burned out.
Try setting boundaries with tech: turn your phone on airplane mode, leave it in another room, or spend a Sunday phone-free. Go for a walk, cook a slow meal, or just rest without the need to “check in.” You might be surprised at how light and present you feel afterward.
6. Set Weekly “Do Nothing” Time
This one sounds simple, but it’s often the hardest to implement. Our culture tends to associate productivity with worth, but true self care sometimes means doing absolutely nothing. Give yourself permission to have a time block every week where there’s no to-do list, no chores, no expectations.
Sit on the couch. Stare out the window. Lie on the floor and stretch. Whatever “nothing” looks like for you, honor it. It’s not lazy; it’s restorative.
7. Upgrade Your Environment
Your space affects your state of mind. A cluttered, uninspiring environment can make it hard to feel calm, focused, or motivated. Take small steps to upgrade the spaces you spend the most time in.
Declutter your nightstand and add a calming lamp or scented spray. Swap out old towels for soft, cozy ones. Hang art that makes you smile. These changes don’t need to be expensive — just intentional.
By creating a space that feels good, you’re more likely to treat yourself with the same care.
8. Invest in Body Care Beyond the Basics
Most of us have our go-to cleansers and lotions, but upgrading your body care can take your self care routine from functional to luxurious.
Think beyond just “cleaning” and focus on how products make you feel. A nourishing body oil, a dry brush, or an at-home massage tool can transform a quick shower into a full ritual. You’re not just washing your skin — you’re caring for the body that carries you through each day.
9. Swap Multitasking for Mindfulness
Multitasking might feel productive, but it often leads to mental fatigue and stress. One easy way to upgrade your routine is to start doing things more mindfully — even the everyday stuff.
When you eat, put your phone away and actually taste your food. When you’re on a walk, notice your surroundings. When you’re in the shower, feel the warmth of the water instead of racing through.
These small shifts pull you into the present moment, and over time, they can make a big impact on your overall well-being.
10. Organize a Monthly Self Care Date
Once a month, treat yourself like your own best friend. This could be a solo lunch at your favorite café, a movie night in, or a new class you’ve been curious about. The point is to schedule time that’s just for you — without guilt or apology.
Planning these dates in advance not only gives you something to look forward to, but it also reminds you that you are worth your own time and attention.
Final Thoughts
Self care doesn’t have to be elaborate, expensive, or time-consuming. The real magic lies in the little things you do consistently and with intention. Whether it’s setting your phone aside, painting your nails, or reclaiming a quiet evening, these small upgrades have the power to improve your mood, mindset, and balance.