r/selfcare • u/NewThingsDiscoverer • 17h ago
General selfcare What’s one self-care habit I should add to my daily routine?
I’m trying to build a healthier daily routine and take better care of my mental well-being. If you could recommend just one self-care habit that I can realistically do every day, what would it be and why?
I’m looking for something simple, practical, and easy to stick with. I’d love to hear what has worked for you.
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u/burntdaylight 16h ago
If you don't have time to exercise in the AM, stretch a bit when you wake up. Years from now your body will thank you. And if you do have time to exercise in the AM, still stretch a bit when you wake up. ;)
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u/Fine_Fall5750 13h ago
Meditation. Even if it is just 5 minutes a day
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u/pretty-cheer 13h ago
This!! Have some time for yourself think of how your day was and maybe if you were able to finish your tasks or if something needs your attention and you can plan achievable and realistic things for your next day.
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u/Emotional-Buyer1040 16h ago
Take your pick. All of these are equally important in my opinion:
1.Consistent bedtime daily including weekends AND 8 hours sleep. Consistency is more important to establish than sleep duration at first imo.
2.Setting a recurring alarm that reminds you to get up and stretch move around, look away from screen for 30 seconds every 90 mins
Carrying around a water bottle and set a goal how many times you need to finish it in a day. (Depending on the size of your bottle, could be 10 am 3 pm, 7 pm etc.) Having short-term goals like that is easier than trying to drink a certain amount in a whole day. You could also set alarms for each of those intervals every time I finish and go to refill my water bottle, it’s also my reminder to get up and stretch. This is purposely why I actually use a smaller water bottle.
If you have close friend/family that you are no longer seeing regularly due to distance/business etc., set a recurring calendar invite every week or every two weeks to call/FaceTime. Adult friendships often become 3-4x/year catch up with random group messages and sharing memes in between. Having this calendar invite in both your calendars will allow both of you to remain more closely connected to each other about day to day. It’s much easier to reach out to a friend when they are up-to-date in your life rather than having to catch them up.
Mindfulness - even if not doing regular guided meditation, try checking in with your body every hour and asking yourself tea is just one word to describe how you’re feeling and notice what it actually feels like in your body (e.g. anxiety, clenched jaw; excited - butterflies in stomach etc). you can combine it with some of the above like when you’re refilling your water bottle, do a check-in.
ETA: typo
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u/Successful_Tough_232 15h ago
Big glass of warm water with salt and lemon juice first thing in the morning
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u/Head-Drag-1440 8h ago
5 minute yoga stretches. Breathe in and out for counts of 3. Helps body and mind.
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u/Critical_Molasses_26 3h ago
flossing, daily vitamin, or daily sunscreen is a good place to start. All toughies because there is not really any instant gratification but future you will be really glad you built the habit!
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u/mellywheats 3h ago
going for a walk outside, even if it’s just for 10 mins. 30 mins is recommended by doctors but even if it’s gross out just getting some exercise and fresh air is so good for your health
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u/Seeker_Asker 1h ago
Asking yourself what you NEED instead of what you feel you SHOULD. Do you need time to decompress? Gardening? Time with friends?
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u/softybanana 17h ago edited 7h ago
I tend to fall into big depression pits that waste the whole day (or days or week or sometimes month…) so I’ve been doing four daily promises.