Easy Upgrades to Basic Self-Care

Easy upgrades to basic self-care can make daily tasks more enjoyable.

This can help you stay consistent with your routine and also get more benefit from them.

Sometimes our self-care routines can just feel a bit “too routine.” Let’s look at some ways to upgrade basic self-care to make it more enjoyable.

In our post on getting back into a self-care routine we looked at ways to restart several of these activities.

Today we will look at the most basic self-care routines. While these tasks may not be glamorous or “extra” they are an important component of our self care as human beings.

Why Upgrade Basic Self-Care?

Routine is good. It sets these tasks into your day consistently. For example, you wake up, get coffee, help your kids to the bus, get dressed.

These tasks all need to be done and routines help all the important steps happen.

But sometimes it can get a bit boring.

You might also start to feel as if you are running on autopilot or just going through the motions.

You may even begin to feel stuck.

This can lead to neglecting these important self-care tasks.

Adding a little “extra” to these activities in even small ways can help you regain that spark of joy.

While I enjoy summer trips, birthdays, holidays, and graduations, I really want to enjoy my daily life. I want that for you too.

Take It from Routine to Ritual

Routine is an action that needs to be done.

Ritual is an action that has meaning and purpose. It is not just for spiritual or religious activities.

For example, I have to brush my teeth is a routine.

But, it can become a ritual. For example, I brush my teeth to take care of my overall health. While brushing my teeth I count my blessings. I also focus on an affirmation. When I am done brushing my teeth, I also take a moment to drink a cool glass of water.

As we look into the activities below, keep the idea of ritual in mind.

Let’s look at Five Activities Of Basic Self-Care

• Hydration
• Sleep
• Hygiene
• Physical Activity
• Diet

These areas may seem basic at first glance. But, if you are lacking in these areas then self-care in higher levels is more difficult. It also makes completing our other daily tasks within the family and work more difficult.

Easy Upgrades to Basic Self-Care

Now let’s look at ways to upgrade these basic self-care activities.

Hydration

We have all heard the importance of drinking enough water. For example, water benefits our energy levels, skin, mental acuity and more. Let’s look at a few ways to upgrade this from task to an enjoyable experience.

Add Flavor

If you want something beyond plain water you can enjoy a cup or tea. You could also pop in a few pieces of fruit for a gentle flavor.

Easy portable containers

Whether you are at home, on the road, or in the office, having easy access to water helps maintain hydration throughout the day. These pretty bottles come in various colors and have encouraging lines to help you reach your hydration goals.

Ph Water Bottles

Take water to the next level with water bottles designed to filter impurities and raise the Ph level of your drinking water. I enjoy both the travel bottle and the at home pitchers.

Sleep

We already focused on some ways to improve sleep in our posts about Exhaustion and Better Quality Sleep. Let’s now look at some other upgrades.

Upgrade Your Pillowcase

A fresh set of sheets can upgrade your sleep experience. But on a smaller scale, a nice pillow case that will care for your hair and skin is a worthwhile investment. Having a second one on hand to rotate easily during the week is an added bonus.

I use this Silvon Anti-Acne Pillowcase and have noticed a reduction in breakouts on my cheeks.

Sleepwear

It can be easy to throw on some yoga pants or sweats and call it a night. A special pajama set can be a small luxurious upgrade to your bedtime ritual. A pair of aloe-infused fuzzy socks will keep your warm and your feet soft.

Hygiene

Try a New Scent

If you gravitate towards florals, you could give a citrus scent a try. Are you used to body wash? Try a bar or a scrub. A small change can take this daily activity from routine to ritual. You may find a new favorite in the process!

Hair towel

If you are tempted to skip washing your hair due to drying time, give this fast drying towel a try. It will save you time and help the health of your hair.

Upgrade Your Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth probably feels very mundane. But, the care of our teeth and gums can affect overall health. Has it been a while since you changed your toothbrush? Consider upgrading from a manual to a battery operated toothbrush for extra efficiency.

Physical Activity

Make it a game. See is you can do X amount of jumping jacks during a commercial break.

Make it easily accessible. I like to keep a kettlebell right near my bathroom and try to complete a few reps each time I pass it.

Break down tasks. Taking in the groceries? Take a few extra trips. Doing the laundry? Instead of a basket, take small batches of folded clothes from the laundry room to the closet.

Diet

Make it a challenge. For example, eat a fruit with every meal challenge or eat a mindful dinner (no tv or distractions).

Try one new fruit or vegetable each week for a month. Bonus – try a few different ways to prepare the vegetables. You can also find new meals, smoothies, or salads to add in the fruit or vegetable.

If you find getting enough vegetables into your diet you can also hide greens in a smoothie.

Sweets are a challenge for me. By making this a ritual, I have been able to enjoy one or two small sweets. I have a cup of tea or decaf coffee in the evenings. I choose a reasonably sized sweet and then slowly enjoy it. This has also helped me reduce mindless overeating, especially at night.

Easy Upgrades for Basic Self-Care: Summary

Today we looked at several ways to upgrade basic self-care activities. We focused on taking activities from routine to ritual. We also looked at ways to upgrade hydration, sleep, hygiene, physical activity, and diet.

Looking to upgrade other areas of your life? You may also be interested in ways to upgrade Self-Care in the Kitchen or Self-Care in the Bathroom.

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