How Are You Really Doing? - Restarting Your Self-Care And Mental Health Routine
When was the last time you paused to ask, "How am I really doing?" If you're not sure, you're not alone. Let's face it: when life gets hectic, self-care is often the first thing to go. You promise yourself you'll "catch up" later, after work deadlines, family commitments, or that endless to-do list. Neglecting self-care doesn't save you time. It drains your energy and focus, leaving you further from your goals. Science shows that even small habits, done consistently, can rewire your brain, boost your energy, and help you handle life stressors with clarity and confidence.
The good news? Restarting your self-care routine is easier than you think! You don't need to have it all figured out to restart. "Beginning again/resetting” is one of my favorite ways to re-energize. The beauty of self-care is that it meets you wherever you are, whether you're thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between.
Why Self-Care Matters
Think of self-care as your mental and emotional fuel. Without it, stress builds, your brain gets foggy, and your body sends distress signals: poor sleep, irritability, or that constant low-energy feeling (By the way, when these go unchecked, these changes can grow and lead to depression). Even small habits, done consistently, can rewire your brain for resilience and clarity.
Self-care isn't selfish. It's how you show up as your best self for your work, loved ones, and, most importantly, yourself.
How to Restart Your Routine
Do a Self-Care Inventory
Think of this as a quick check-up for your mental, physical, and emotional health. Ask yourself,
*Physically: Am I sleeping well? Staying hydrated? Moving my body?
*Mentally: Are my thoughts mostly positive, or am I stuck in overthinking and negative spirals?
*Emotionally: Do I feel connected, supported, or completely drained by my relationships?
Identifying what's off helps you focus your energy where it matters most. Start by identifying one area that needs attention right now. Yes, write it down now!
Pick One Small Habit (Just One!)
We're more likely to fail when we try to do too much at once. Instead, focus on one small habit you can commit to this week. For example,
*Take a 10-minute walk outside every day.
*Spend 3 minutes each morning journaling or listing things you're grateful for.
*Replace scrolling your phone before bed with reading a chapter of a book.
These tiny wins add up faster than you think.
Set Up Your Environment for Success
Let's get practical. Make self-care easier by removing barriers. For example,
*Keep a water bottle by your desk so you remember to hydrate.
*Schedule breaks on your calendar like you would a meeting; make sure you check your calendar! Place it where you can easily see it.
*Set clear boundaries, like no work emails after 7 p.m. You deserve to protect your personal time!
Small tweaks to your surroundings make sticking to your habits feel almost effortless.
The Self-Care Ripple Effect
Here's the cool part: everything else gets easier when you take care of yourself. Your productivity improves, your relationships thrive, and you're more resilient when stress pops up.
Even better, you’re setting an example for those around you. Whether it's your kids, partner, colleagues, or friends, your self-care sends a powerful message: Prioritizing your well-being isn't selfish - it's smart.
Ready to Begin?
Here's your challenge: pick one small action you can take today. It could be stepping outside for a quick walk or closing your laptop 30 minutes earlier tonight. Whatever it is, start now.
Keep following for more science-backed strategies to reboot your self-care and improve your mental health. Let's do this!