10 Self-Care Routines to Stop Feeling Drained

Incorporating self-care routines into your life could be a game changer for your energy levels. It is an act of self-love. You are teaching your mind that you love yourself enough to do the things that your mind and body need for overall well-being. Here are some self-care routines for you. 

It isn’t a secret that many of us spend way too much time on social media. While there can be some positives to social media, a lot of the content tends to be negative and isn’t benefiting us in any way. It can feed the negative emotions and thoughts that we already have and it can cause us to compare ourselves with others.

I dare you to go on a social media detox for 7 days and see how you feel after the 7 days. Take a break from the constant stimulation and pressure and see what this does for you. 

This is similar to going on a social media detox, however, unfollowing people and content that drains your energy may help your well-being. You are what you consume and if you are consuming a lot of negative content you will become negative yourself. There is always something going on in the world and if you lock into that type of content, then you will eventually be drained and you may see the glass half empty as opposed to half full. 

This one is one of my favorites. Trying something new and different can be very exciting and add more to your life. Trying a new hobby like gardening, drawing, or photography can help you with stress management and creativity. Who knows you may have just found something that you are really good at!

It also allows you to spend time with yourself. The more you spend time with yourself the more you get to know yourself and who knows maybe you will learn about other parts of yourself that you never knew before. 

Have you ever noticed the difference in how you feel when you listen to rap music versus calming music? Your mind feels calmer, you are able to focus more, and you can be present. I’m not saying listening to rap music is terrible but sometimes we need that calming and relaxing energy. Sometimes that’s what our mind is looking for. Just to be present, still, and in the moment. 

Being in nature can be a stress reliever for so many people. Not to mention, you are getting a little bit of exercise and sun along with it. There are so many benefits to walking including managing weight, boosting your mood, and boosting immunity. This is another one that many people can do and it’s really easy to include your family especially when you’re a mom and don’t have much time to give to yourself. 

This one goes without saying. Water is essential to life and we can all benefit from drinking more water. We know that water is hydrating and that it is used to flush toxins out of the body. But what are some other not so obvious benefits of drinking more water? Water can serve as natural energy for us, it can help us balance our hormones because it flushes out excess estrogen, and it can help boost mental clarity and decision making. 

In short, try to drink more water. 

Create a weekly plan so you know what needs to get done for the week. This can significantly reduce stress. When you have a clear step by step plan, you will be amazed at how much you get done because it helps you with managing your time. Another thing that you may notice is you become more organized. This is something that I am actively working on. When you create a weekly plan, then you are able to get the most important things done and you set yourself up to achieve your goals even if they are small. 

Taking deep breaths, especially when you feel overwhelmed, is very good for bringing you back to yourself. It puts you in a state of relaxation. The evidence based living review concluded that deep breathing was associated with reduced stress and calm and creative thinking. 

I know there are so many different types of deep breathing techniques out there, but you don’t need anything complicated to incorporate these exercises into your daily routines. Just start by slowing breathing in through your nose for a few seconds and then slowing breathing out through your mouth. Do that about 3-5 times and watch how relaxed you will feel. 

Journaling is a way of putting your thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper. It’s a way to release bottled up emotions and a healthy way to express yourself.  When you are journaling, then you are allowing yourself to be honest with you which increases self-awareness. There are many journal prompts out there that you can use.

Here are a few journal prompts:

How I can I experience being “emotionally safe”

What does showing up for myself look like? 

Things I’m proud of myself for, no matter how small

What are the ways that I nourish my mind and body daily?

How do I incorporate rest daily? 

Expressing gratitude is a quick way to feel positive. It’s showing that you are grateful for the things that you have. You make room for more positivity to come into your life. You can be grateful for anything. I personally love to do this in the morning while I’m getting ready for my day. 

Engaging in self-care activities can be so helpful when you are currently in a state of feeling drained all of the time. Have you tried any of these self-care routines, if so, how has it helped you? 

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. I am not a medical or mental health professional, and you should always consult a qualified provider for guidance specific to your situation.