Self-care. It’s a buzzword we hear everywhere—but for a long time, I didn’t think it applied to me. As a busy mom, I believed my needs came last. My days were packed with taking care of everyone else. I convinced myself I didn’t have time for things like bubble baths. I ignored activities like journaling. Until I hit burnout. I needed to change what I was doing. So I created a self care routine.
I was exhausted all the time, mentally drained, and running on autopilot. I had zero motivation. All I wanted to do was nothing. I knew something had to change, but I didn’t know where to start.
That’s when I decided to take small steps. Eventually, I created a self-care planner that helped me turn small steps into a routine I actually stick to. Now, self-care is one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s completely changed my outlook on motherhood, life, and myself.
If you’re looking to start a self-care routine that feels doable, not overwhelming, here’s exactly how I made it work. This is also how you can build your own.
1. I Started Small (with a 5-Minute Skincare Routine)
When I first decided to try self-care, I didn’t overhaul my life. I just started with one thing: a nightly skincare routine.
Something as simple as washing my face and applying moisturizer made me feel better instantly. It was a small reminder that I mattered. Even on days I didn’t shower, I would still stick to my routine. It gave me a sense of peace. It also provided consistency.
My current go-to brand is The Ordinary—affordable, effective, and perfect for my dry skin. My routine is only 4 steps and takes less than 10 minutes. Afterward, I always feel refreshed, like I did something just for me.
2. I Created a Self-Care Planner to Stay on Track
Even though the skincare routine helped, I’d often forget about it or fall back into old habits. I needed something to keep me accountable and help me feel like I was making real progress.
So I created my own Self-Care Planner—a simple, printable tool to track:
- Daily habits (like skincare, reading, bedtime)
- Affirmations
- Sleep goals
- Journal entries
- Weekly goals and reflections
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up for yourself a little bit each day.
🖨️ You can find the same printable planner I use in my Shop tab.
3. I Use Daily Affirmations to Rewire My Thoughts
One of the biggest shifts in my self-care routine was changing how I talked to myself. I realized that my brain believes what it hears most often—and that had been a steady stream of negativity.
Now, I have a list of daily affirmations for moms that I say to myself throughout the day. Things like:
- “I am doing my best, and that is enough.”
- “I am worthy of rest and joy.”
- “I am proud of the mom I am becoming.”
Repeating these affirmations has changed my mindset in ways I didn’t expect. I’m finally starting to believe in the good things I tell myself—and that’s powerful.
4. I Make Time for Things I Love (Like Reading)
Self-care isn’t just face masks and bubble baths. For me, it’s also about doing the things I love—like curling up with a good book.
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with romance novels (especially hockey romance series!). Reading helps me wind down, detach from stress, and escape into another world before bed.
If you’re looking for book recs, check out my blog post: My Top 5 Hockey Romance Books.
5. I Set a Bedtime and Stick to It
I used to stay up way too late, mindlessly scrolling or getting lost in a book. I’d wake up the next morning feeling groggy and frustrated.
Now, I set a bedtime of 11pm every night—and it’s made a huge difference. I’m finally waking up feeling rested, energized, and actually excited for the day.
Sleep is the foundation of every other self-care habit, and once I started prioritizing it, everything else became easier.
How I Stick to My Self Care Routine
Every week, I sit down with my planner and:
- Check off the daily habits I completed
- Brain dump any lingering thoughts or emotions in the journaling section
- Add new goals to the “Weekly Goals” section
- Write down why each goal matters to me (this keeps me motivated)
This weekly check-in has become one of my favorite rituals. It’s a chance to reconnect with myself, set intentions, and celebrate the little wins. Without this planner, my self care routine would be non-existent.
Final Thoughts: Create a Self Care Routine
The biggest thing I’ve learned through this journey is that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. The best thing I have done for myself is create a self care routine.
I’m not perfect at it. I still skip days. I still struggle. But I keep showing up. And every small habit I’ve built has added up to something powerful.
I’m happier, more productive, and I finally feel like me again.
If you’re just getting started, know this:
You don’t need to do it all at once. Start with one small thing—and build from there.
You deserve to feel good, you deserve to feel rested, you deserve to be taken care of too. 💛
🛒 Want to Create a Self Care Routine?
Grab my Self-Care Planner here and start building habits that help you feel your best—one page at a time.