The Self-Care Routine That Will Actually Lower Your Stress

If You Struggle with Anxiety and Stress, This is for You

If you've ever been told to "just relax" or "do some self-care," but you’re not even sure what that means, this is for you. Maybe you’ve tried face masks, vacations, and bubble baths, only to find that they help in the moment but don’t do much for your stress long-term.


If that sounds familiar, keep reading (or watch on Youtube) because I’m going to help you build a self-care routine you’ll actually stick with that will make a real impact on your stress levels and emotional well-being.

 
 

My Journey from Anxiety to Real Self-Care

I spent years feeling constantly stressed and overwhelmed, always counting down to the next vacation or weekend off, thinking that if I could just get a break, I’d feel better.

And I did—for a little while. But the stress always came back.

It wasn’t until I discovered what real self-care actually looked like - not just the fun stuff you see on Instagram, but true, sustainable self-care, that I finally started to calm my anxiety and build resilience to stress.

In this post, we’ll cover:

  • Why self-care matters

  • What real self-care looks like

  • The three-step self-care routine I follow every day

So grab a cup of tea, and let’s get into it.

Why Does Self-Care Matter?

Think of your emotional capacity like a bucket. Throughout your day, stressors like work deadlines, family responsibilities, or health issues fill up your bucket. You might be able to handle it for a while, but eventually if too much builds up, it overflows. And when it does that’s when burnout, panic attacks, and even chronic illnesses can develop.

Vacations or days off help empty the bucket temporarily, but if they’re too infrequent, you’ll always feel like you’re back at square one. The key to preventing your bucket from overflowing is consistent self-care that lets out small amounts of stress before it gets overwhelming.

This is why self-care isn’t just about pampering yourself; it’s about maintaining your emotional capacity so you can handle life’s challenges with more clarity, patience, and energy. When you make self-care a daily habit, you’re giving yourself the ability to:

  • Make better decisions

  • Feel more present and connected

  • Have more energy and creativity

  • Build resilience to stress

What Does Real Self-Care Look Like?

If you’re thinking, "Okay, I know I need more self-care, but what does that actually look like?" Let’s break it down.

Many people associate self-care with things like spa days, getting their nails done, or taking bubble baths. And while these things can be enjoyable, they’re often just quick dopamine hits rather than deep, restorative self-care.

Real self-care starts with checking in with yourself and asking: What do I actually need today?

Self-care will look different depending on the season of life you’re in. If you’re juggling a family, work, and personal commitments, your self-care might look different than a college student in the middle of finals. And that’s okay.

Here are some examples of real self-care:

  • Creating a budget so you feel less anxious about your finances

  • Meal prepping on Sundays so you have nourishing food ready during busy workdays

  • Scheduling a doctor’s appointment or therapy session you’ve been avoiding

  • Setting boundaries and learning to say "no"

For a well-rounded self-care routine, focus on these three areas:

  • Mind: How can I support my mental clarity and emotional well-being today?

  • Body: What does my body need today—rest, movement, nourishment?

  • Joy: What can I do that brings me happiness and lightens my mood?

Most people focus on just one area like rest or weekends off, but neglect the other areas can leave you feeling unfulfilled. Balancing all three is key to creating a sustainable self-care routine that truly lowers your stress.

My 3-Step Daily Self-Care Routine: Mind, Body, Joy

A simple way to ensure you’re practicing real self-care every day is by following what I call the Mind, Body, Joy Routine.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Pick at least one activity per day from each category: Mind, Body, and Joy.

  2. You can do them all in the morning as a routine or spread them throughout the day.

  3. The routine is flexible, you don’t have to do the same things every day and you can adjust based on your schedule and energy levels.

Example 1: Low-Energy Day

  • Mind: 5-minute brain dump journaling to clear your thoughts

  • Body: A warm shower where you check in with how your body feels

  • Joy: A FaceTime call with a friend who makes you laugh

Example 2: More Time & Energy

  • Mind: Organizing the messy pantry that stresses you out

  • Body: A workout at the gym or a long walk outside

  • Joy: Working on a creative hobby like crocheting or painting

By carving out these small moments for yourself, you can make a big impact on your emotional well-being and resilience to stress.

Need More Self-Care Ideas? Download My Free Guide!

If you need more inspiration, I’ve created a free download with over 50 self-care ideas for your Mind, Body, and Joy categories. You can grab it here.

Final Thoughts

Self-care isn’t about escaping your life, it’s about building a life you don’t need to escape from.

By incorporating small but intentional self-care habits into your daily routine, you’ll find yourself feeling calmer, more present, and better equipped to handle stress.

So, what are you going to do today for your Mind, Body, and Joy? Let me know in the comments!

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Burnout Recovery: Signs, Prevention, and Natural Remedies to Restore Your Energy