How To Build A Self-Care Routine That Doesn't Feel Like A Chore

Let’s be honest: self-care can feel like a to-do list if we’re not careful. For a long time, I thought I had to have the perfect morning routine, take a million supplements, or journal every single night just to be "doing it right." And truthfully, that mindset only left me feeling more overwhelmed.

What shifted everything for me was realizing that self-care isn’t about perfection. It’s about building rituals that actually work for you—ones that feel nourishing, not like another task.

Here's how I started:

 

I GOT CLEAR ON WHY I NEEDED SELF-CARE

Before creating a routine, I asked myself why I needed one in the first place. The answer was simple: I wanted to feel calm, more connected to myself, and less anxious in my day-to-day. That clarity became my compass.

 

I STARTED SMALL—LIKE REALLY SMALL

Instead of trying to change everything at once, I chose one small habit to anchor my day. For me, that was lighting a candle each morning and taking three deep breaths. It sounds simple, but it reminded me to slow down and set the tone for the day.

 

I FOCUSED ON MY MIND, BODY AND HOME

I find it helpful to think about self-care in three categories:

• Mind: journaling, gentle reflection, or simply checking in with how I’m feeling
• Body: drinking water, stretching, or applying body oil slowly and intentionally
• Home: tidying a small space, diffusing essential oils, or setting out clean sheets

These tiny acts helped me feel more grounded and nurtured.

 

I LET GO OF "ALL OR NOTHING" THINKING

There were days I skipped a habit or didn’t feel up for it—and that was okay. Progress, not perfection, became my new goal. Once I dropped the guilt, my routine actually stuck.

 

I CHOSE PRODUCTS THAT FEEL LIKE A TREAT

This part really changed things. When I started using products that looked beautiful, smelled incredible, and aligned with my values (non-toxic, ethically made, thoughtfully designed), my routine started to feel like something I genuinely looked forward to.

 

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. It just has to customized to fit your lifestyle. If you’re trying to build a routine that feels supportive instead of stressful, start small. Anchor into how you want to feel, not how you think it should look.

Here are a few of my favorite go-to products that help me come back to myself:

The Inner Work Journal: a daily ritual to foster a healthier relationship to self

Adaptogenic Herbal Tea: a soothing way to balance mind and body 

Teakwood & Tobacco Candle: a sensory way to reset

Your version of self-care doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It just has to make you feel good.

 

With love and appreciation,

Katelyn, Founder of Wellaine