When I say the words "self-care", what do you picture? You're most likely thinking of bottles upon bottles of products of things that are apparently good for your skin. If that's the case, then let me tell your right now that self-care doesn't have to be that way.

For some, it can be. Some people truly find peace in a routine that gives them an hour to reflect. However, if you're like me, you'll look at those bottles and dread the time of day when you have to sit down and get through all of them. So why do people do it?

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Debunking The Picture-Perfect Routine

If you go on any social media platform and scroll for half an hour, it's more likely than not that you'll see at least one person wearing the fluffy headband and applying a product to their face. There's just something about that image that makes it appealing to everyone else and makes you want to be that person. These influencers have created a society that puts pressure on themselves to have that experience, possibly every single night. However, not only is this unnecessary, but studies have shown that it can actually be detrimental to your skin.

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Samantha Karlin, MD, FAAD, using too many products too frequently can lead to problems such as irritated skin, clogged pores, and breakouts. In other words, don't be fooled by the captions telling you that a product works "miraculously". Make sure to do your own research and determine for yourself what is truly safe and healthy.

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Not only are routines like these detrimental to your body, but they're also detrimental to your mind. The pressure to keep up with all of the influencers out there buying these products you've never heard of can add stress to your life that you definitely don't need. It's so easy to get caught up in all of the beauty trends that we forget why we do them in the first place.

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What's The Point of Self-Care?

Self-care is supposed to be relaxing and fun, so make sure that if you do buy scrubs and moisturizers, they actually feel good to use. And that's basically the core of self-care: feeling good. In a busy world, everyone deserves time where they can slow down and appreciate the smaller, more enjoyable things in life.

Time when we can focus on making ourselves better as individuals. The one thing that it's not is stressful. This is why it's critical for you to make sure you're not overwhelming yourself by forcing a system that doesn't work for you. That goes to say, it shouldn't be that complicated for you to decide what you want to do, either. Virtually anything works!

What Does Self-Care Look Like?

Self-care can be anything you want it to be, as long as it centers on your own happiness and improvement. But here are some suggestions that generally work for people.

Body

• Going on Walks: Need to clear your thoughts? Taking a walk can do that for you, all while exposing you to the sun and getting some fresh air.
• Yoga: Yoga is a great way to relax your muscles after a long day, getting you moving while maintaining a low intensity.
• Nutrition: What you eat has one of the biggest impacts on your body. Keep track of what nutrients you're not getting normally and try to implement them in your diet in the future. It can make a huge difference!
• Skincare: Yes, skincare can actually be helpful - if done right. Make sure to do your research and not overdo it on products, though. You can also try facial massages to relieve tension.

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Mind

• Journaling: If you have a lot on your mind, journaling is a way for you to get it all out on paper, lessening negative feelings and allowing you to focus on other things.
• Breathing Exercises: Focusing on your breathing can help you get in touch with yourself, allowing you to clear your mind and relax.
• Listening to Music: If there's one versatile thing in the world, it's music. There's a song that helps every mood, especially if it's a song you like, so take advantage of that and turn on your favorite playlist!
• Watch a Movie: Similar to music, people tend to find comfort in entertainment. Whether it's a movie you've watched many times or a TV show that just came out, give yourself some time every day to take a break and watch it.

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How To Create a Routine That Works

All of the suggestions above are great ways to take care of yourself, but when life gets busy, things like self-care are the first to be kicked off our schedule. Instead of piling on too much and hoping for the best, it's better to accept that you can't do everything (although we wish we could) and pick the best options for you. If you have some self-care ideas in mind, especially if it's care for your body, it's a great idea to make some type of schedule.

This can be a goal for the week, day, or even a complete plan for when you'll do these things. Regardless of what you choose, a structure will ensure that you do end up doing these things instead of pushing them off and procrastinating.

Online Influencers to Follow

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These are a few YouTubers that create content that aligns with self-care. You can look at these people for some ideas for routine or self-care-related things to do in your free time.

Cozy K - This channel focuses on creating comforting spaces in your house, along with other self-care routines.

Emily Paulichi - This channel provides many routine ideas, giving you options for structuring your life.

Yoga with Adriene - You guessed it - this channel has great yoga videos, ranging from 8-35 minutes.

If what you're looking for isn't on this list, don't be afraid to search for what you want - you'll certainly find it!

Conclusion

In the end, be careful to not let these things become a chore to you, just something to check off the list. Self-care should be fun for you, instead of something you force yourself to do. Keep things fresh but make sure that you allow yourself time to relax and prepare yourself for the next day.