It’s very easy in January to be good about taking time to workout, meal prepping, and having a good skincare routine. As the year goes on and the months roll by the things we do for ourselves fall by the wayside. These are 10 things to do for yourself every day that will make a huge difference in how you feel.
Plan out your day: Every night before I go to bed I make a plan for the next day. I take into consideration the amount of work I have, any meetings or dr appointments, as well as errands and a trip to the gym. Having a plan for your day will make you wake up feeling like you can take on the world.
Get in a sweat sesh: For me working out is an essential part of every single day. Not for any reason other than it makes me feel good. If you’ve seen the movie Legally Blonde you’ll remember this quote “I just don’t think that Brooke could’ve done this. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” So there you go!
Take time for your skin: No matter how late I am running in the morning or how tired I am at night I go through my entire skincare routine morning and night. I wash my face, put on serum, moisturizer and eye cream as well as spot treat when needed. Taking time for your skin is extremely important!
Catch up on news: Do you use, The Skimm? I recently rediscovered this and it is revolutionizing my mornings. I really love being able to skimm through whats going on in the world right in my inbox.
Listen to something you like: I love podcasts. I listen to them daily. Some of my favorites are The Shipping Room, Best of Friends, Carrie On, Serial, Coffee with Chrachel, and Gilmore Guys. I also REALLY love First and Final but it’s not on all the time. Since I enjoy listening to podcasts I try to listen to them when I’m driving, at the gym, and doing work. Since driving tends to stress me out (traffic) I know listening to something I enjoy will put me in a good mood! Who wants to be in a bad mood?
Talk to a friend: My best friends do not live in Texas. One is in OKC, one in Baltimore, and one in New Jersey. I do have really great friends in Dallas, but talking to one of my best friends be it in text, Google Hangouts, Facebook, or on the phone is an essential part to my day and something I always make time for.
Hydrate: This is pretty self explanatory but drinking water is important. Hydration is key. It makes your skin clearer, relieves headaches, and is usually the cause of not feeling well. I try to constantly drink water throughout the day. I keep a tumbler full and with me at all times. You should be drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Smile: Smile, it will make you happy. Smiling at others is just the best.
Write it out: Blogging and journaling are great things. Being able to write out your feelings and thoughts is a great form of therapy and coping for things that may be wrong in your life. If you don’t want to write about something on your public blog have a word document on your computer, a journal or notebook, or somewhere that you can write down your thoughts and feelings from the day.
Night routine: At night I wash my face, brush my teeth, put on lip balm, take vitamins, and get into bed. I have a big full tumbler of water and my iPad. Andrew and I answer our daily question in our “Our Q&A a day” book. I highly recommend this for ANY couple! Then we usually watch an episode or two of a TV show, I read for a bit and go to sleep. I love having a routine at night. It just makes me feel good!
Doing things for yourself has to be your first priority every day. If you aren’t taking care of yourself, how can you take care of anyone or anything else? These are not things that take a lot of time and are probably some things you do anyway.
I love this! I feel like it’s a very good way to think about of doing things you should be doing for yourself because I’ve honestly never sat down and said, “I need to do this FOR myself every day.” Great post x
Going to the gym is my little time to myself. I love my gym workouts and even though they are usually only about an hour it is nice to just get some time fo rme.
love, love, love this!!! I have been trying to avoid screens (phone, laptop, etc) in the first two hours of waking up and the last two hours before going to sleep. It has been GREAT. (but was a major challenge at first. #screenaddict)
Great thoughts! I am getting into the habit of planning the night before. I also work out not just to maintain my weight but because of how it makes me feel.
I like routine also. Awake at 5:30 every morning {unless the insomnia has me up before then}. Hubby heads off to work, I spend my morning doing this … emails, blogging, catching up, watching morning news, water, coffee and vitamins. The kids lunches and breakfast drop them off, them my own sweat session with a good run or a Pure Barre workout.
Daily routine is great and keeps life moving smoothly. I totally agree with your list.
I really need to get on a skin care routine! After years of perfect skin, pregnancy made mine dry and oily…at the same time! I love that you include talking to a friend:)
I love the Skimm, it’s so great because I never have time to watch the news/ read the newspaper in the morning. I also want to start listening to podcasts- thanks for sharing your favorites.
Haha I love Legally blonde and that quote and completely agree! People often ask me why I exercise every morning before work, and it is because it is my happy time. A time when I can rid all the problems/tasks that are facing me during the day and just really focus. Great list! Have a great day 🙂
I really love this list. Everything on here is relatively simple and so it’s actually possible to do each of these things every day. I really need to get better at working out and drinking more water daily!
I am so excited to start Serial. I am trying to get into journaling, but think I need more of a guided journal to like it. Thanks for the post, all great things!
You and I have a ton of similarities with how we like to tend to our days! I’ve been trying to get in a workout every single day, and I’ve noticed that I have a healthier day when I start fresh with a workout (I’ll drink more water throughout the day, make better eating choices, etc.) I think working out sets me pace for the day and sets me day on a good note. I also love writing in my journal. It calms my mind at the end of a long day.
Had to stop by and say that I have the mug in the photo.. I love it! 😀
The main thing I do for myself every day is yoga. Sometimes it’s an hour, sometimes it’s only 5 minutes but it helps me relax and face the rest of my day!
Such a great list I need to get better at doing things for myself I”m always thinking of everyone else and leaving myself behind but this year I am determined to change that!
I am so into taking time for myself each day. It’s all about self-care and this is a great list! I’m definitely going to have to check out the podcasts you’ve recommended. I’m dying to listen to the second season of Serial! xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
This is such a great list! I need to start getting a sweat sesh in EVERY day! And I love the idea of listening to a podcast while working out…definitely going to do that today!
Thanks so much for this! I really really need to hydrate more and work a nightly routine. More often than not I fall asleep with my makeup on– a big no no!
I love going through my skincare routine at night. It always feels good and makes me feel like I’m on top of things. Recently I realized that I haven’t been drinking as much water during the day, which is unusual for me, so I’m really thirsty and drink a lot at night. That’s not really conducive to sleep, so I started filling a tumbler with water and leaving it by my bed so that it’s there when I reach for my glasses in the morning. I carry that around with me as I get ready in the morning and it starts my day off with a couple glasses of water. It has really helped me! It regulates my water intake so I don’t need to drink as much at night and I sleep better!
I’m a big fan of the day plan and night routine. I do both and the structure makes me feel so good about how the day goes! Once you do it everyday for awhile, it really just becomes a habit and you really don’t have to do it or force yourself to anymore.
These are great! All of them are soo essential! I subscribed to the Skimm! I can’t wait! I definitely need to work on staying in contact with my friends and family. Also I go through phases with skin care! I don’t know what it is but I hate washing my face but it feels so good afterwords lol! Thanks for sharing!
This is a great list. My husband suggested that before bed we set aside time to listen to Serial. He has listened to it already, but he wants to listen again with me. Looking forward to it. I also love and appreciate the Skimm – I often don’t have time or the will to watch the news for hours or read the newspaper, so this is a lifesaver for me.
These are great pieces of advice! I use theSkimm everyday – it’s how I keep up with all the happenings in the world but don’t get bogged down with EVERYTHING. I would add meditate or five minutes of quiet time per day to your list 🙂 I’ve found that five minutes of nothing every day helps me to see clearer and have an overall more focused and productive day.
Taking the time to prioritize what I’m going to do with my day really helps… I might not get everything done on my todo list, but if a few things do, I consider it a successful day.
Is Serial in season two yet???? I’m right there with ya in loving it, and I haven’t heard of a bunch of these other podcasts so I’ll need to check ’em out ASAP! And yup – a good sweat sesh totally transforms my day to come. Amen!!
I cannot agree more about taking care of your skin! The Korean 10 step religous care system is something I’m slowllllllyyy getting into. I just bought the Laneige hydration kit to try!
Wow! so many great things. I’ve recently started a new workout program, and it’s gotten me back into the habit of working out pretty much every day! Definitely perks me up!
Loved this post Neely! And def needed it. So true how the little things can really make a difference in your day. I need to be better about writing every day, outside of my blog.
Love this! It is so important to do little things every day for yourself. It just makes life that much better. Nice work on the Legally Blonde quote too 🙂
I’ve always loved that quote from Legally Blonde. I have a very hard time getting myself to work out, but I know I feel so much better when I do it consistently!
This is honestly the best list I have seen for New Year resolution type posts! Creative and exactly what most people really need besides the big enormous goals most of us make. Having a plan for the next day is one that really helps me and if I was in a relationship the Q and A book would be next.
Neely, this is perfect! I seriously need to start doing all of these. I feel like I’ve been a total rut since I started working from home. While I totally love the luxury of working at home, I feel like it’s hurting my self-care/health. Definitely going to start these! Thanks for sharing!
Your days sound pretty heavenly. I have a checklist now in my notebook that includes – drink lots of water, get outside, and call a friend. It’s working so far!
These are such fantastic tips! I especially, ESPECIALLY need to work on taking time to go through my whole skin care routine each morning and night. Sometimes I’m just too tired, and I skip it entirely or just splash water on my face and call it good, but I can always tell a difference on the days that I don’t care for my skin vs. the days that I do. And especially now that I’m 32, I feel like it’s even more important. Ahh!
Fantastic tips. I loved this post and your blog! Just discovered you and am subscribing so I can look forward to reading your future posts. Have a lovely and blessed weekend!
Personally I need to start working out regularly and writing things down. Great ideas. I do most but of course not all.
I love this! I feel like it’s a very good way to think about of doing things you should be doing for yourself because I’ve honestly never sat down and said, “I need to do this FOR myself every day.” Great post x
xo, Kimberly
http://www.blogsfordays.com
Going to the gym is my little time to myself. I love my gym workouts and even though they are usually only about an hour it is nice to just get some time fo rme.
Alone time. For me every day, I need a little alone time. I get things done. To take a nap. To pamper myself. Something for my sanity!
love, love, love this!!! I have been trying to avoid screens (phone, laptop, etc) in the first two hours of waking up and the last two hours before going to sleep. It has been GREAT. (but was a major challenge at first. #screenaddict)
Great thoughts! I am getting into the habit of planning the night before. I also work out not just to maintain my weight but because of how it makes me feel.
I pinned this. I like that it’s a very doable list. And I love smiling . . . it gives better wrinkles. 🙂
I like routine also. Awake at 5:30 every morning {unless the insomnia has me up before then}. Hubby heads off to work, I spend my morning doing this … emails, blogging, catching up, watching morning news, water, coffee and vitamins. The kids lunches and breakfast drop them off, them my own sweat session with a good run or a Pure Barre workout.
Daily routine is great and keeps life moving smoothly. I totally agree with your list.
I really need to get on a skin care routine! After years of perfect skin, pregnancy made mine dry and oily…at the same time! I love that you include talking to a friend:)
I love the Skimm, it’s so great because I never have time to watch the news/ read the newspaper in the morning. I also want to start listening to podcasts- thanks for sharing your favorites.
xo,
Kristie
Kristie’s Reverie
I love all of these ideas! I don’t do a lot of the things I should and will make a point to try!
Haha I love Legally blonde and that quote and completely agree! People often ask me why I exercise every morning before work, and it is because it is my happy time. A time when I can rid all the problems/tasks that are facing me during the day and just really focus. Great list! Have a great day 🙂
This is such a great easy to accomplish list. I am definitely focusing on water and stucking with my skincare routine this year!
XOXO
http://Www.styletothet.com
I really love this list. Everything on here is relatively simple and so it’s actually possible to do each of these things every day. I really need to get better at working out and drinking more water daily!
I am so excited to start Serial. I am trying to get into journaling, but think I need more of a guided journal to like it. Thanks for the post, all great things!
I’d love to do all these everyday lol. But writing down things is something I ‘m getting serious about. I feel great and very productive.
You and I have a ton of similarities with how we like to tend to our days! I’ve been trying to get in a workout every single day, and I’ve noticed that I have a healthier day when I start fresh with a workout (I’ll drink more water throughout the day, make better eating choices, etc.) I think working out sets me pace for the day and sets me day on a good note. I also love writing in my journal. It calms my mind at the end of a long day.
Had to stop by and say that I have the mug in the photo.. I love it! 😀
The main thing I do for myself every day is yoga. Sometimes it’s an hour, sometimes it’s only 5 minutes but it helps me relax and face the rest of my day!
Hannah
– smeethsaysfashion.com
I love all your tips! I have delayed trying the SKIMM, but now I will. (and the Q&A, i need to connect with the hubby more during the day)
Such a great list I need to get better at doing things for myself I”m always thinking of everyone else and leaving myself behind but this year I am determined to change that!
I am so into taking time for myself each day. It’s all about self-care and this is a great list! I’m definitely going to have to check out the podcasts you’ve recommended. I’m dying to listen to the second season of Serial! xx Merisa | Monogrammed Magnolias
This is such a great list! I need to start getting a sweat sesh in EVERY day! And I love the idea of listening to a podcast while working out…definitely going to do that today!
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
Yes, yes, and more yes!! I need to do all of these! Working on taking time for myself this year – it is one of my goals 🙂
These are some great things. I am still learning a lot of them.
Thanks so much for this! I really really need to hydrate more and work a nightly routine. More often than not I fall asleep with my makeup on– a big no no!
I love going through my skincare routine at night. It always feels good and makes me feel like I’m on top of things. Recently I realized that I haven’t been drinking as much water during the day, which is unusual for me, so I’m really thirsty and drink a lot at night. That’s not really conducive to sleep, so I started filling a tumbler with water and leaving it by my bed so that it’s there when I reach for my glasses in the morning. I carry that around with me as I get ready in the morning and it starts my day off with a couple glasses of water. It has really helped me! It regulates my water intake so I don’t need to drink as much at night and I sleep better!
I’m a big fan of the day plan and night routine. I do both and the structure makes me feel so good about how the day goes! Once you do it everyday for awhile, it really just becomes a habit and you really don’t have to do it or force yourself to anymore.
Awesome tips! We should definitely think more about ourselves and take the time to! Such a wonderful reminder!
These are great! All of them are soo essential! I subscribed to the Skimm! I can’t wait! I definitely need to work on staying in contact with my friends and family. Also I go through phases with skin care! I don’t know what it is but I hate washing my face but it feels so good afterwords lol! Thanks for sharing!
This is a great list. My husband suggested that before bed we set aside time to listen to Serial. He has listened to it already, but he wants to listen again with me. Looking forward to it. I also love and appreciate the Skimm – I often don’t have time or the will to watch the news for hours or read the newspaper, so this is a lifesaver for me.
Great tips Neely! I’m a huge fan of waking up and planning out my day!
These are great pieces of advice! I use theSkimm everyday – it’s how I keep up with all the happenings in the world but don’t get bogged down with EVERYTHING. I would add meditate or five minutes of quiet time per day to your list 🙂 I’ve found that five minutes of nothing every day helps me to see clearer and have an overall more focused and productive day.
Taking the time to prioritize what I’m going to do with my day really helps… I might not get everything done on my todo list, but if a few things do, I consider it a successful day.
Is Serial in season two yet???? I’m right there with ya in loving it, and I haven’t heard of a bunch of these other podcasts so I’ll need to check ’em out ASAP! And yup – a good sweat sesh totally transforms my day to come. Amen!!
Coming Up Roses
love this!! It is so important to take care of yourself as well.
I cannot agree more about taking care of your skin! The Korean 10 step religous care system is something I’m slowllllllyyy getting into. I just bought the Laneige hydration kit to try!
Joua To The Rescue
Wow! so many great things. I’ve recently started a new workout program, and it’s gotten me back into the habit of working out pretty much every day! Definitely perks me up!
Awesome tips!! I love The Skimm for staying in the know!
Awesome list! One thing I would add to it though is to pray!
Loved this post Neely! And def needed it. So true how the little things can really make a difference in your day. I need to be better about writing every day, outside of my blog.
These are all great!
I definitely need to put taking care of my skin and working out on the top of my list.
xoxo, Jenny
My favorite is smile! I wish people would do that more, it really does turn your whole day around!
Agreed. A workout always makes me feel better. I’m working on my skin and hydrating.
Love this! It is so important to do little things every day for yourself. It just makes life that much better. Nice work on the Legally Blonde quote too 🙂
I need to workout more!
Thank you for these reminders! These are definites for every day. 🙂
I’ve always loved that quote from Legally Blonde. I have a very hard time getting myself to work out, but I know I feel so much better when I do it consistently!
This is honestly the best list I have seen for New Year resolution type posts! Creative and exactly what most people really need besides the big enormous goals most of us make. Having a plan for the next day is one that really helps me and if I was in a relationship the Q and A book would be next.
Neely, this is perfect! I seriously need to start doing all of these. I feel like I’ve been a total rut since I started working from home. While I totally love the luxury of working at home, I feel like it’s hurting my self-care/health. Definitely going to start these! Thanks for sharing!
Love the legally blonde quote! I am TOTALLY going to put that on netflix while I work today, ha!
Your days sound pretty heavenly. I have a checklist now in my notebook that includes – drink lots of water, get outside, and call a friend. It’s working so far!
It’s easy to forget things as time goes by. I’m working on getting back to a skin care regimen for my face.
These are such fantastic tips! I especially, ESPECIALLY need to work on taking time to go through my whole skin care routine each morning and night. Sometimes I’m just too tired, and I skip it entirely or just splash water on my face and call it good, but I can always tell a difference on the days that I don’t care for my skin vs. the days that I do. And especially now that I’m 32, I feel like it’s even more important. Ahh!
These are all great! Reading theSkimm is one of the first things I do every morning!
I love this! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your daily routine. Also I didn’t know that you had a BFF in Baltimore 🙂
Fantastic tips. I loved this post and your blog! Just discovered you and am subscribing so I can look forward to reading your future posts. Have a lovely and blessed weekend!
Wonderful tips!!! Thank you for these reminders!
xx,
Aldy.
I definitely need to get into a night time routine. I get so pre-occupied with getting my little one in bed that I myself crawl into bed by that time!
WONDERFUL list. I am really working on the skin care and the hydration. Trying to take care of myself better than I have in the past.