You’re a high achieving professional accustomed to setting ambitious goals and reaching new heights in your career. You juggle demanding projects, needs and commitments and you often find yourself pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Amidst this relentless drive for success, you may have turned your attention to self care, seeking out the perfect morning routine to balance your personal wellbeing with your professional aspirations. Yet, despite your best efforts, the quest for a flawless self care routine might be adding more stress to your life, rather than easing it. You may be inadvertently setting yourself up for unrealistic expectations and additional pressure, which might actually be destroying your wellbeing.
The Allure of Perfect Morning Routines
You’ve probably seen them—those enticing “get ready with me” videos on social media where influencers start their day with an impressive array of activities. They wake up in the dark, journal, meditate, watch the sunrise, exercise, indulge in an elaborate skincare routine, blend a glamorous smoothie, and still manage to get to work on time, looking effortlessly chic. These videos paint a picture of the perfect morning routine that seems not only achievable but essential for a successful day. It’s tempting to think that adopting such a routine could be the key to unlocking your own productivity and wellbeing.
The Reality Check
While these routines are visually appealing, they often present an unrealistic standard. For most people, fitting all these activities into a single morning is neither practical nor sustainable. The pressure to emulate these elaborate routines can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress, especially when you’re unable to replicate the perfection you see online.
The Stress of Trying to “Do It All”
Trying to adhere to a perfect morning routine can quickly become a source of additional stress. If you’re setting your alarm for 5AM to fit in every single activity, only to find yourself rushing or skipping parts of the routine, the intended benefits of self care can be overshadowed by frustration and self-criticism. Instead of starting your day feeling rejuvenated, you might end up feeling more frazzled and defeated.
How to find your own self care routine?
Customise your routine: Rather than aiming to replicate a set routine, tailor your morning activities to what truly works for you. Identify a few key practices that make you feel grounded and energised, and focus on integrating those into your morning. It might be a quick stretch, a brief journaling session, or a few moments of mindfulness—whatever resonates with you.
Embrace flexibility: Recognise that some days will be different from others. It’s okay if you don’t follow a rigid routine every single day. Allow yourself the flexibility to adjust based on your needs and schedule, which can help reduce the pressure and make self care feel more manageable.
Integrate self care throughout the day: Instead of cramming everything into your morning, find moments throughout the day for self care. Whether it’s a short walk during lunch, a quick meditation break, or simply taking a few deep breaths, integrating self care into various parts of your day can be just as effective as an elaborate morning routine.
Focus on joy, not perfection: Choose self care activities that you genuinely enjoy and that make you feel good, rather than those that feel obligatory. When self care becomes something you look forward to, rather than another item on your to-do list, it’s more likely to have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small, imperfect steps you take toward self care. Instead of waiting for a perfect routine, appreciate the efforts you make and the progress you achieve. Recognising these small victories can boost your motivation and satisfaction.
The pursuit of a flawless self care routine, influenced by the glamorous and seemingly attainable standards set by social media, can sometimes create more stress than benefit. By focusing on what genuinely supports your well-being and allowing yourself flexibility, you can develop a self care practice that enhances your life without adding undue pressure. Embrace the imperfect, celebrate your unique journey, and find balance in a way that feels authentic to you. After all, true wellbeing comes from being kind to yourself, not from adhering to an unattainable ideal.
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