Summer was fun, but let’s be honest… it was probably busy. Between holidays, days out, keeping the kids entertained and trying to enjoy the sunshine, your own needs may have slipped down the priority list.
Now September is here, and it’s time to put yourself back on it.
That’s the idea behind Self-Care September: taking a little time each day to do something that supports your mind, body and overall wellbeing. No dramatic resolutions and no pressure to overhaul your entire routine. Just small, realistic changes that make you feel a little better.
So, whether it’s filling up your water bottle, heading out for a walk, remembering your SPF or simply giving yourself permission to switch off, here are six easy ways to make self-care part of your September routine.
Drink More Water Every Day
When life gets busy, drinking enough water can be one of the easiest things to forget. Between work, family commitments, school runs and everything else on your to-do list, it’s easy to get to the end of the day and realise you’ve barely had a glass.
Keeping a reusable water bottle nearby can make staying hydrated much easier. Have one on your desk, in your bag or beside you at home so that drinking water becomes a natural part of your day rather than something you have to remember.
Get Outside for a Walk
You don’t need an intense workout or a complicated fitness routine to move your body. A simple walk can be a brilliant way to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and give yourself a change of scenery.
Walking can also offer a valuable mental reset. Stepping away from your desk, leaving the house for a few minutes or taking a walk around your local area can give you some much-needed breathing space during a busy day.
Wear SPF Every Day
Looking after yourself also means protecting your skin. While SPF is often associated with summer holidays and sunny days at the beach, making it part of your everyday routine can be a simple way to look after your skin throughout the year.
Add SPF to your morning routine alongside the rest of your skincare. The key is finding a product that feels comfortable on your skin and works well with your everyday routine, making it something you’ll actually want to use consistently.
Make Time to Disconnect
We’re constantly connected. From work emails and social media to messages, notifications and endless scrolling, our phones can make it difficult to properly switch off.
Try creating small pockets of screen-free time during your day. You could start by putting your phone away for 20 or 30 minutes and using that time to do something that doesn’t involve a screen.
Read a few pages of a book, sit outside with a coffee, listen to some music, have a chat with a friend or simply do absolutely nothing. You don’t always need to fill every spare moment with something productive.
Prioritise Sleep
September is a great time to re-establish a consistent sleep routine, particularly if the later nights and relaxed schedules of summer have thrown things off track.
Where possible, try to keep your bedtime and wake-up time relatively consistent. Creating a simple wind-down routine can also help you transition from a busy day into a more restful evening.
That might mean dimming the lights, putting your phone away, reading a book or taking some time to enjoy a relaxing evening routine.
Do Something Just for You
Perhaps the most important self-care habit is making time for something simply because you enjoy it.
Self-care doesn’t always need to be productive. You don’t have to learn a new skill, organise your home or tick something off your to-do list. Sometimes looking after yourself means doing something with no purpose other than making you feel good.
Book that appointment you’ve been putting off. Run a relaxing bath. Listen to your favourite album. Meet a friend for coffee. Pick up a hobby you haven’t had time for recently. Sit quietly with a cup of tea.
Make September Your Month of Self-Care
Self-care isn’t about completely reinventing your lifestyle or adding another long list of things to your already busy schedule. It’s about recognising that your own wellbeing deserves attention too.
This September, focus on the small things. Most importantly, remember that looking after yourself isn’t selfish. Use September as a reminder to put yourself back on the list and make self-care something you carry with you long after the month is over.