My {Updated} Self-Care Routine

Over the past few months, I’ve been trying to be more intentional about how I take care of myself. Not in a “wake up at 5 AM and meditate for an hour” kind of way (because… absolutely not 😂), but in a realistic, sustainable way that actually fits my life.

Today I wanted to share my updated self-care routine — the little things I’ve been doing lately that help me feel grounded, cozy, and like the best version of myself. As always, take what resonates and leave the rest 💛

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through my links — at no additional cost to you. I only share products and resources that I genuinely love and use myself. Thank you so much for supporting my blog and allowing me to keep creating cozy content for you! ✨

---

📚 Reading Time (My Favorite Form of Self-Care)

If you know me, you know reading is at the top of my self-care list. There is just something about curling up with a good book that instantly resets my mood.

Lately, I’ve been:

• Reading for 30 minutes before bed
• Keeping my current read on my nightstand or close by me when possible
• Mixing in both physical books, audio books and my Kindle
• Participating in book clubs, reading sprints, or monthly challenges to keep the reading interesting

I’ve also been trying to make my reading time feel extra special by:

• Creating a cozy little reading corner
• Lighting a candle
• Putting my phone on Do Not Disturb

It doesn’t have to be long. Even 15–20 minutes makes a difference for me.

---

🧴 Skincare as a Ritual (Not a Chore)

If we're being 100% transparent, my skincare has been lacking for quite some time. Thankfully, I have the type of skin that doesn't require much maintenance, so I have survived that period fairly unscathed.  Now, I try to treat it like a mini wake up and wind-down routine that is special for me. 

My current lineup includes:

• Cleanser: Paula's Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
• Exfoliating Scrub: Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula
• Toner: Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
• Toner (2x a week): Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
• Serum: COSRX Snail Mucin Repairing Serum
• Moisturizer: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+™
• Eye Cream: Clinique All About Eyes™ Rich Eye Cream

At night, I’ve been slowing down and actually enjoying the process — gentle music on, warm lighting, no rushing. It’s such a small shift, but it makes the end of the day feel calmer.

Skincare has become less about “fixing” anything and more about caring for myself consistently. And I have found that I have less flare ups on my face as I keep up with my skin care routine. 

Shop my entire skin-care routine here: Skin and shower routine

---

🧹 House Cleaning & Maintenance (Romanticizing the Reset)

Okay hear me out — cleaning has officially become part of my self-care routine.

Not in an overwhelming, deep-clean-the-entire-house way. More like little resets that make my space feel calm and functional.

Here’s what that looks like for me:

• A quick nightly tidy (clearing counters, fluffing pillows, loading the dishwasher)
• One focused cleaning task per day
• A Sunday reset to prepare for the week
• Keeping up with laundry before it becomes a mountain

There is something about waking up to a clean kitchen or walking into a tidy living room that just instantly lowers my stress levels.

I’ve also started making it more enjoyable by:

• Playing a podcast or audiobook
• Setting a 20-minute timer
• Lighting a candle once everything is clean

Future me is always grateful when present me takes 15–30 minutes to maintain the house. If you'd like me to share my weekly routine, let me know! 

---

🍽️ Meal Planning = Future Me Says Thank You

I used to think that meals had to be this big, planned out event, but I have found that if I sit down every Sunday and figure out what I want to eat for the week my life is just easier (and less expensive). 

Now, I focus on simple and quick meals:

• When possible, I use the crockpot or air fryer
• Planning meals that take either one pan or one pot to cook to make the clean up less overwhelming
• Having a rotation of meals that hubby and I both like so that we can quickly put a meal together

It saves me so much stress during the week and makes it easier to nourish myself well — especially on busy days.

Self-care isn’t always bubble baths. Sometimes it’s making sure you have food planned so you’re not scrambling at 7 PM.

---

What Self-Care Looks Like for Me Right Now

Right now, self-care looks like:

• Going to bed a little earlier
• Saying no without over-explaining
• Protecting my reading time
• Keeping my home feeling calm and manageable
• Choosing consistency over perfection

It’s not glamorous. It’s not aesthetic every day. But it feels steady — and that’s what I needed.

I’d love to know — what’s one small thing you’ve added to your routine lately that’s made a difference? 💬

Let me know in the comments.

Have a wonderful day,
Jackie
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above may be affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.