9 Easy Hacks To Switch Up Your Self-Care Routine

One way to shake up your self-care routine is by, well, shaking up the way your apartment is laid out, too. Rearranging your furniture in a fresh way and clearing all clutter can boost your mood, and spur on some creativity. Who knows, it could be exactly what you need to break out of a self-care rut.

Being active is not a form of self-care for everyone, and that's OK. However, if you like to get the endorphins flowing by working out, it can be helpful to change your exercise routine every once and while. This could mean simply changing your walking route so you're surrounded by new scenery, or even trying a fitness class that's out of your comfort zone.

Nourishing yourself is an essential act of self-care. Most of us have staple meals we cook throughout the week that won't stress us out, but you can bypass culinary boredom by incorporating new foods or ingredients into your diet. Farmer's market season is in full swing, making it the perfect time to try and cook something new to not only expand your palate, but to also positively impact your mental health.

Most of us have beloved local hotspots we go to grab a bite, hang out, or center ourselves in nature. Every once and a while, consider taking a break from your faves, and plan a day trip to a new destination. Try a new restaurant, or hit up a new hiking trail to keep self-care outings from feeling too monotonous.

No one says you need to take your PTO to jet off to a far flung destination. Not only do people typically save money by opting to take a staycation in lieu of a vacation, but they can also be a perfect way to de-stress and relieve anxiety. If your self-care regimen needs a shake-up, a staycation is an easy way to give yourself downtime to reflect and refocus your energies on the most effective ways to practice caring for yourself.

Maybe you've listened to every guided meditation in your favorite app just one too many times, or your go-to mantra doesn't center you quite like it used to. Either way, a simple and inexpensive way to shake things up is by downloading a new wellness app. There are apps tailored to people with anxiety disorders, depression, or even those just looking to meditate. Apps aren't a replacement for therapy, but they are a great tool for practicing self-care at home, or on-the-go.

If you work with a team of mental health professionals, consider asking them about adding another kind of therapy to your self-care regimen — especially if traditional talk therapy doesn't seem to be helping you as much as it used to. Art therapy, gong therapy, and dance therapy all have proven mental health benefits, and are fun ways to make therapy feel fresh.

There's no better time to splurge and treat yourself to a new self-care product than when your routine is starting to feel boring. So, if you've been eyeing up a weighted blanket, SAD lamp, or skincare product, feel free to indulge in something a little new or different.

This tip may seem straightforward, but picking up a new hobby you've always wanted to try, or trying an activity that eases anxiety, is such a simple way to make your self-care routine feel brand new. Gardening, making pottery, journaling, spending time outside — whatever makes you feel relaxed can become a new go-to.

Of course, much of self-care will still most likely focus on the basics like eating, hygiene, and getting enough sleep. However, by trying a fresh spin on an old classic, you can totally revitalize your self-care routine without too much effort.