Every so often I receive a care package from my family that contains some of my favorite things (candy, pajamas, coffee). It’s an unexpected and extremely thoughtful gesture that makes me feel like a kid again. Care packages come in all shapes and sizes and I try to give myself one each day. Some days I stop for a morning pick-me-up at the local coffee shop and other days I work on a craft project for 15 minutes. I might read a chapter in the latest bestseller, do a quick yoga sun salutation, or watch a TV show with my partner. Essentially, I engage in routine self-care.

Routine self-care means prioritizing yourself on a regular basis. It may not be feasible for you to engage in self-care every day, but what about taking five minutes to focus on YOU a few times per week? Self-care has numerous benefits such as reducing susceptibility to stress, increasing positive self-talk, and improving satisfaction. With all these benefits, who could refuse?