It happens to us all. You’re finally home from work and realize there’s no food in the fridge. Before you know it, the day is done and there are still things around the house that need to be finished. You try to relax by scrolling on your phone and eventually fall asleep—and the alarm clock rings and it’s time to start another day. This is especially common for spa and wellness professionals because they put their clients’ needs above their own, which can leave them feeling drained at the end of a busy workday.
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It happens to us all. You’re finally home from work and realize there’s no food in the fridge. Before you know it, the day is done and there are still things around the house that need to be finished. You try to relax by scrolling on your phone and eventually fall asleep—and the alarm clock rings and it’s time to start another day. This is especially common for spa and wellness professionals because they put their clients’ needs above their own, which can leave them feeling drained at the end of a busy workday.
How many times a day do you offer advice and suggestions to guests about prioritizing self-care on a routine basis? Most likely a lot. Now, how often do you really practice your own self-care? That amount probably doesn’t even compare to the advice you give clients, let alone how much you need to keep your flame ignited in the industry.
Spa and wellness professionals give a lot of themselves, but forget to give themselves the care and attention they need and deserve. Self-care may seem like a luxury, but it can be done throughout the workday and on a regular basis with these simple ideas.
1. Start your day doing something just for you
The first hour of your day should be focused on thriving and filling your cup. Your morning routine sets the stage for your whole day, and you will walk a little lighter when you start off with a little “you time.” Try not to engage with your phone for the first 30 minutes to an hour after waking up. Tuning out the noise from the get-go can help you stay focused.
2. Practice daily gratitude
Write down three things you’re grateful for today. Be specific and write them in the same journal, so you can look back at how much you have. Starting a routine gratitude practice will only make you feel happier!
3. Visualize what you want to accomplish
When you arrive at work, write down the top three to four tasks you would like to get done that day. Writing it down helps you feel control and like you have a set plan. Place this list in an area you visit often so you can cross tasks off as you accomplish them.
4. Set a positive vibe with music
Instead of listening to the news, podcasts or the same playlist, try some new music that lifts you up. Music can change your whole mood and set a great tone for your workday.
5. Pause and go outside
Even if it’s for a short walk or simply to breathe in some fresh air, this will do you so much good. Although you are working in a relaxing environment, connecting with nature and soaking in a little vitamin D is good for the soul!
6. Avoid unnecessary negativity
Sometimes a guest will bring their negativity into an appointment, but try to redirect these conversations. Remind them that they are here to relax and to do something positive for themselves. Ask them about something good that happened recently or what they are grateful for in this moment. This will help guide them toward a more positive track.
You should redirect conversations with negative colleagues as well, especially if they’re pulling you down. If that doesn’t work, try asking them how the team can collectively make the environment more positive. Asking their opinion helps to get their buy-in and acknowledge their negative self-talk, which they may be unaware that they are doing.
7. Make a conscious effort to eat and drink
Even if it feels like you don’t have time, deliberately taking a lunch break will transform your afternoon. While eating, truly pause and savor what you eat and drink. Remind yourself that you need fuel and are listening to what your body needs.
8. Practice breathwork if you’re feeling overwhelmed
The 4-7-8 Method or the Square Breathing technique is highly recommended. The great thing about both is you can do them anywhere, even if a client is present. Practice on a normal basis so you have your chosen breathing technique ready as a go-to that feels familiar.
9. Set limits on your daily app use
You can create downtime and limit the amount of time you spend on specific apps by going to Screen Time, located in Settings. This is free on your phone and easy way to keep yourself accountable.
10. Socialize once a week
Having a social outlet is great for your well-being, especially if the friend or family member is a positive influence in your life. If they aren’t, try opening up your circle to find supportive people who fill your cup and make you feel better.
11. Spend the hour before bed doing something that brings you joy
Just as you started your day with self-care, you should end it doing something good for you. This could include journaling, reading or meditating. Whatever helps you settle your mind and tunes out noise will also help you fall asleep faster.
It’s important to remember that when you’re working to improve your self-care routine, you don’t have to incorporate all of these tips at once. Start small, focusing on one or two that you want to change, and work on being consistent. Small changes done consistently truly do make for long-lasting habits.
Keep yourself accountable by writing down what you’re adding or changing about your self-care routine, and place it where you’ll see it daily. Or, choose someone who can keep you accountable. Having someone who will support you, check in on your progress and call you out when you haven’t stuck with the changes is a great help to some people.
Don’t wait for the right time or for things to settle down—because they won’t. Start today, right where you are, and commit to better balance by giving yourself what you truly need. And be sure to listen to your body. If you start to feel fatigue, have aching bones, headaches or sluggishness, you may not be taking enough care of yourself.
Self-care shouldn’t be reserved for a special occasion; it should be part of your normal routine. In this profession, it is essential that we perform at our highest level, and that can only happen if we find ways to actively seek self-care on a continual basis. Try putting yourself first, and watch yourself thrive!
Kate Habegger is a licensed certified social worker focused on creating emotional wellness tools for the beauty industry. She is a coach and program development for Inner Beauty Growth, a program created to help professionals create a healthy daily routine with self-care and boundaries.
