Everyday Self-Care Essentials: Daily Non-Negotiables for Glowing Skin and Mood

There are certain habits that make everything in life easier. Daily self-care is one of them. I believe that feeling that vibrant, feminine inner “glow” and radiance is both a reflection of physical health and inner wellbeing, which is cultivated through consistent self-care practices.

Feeling good on a day-to-day basis can only be achieved if we follow certain daily wellness routines. Of course there is more to it than that, but without those habits, we’ll never be able to get to that “feel-good” place.

Think of brushing your teeth. How do you feel when you don’t do it for a day? Kind of crappy, right? Just like brushing your teeth, there are certain other rituals I follow daily to make sure I’m in a good starting place to build my day on.

1. Hydration

Water is everything. It’s good for your skin, energy levels, and overall body functions. I make sure to drink at least half a litre of warm water first thing in the morning, ideally one litre within one hour of waking up.

Practical Tips: Fill up a reusable water bottle (ideally glass, ceramic or stainless steel (I like this one); avoid plastic) the night before and put it next to your bed, so it’s easy to grab in the morning. You can also have a big bottle next to you all day, so you remember to drink.

2. Nutrition

It’s possible to not feel hungry and still be starved - of nutrients. A lot of the time you might even feel hungry, even if you’ve just eaten, if your body isn’t getting enough of the nutrients it needs (both macronutrients and micronutrients). 

Focus on a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for skin health, gut health and hormonal balance.

I won’t tell you what you should eat, since everyone is different and has a unique body and mind with different preferences, experiences, issues, etc. I bet you already know what’s good for you anyway.

Pro Tip: Get enough protein and veggies in your diet! Most people don’t get enough of either, and you might need more than you think.

3. Skincare rituals

If nothing else, cleanse your face and body daily. Shower! Wash your face! No matter how tired you are. And then moisturise (at least your face and lips) every day.

Also use sun protection to prevent skin spots, ageing, and skin damage.

4. Physical Activity

There are sooo many benefits to moving your body daily. For one, you just feel better. Regular movement also supports hormonal balance and physical strength, and helps prevent chronic disease.

You don’t need to be doing F45 or crossfit every day. Just do what works for you and what you enjoy. 

I like to go for a walk first thing in the morning to get some sunlight (it helps set my circadian rhythm and aids with sleep, hormones, etc.), and lift weights a few times a week. Sometimes I do yoga or just stretch. Pilates, yoga, dance, tennis, ice hockey, … they’re all good. 

Practical Tip: Get a standing desk.

5. Mental Wellbeing

Stress Management: This one is important. Stress can impact our health in so many ways, and we might not even notice it (until it’s too late and we’re dealing with health problems and disease). Work on managing your stress daily, in whatever way works for you. Meditation, walks in nature, journaling, yoga, listening to a podcast, watching a movie, reading a book, meeting a friend for coffee, doing a puzzle, watching the birds, taking a bath, …

Mindfulness/being present: I truly believe that some sort of mindfulness (even though it might be an overused term) benefits us in many ways, from mental clarity to focus to emotional wellbeing to a sense of spirituality and connection with the universe.

Practical Tip: You don’t have to meditate sitting down, with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath. Mindfulness can be so simple and in the moment (which it’s supposed to be), e.g. just being aware of how the water feels on your hands when you wash them, listening to the birds, really seeing what’s in front of you for a moment, … Use your senses.

6. Rest

Our body recovers and heals itself while we sleep, both mentally and physically. Sleep is important for everything! Sleep for at least 7-9 hours a night. And get a good, deep, restful sleep - it’s helpful to avoid looking at screens and bright light 1-2 hours before going to bed, doing something relaxing and calming right before bed. A cool and dark room also helps.

7. Time in Nature

I find that a day where I haven’t been outside at least once, is a day that just doesn’t feel quite right. I try to go out into nature, as best as I can. But not everywhere I’ve lived has had a decent spot of “real” nature around. If that’s the case for you, try to at least get to a park or see some trees or some other sort of greenery every day. One thing you can always do is look up at the sky and feel the ground beneath your feet (or shoes).
Another benefit of getting outdoors is the Vitamin D you get from the sun. For me personally, I supplement with Vitamin D most of the time, since I try to avoid the harsh sun in New Zealand due to hole in the ozone layer.

8. Social Connection

An underappreciated and undervalued aspect of overall health. There have even been studies about the importance of community and social connection on longevity and health, and it being more important than any other aspect. I think that’s true, at least to a degree. 

I also think we don’t necessarily need a huge group of friends. But we need some form of social connection every day. 

9. Play

Lastly, something that’s easily forgotten and that might seem unnecessary - play and fun. Life can get chaotic, stressful, busy, etc. We can get hyper focused on work, our health, exercise, looks, achievements, material wealth, … But let’s keep some playfulness and lightness during all of this.

Play doesn’t have to be about playing a game. It can be anything small that makes you smile or laugh. Maybe reading a book, enjoying a piece of chocolate, seeing the sun come through the clouds, spotting a bunny or a squirrel, … Play and lightheartedness can be found in the small, everyday moments.

What self-care practices work for you? What’s a daily non-negotiable that helps you feel feminine, radiant, and glowing?