Life Hacks Applied to Self-Care: Look Good, Feel Great
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Books, podcasts, productivity tips—if it’s about improving life, I’m hooked. But here’s a lightbulb moment I had recently: some of these concepts don’t just belong in the workplace or in self-help journals—they’re perfect for self-care too. So, let’s take some proven life hacks and apply them to personal grooming, style, and feeling fabulous!
1. Stack Your Habits (Because Two Is Better Than One)
Straight from Atomic Habits by James Clear, the idea of “habit stacking” is genius: pair something you already do with a new habit to make both stick.
Examples:
Right After Showering: While your hair towel-dries, lock moisture into your skin with lotion or apply leave-in conditioner for hydration.
Over Morning Coffee: Plan your day’s outfit while sipping your brew. Think about the weather, your schedule, and your mood.
Wind Down At Night: Combine journaling or prepping for tomorrow with outfit planning. Adjust it based on your lifestyle—morning person or night owl, it’s your call!
Tiny adjustments, big results.
2. Boundaries: Learn to Say “No” (Even to Trends)
Boundaries are your best friend, not just with people but with your self-care routine. Trends and advice come and go, but your unique needs come first.
Here’s How to Set Them:
In Skincare: If retinol wreaks havoc on your sensitive skin, skip it guilt-free. Your skin, your rules.
In Style: Not vibing with the return of low-rise jeans? Don’t give them space in your wardrobe.
In Growth: Be open to trying new things when you’re ready—whether it’s bold lipstick or skincare actives. Take your time, and trust your pace.
3. The Pareto Principle: Focus on the 20% That Matters
Ever heard of the 80/20 rule? It says that 20% of your effort gives you 80% of the results. So, let’s focus on the essentials that have the most impact:
Your Grooming Cheat Sheet:
Skincare Basics: Cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen—that’s your MVP trio.
Wardrobe Staples: A tailored blazer, great denim, and timeless shoes can carry you through almost any occasion.
Makeup Go-To’s: A flawless base, mascara, and a killer lip colour. You’re polished and out the door in minutes.
4. Prioritise Like a Pro: The Eisenhower Matrix
When everything feels urgent, this tool helps you figure out what actually matters. It works wonders for self-care too!
Sort Your Tasks Like This:
Eisenhower Matrix | Urgent | Not Urgent |
Important | Skin acting up? Adjust your routine or call your dermatologist ASAP. | Things like facials or wardrobe planning belong here. Schedule them proactively. |
Not Important | Need nails done for an event? Maybe a quick DIY is all you need. | That trendy gadget everyone’s raving about? Skip it unless it truly adds value. |
5. Life Happens in Seasons—Your Self-Care Should Too
Just like the weather, your self-care routines evolve over time. What works now might not work next year, and that’s okay.
How to Adapt:
By Weather: In winter, go for rich moisturisers. In summer, lightweight SPF is your BFF.
By Lifestyle: A job change, parenthood, or a new fitness routine can mean updating your wardrobe and habits.
By Growth: Experiment in your 20s, refine in your 30s, and embrace your confidence in your 40s and beyond.
6. Outfit Logging: Track It to Crack It
Ever noticed how time tracking helps boost productivity? Try the same with your wardrobe.
Here’s How:
Track Your Looks: For a week or a season, jot down or take a full photo of what you wear daily. Patterns will emerge.
Declutter: If something hasn’t seen the light of day in months, maybe it’s time to let it go.
Smarter Shopping: Use your notes to guide future buys. If you love neutrals, invest in high-quality versions. No more buying something trendy “just because.”
A Little Effort, a Big Glow-Up
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. By borrowing a few tricks from productivity gurus and personal growth experts, you can streamline your routines, stay authentic to your needs, and feel better inside and out.
Start small. Try habit stacking or outfit tracking this week and watch how these tiny changes add up. Self-care is about progress, not perfection—so let’s glow and grow together.
Commenti