Social media has taken the reins on setting wellness trends, from dopamine menus to taking your morning greens. With apps, wellness trends, and influencer advice coming at us from every direction, the commodification of self-care can leave many feeling more overwhelmed than cared for. And whilst we’re totally here for the movement towards better self-care, we don’t believe it should be complicated.
So instead of adding more, what if we simplified our routines? Went back to basics. The easiest way to do this is to think about how we care for babies or young children: we focus on their most basic needs and consistently provide them. Returning to simple, effective self-care that nurtures both our bodies and minds, might be just what you need to make sure you’re prioritising it, and not feeling like it’s just another to-do on an already long list.
Why Going Back to Basics Works
Stripping back your self-care to the essentials offers an anchor when life feels overwhelming. Including basic pillars into your routine —sleep, nutrition, play, fresh air, and movement—have an immediate, positive impact on how we feel. We can get caught up in the pressures of work, family, and daily life, but when we focus on these core elements, we’ll quickly see a change in our mental and physical well-being.
Back to basics: How to look after yourself like a baby
Here’s how to look after yourself like you would a child—with care, patience, and simplicity:
1. Prioritise sleep
We all know how crucial sleep is for babies—so why don’t we give ourselves the same grace? Sleep is essential for healing, creativity, and emotional regulation. Aim for a consistent bedtime and create a calming bedtime routine. Instead of a high-action movie, or scrolling social media before bed, you’d read a child a book and dim the lights.
Takeout: Create a calming bedtime routine, leave screens out of the bedroom, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
2. Eat the rainbow and slow down at mealtimes
When you’re busy, it’s easy to order take-out or pop to the shop meal to meal. So just as we’re mindful of what we feed children, we need to be intentional with our own nutrition, too. Eating a rainbow of foods nourish the gut and boost mood. We also encourage children to be present when they’re eating and not whilst they’re running around. Try and do the same for yourself and use mealtimes as a break in the day.
Takeout: Plan your meals and try not to eat on the go.
3. Plan in playtime and get creative
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s essential for adults too. Whether it’s creative hobbies like painting, dancing, or even playing a sport, scheduling time for fun can reduce stress and improve mental health. If you spend all your day working and ticking things off your to-do list, make sure you get in some you-time in the evenings.
Takeout: Do something creative that you love every day, even if it’s doodling for 10 minutes.
4. Get outside and move your body
Children thrive when they play outside, and so do adults. Spending time in nature reduces stress, boosts mood, and increases physical health. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike, getting outside is a powerful yet simple way to reconnect with the world. Remember when you were a child and you’d just run around and climb trees? You can still do that as an adult!
Takeout: Schedule movement and getting outdoors like you would a meeting
5. Limit screen time
Screens are part of modern life, but mindlessly scrolling can leave us feeling overstimulated and disconnected. Like we would with children, it’s helpful to set boundaries for ourselves. Try scheduling in tech-free times during the day to allow your brain to rest.
Takeout: Set boundaries with screen time and plan in offline time
6. Appreciate the small things
One of the most heartwarming things about children is how they find joy in the smallest things—a butterfly, a funny shaped stick, or ride in the car. Take time to notice and appreciate the small moments in life. This simple shift in perspective can increase happiness and mindfulness.
Takeout: Be present during the day and take everything in around you.
7. Be creative and free from judgement
Children draw, sing, and move freely without fear of judgment. We tell children that “the sky is the limit”, so make sure you tell yourself that too. Giving yourself permission to explore your creativity without any expectations can be incredibly freeing. Whether it’s journaling, crafting, or dancing in your living room—allow yourself the joy of expression.
Takeout: Be unapologetically you, and don’t judge others.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
It’s easy to let the basics slip when life gets hectic. The first things we let slip can be planning meals and setting a consistent bedtime. This often leads to quick fixes—processed foods and late-night social media scrolling—which can take a toll on our mood and energy. Treat your self-care as seriously as you would care for a baby.
Plan your meals, schedule outdoor time like you would a meeting, and set reminders to drink water. It may take some organisation, but the payoff is worth it—both in how you feel and in preventing burnout.
Conclusion: Simplicity is the New Luxury
At the end of the day, self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Like caring for a child, it’s about meeting your most basic needs with kindness and patience. Prioritise sleep, eat a variety of foods, get outside, socialise, and don’t forget to play.
When we strip back the layers of overwhelming trends and just focus on what truly matters, we create a life that’s more balanced, joyful, and meaningful. So, give yourself permission to go back to basics—because, sometimes, simple is the most luxurious form of self-care.
