Self-care is more than a buzz word of the moment, it's a lifestyle. And it's a practice everyone should indulge in.
So often we prioritize our work, our families, and other assorted responsibilities ahead of prioritizing ourselves. Trust me, I've been there. As xoNecole's Managing Editor, I often find myself at the beck and call of emails, being pulled this way and that way for content edits, and of course, managing a team. I used to wake up and allow myself to be inundated with emails before I had time to even brush my teeth. But after months of feeling myself become more and more depleted from the hustle and flow of the daily rise and grind, I had to take ownership of how I approach my day. That began with upping the way I approached self-care.
And as our Editor In Chief, Necole Kane suggested in her post on the importance of having a morning ritual, there is nothing like the peace that comes with taking a couple of hours to pour into yourself before pouring into anything or anyone else. Self-care practices can differ from person to person, and today, we have gathered the different self-care routines that our xoNecole editorial team swears by. Check them out by clicking through the gallery below and get inspired!
Ashleigh
Ashleigh
As a Social Media Manager, you can just imagine how busy and chaotic my life can be. On any given day, either y'all President tweeted something ridiculous for the billionth time or Beyonce is breaking the internet and coming for everybody's wigs. Which is why taking time out for myself is critical; even though I feel like there's not enough hours in a day. Due to my hectic schedule, I've dedicated Sunday mornings to sort of unplug from the internet and truly enjoy me time.
I've started using Sundays to sleep in and get the rest that I need.
I make sure my phone alarms aren't set so that nothing is waking me up earlier that I want. This has reduced my stress levels so that I'm energized and I don't go into the new week still stressed out from the week before. Once I wake up, I take roughly 10 minutes to lay in silence and thank God for my blessings. I've found that this helps me get rid of any negative thoughts I've accumulated. Positive vibes only!
The last thing I do before kicking my Sunday off is log in to YouTube and listen to a church sermon, preferably by One LA. This is the highlight of my day because I can usually always relate to the message and it puts me in better spirits. I've recently re-started my spiritual journey and I've found that until I can find a church that I'm happy with; the word is still the word no matter how I receive it. My favorites lately have been from Toure Roberts. - Ashleigh Hardin-Jones, Social Media Manager
Gynai
Gynai
When it comes to self-care for me, it'll sometimes be a moment, or it can end up being a whole day, depending on how my energy is.
The most important part of doing self-care for me is solitude. My phone goes on Do Not Disturb and Sage and Palo Santo gets lit so I can clear any and every bad vibe from my space. Then music is played, and that'll be my R&B Vibes playlist or my Good Vibes playlist, which is a combination of R&B and ratchetry, because who doesn't need a good ratchet song to make them feel good?
A very hot and steamy shower is brought into the self-care mix as well, which includes exfoliating everything, 'cause in that moment, I'm picturing me exfoliating my entire life. After moisturizing with my favorite body butter skin BUTTR. My favorite scent is the strawberry coco one. Omg. It will have you walking around smelling like an entire snack. I'll throw on an oversized hoodie, continue to play my music, and journal for a bit. - Gynai Kristol, Video Editor
Sheriden
Sheriden
I'm a creature of habit by nature, but typically my day to day involves a lot of pulling myself outside of my areas of comfort. It's necessary, it grows me, and also makes me stronger.
And to reward myself for that stretching, my self-care looks like practices that are routine and pour back into me.
One day out of the week, typically Sundays, I allow myself to wake up naturally (No 6:30 here, bih), I reflect through gratitude journaling, I do a mask, light a candle, read a book, wash my hair, dancing to music while I make a hearty meal. It's very much grounded in taking my time and doing things that make me feel good. Because I have more time on my self-care days, actions that get abbreviated throughout the week are extended and I can relax into each practice and not be concerned about the world. I am reminded that I am my world and I return home in that effort of oneness.
Some of the tools in my current self-care routine include The Seat of The Soul by Gary Zukav. Truly for-pleasure reading is hard to come by throughout the week due to the nature of my work so I savor the pages of whatever book I'm able to lose myself in. Peel & Glow 2 Step Mask by Soo'Ae has been blessing my melanin with an even brighter glow. And last but not least, Carol's Daughter green tea-infused Green Supreme Trio has been quenching my hair's thirst lately. It's all so simple, but effective. - Sheriden Chanel, Managing Editor
Taylor
Taylor
My self-care consists of some hardcore mental, physical, and spiritual alignment.
I can't get out of bed without my own special combination of Starbucks French Roast and Butter Pecan International Coffee Creamer. You can get a month's worth for $10 from your local grocery store. About two years ago, I stumbled across an exercise called The Miracle Morning, which includes six essential steps, summarized by the acronym SAVERS: Silence, Affirmations, Visualizations, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing.
After my miracle morning routine, I use St. Ives Apricot exfoliating scrub and witch hazel to make me feel fresh, beautiful, and ready to conquer the day. To finish off my self-care practices, my cousin recently gave me a bundle of white sage that I burn to cleanse my space of any negative energy or thoughts. - Taylor Honore, Daily Writer
Fontaine
Fontaine
Self-love and self-care for me is something that is closely linked to my spirituality and divine femininity.
I've been forced to be strong and responsible for others all my life, so the thing that keeps me grounded when I'm hurting or feeling weak is expressing my vulnerability. I do this through dance, as I embrace my creativity and feminine power - especially when I'm going through some kind of setback, heartbreak, or rejection from a guy; I love to pretend like I'm Beyonce! It isn't always pretty, sometimes it's filled with pain, but it's through the release, that it It works like a charm!
I'm also a tarot and holistic healing girl, so nothing is more "self-caring" than connecting to your higher self for guidance. Doing tarot helps me get to the root of any blockages within myself, and helps me get clear on how to heal them and move on. In order to get in the zone, I use daily meditation and affirmation rituals to connect with my "big self," and spirit guides. Being able to tap into stillness requires you to control your energy and upper chakras. You don't reach this level of oneness without self-care first.
Finally, nothing gets my self-care more together than getting my nails and my toes done. Especially when I've waited too long, and them acrylics, and them toes especially, need some heavy duty work! Keeping up with my appearance is an extension of my divine femininity. Respecting myself enough to maintain my own beauty standards is my self-care too. - Fontaine Felisha Foxworth, Wellness & Horoscope Writer
Jame
Jame
My self-care routine is rooted in ensuring that I always center myself.
One of the biggest changes I made that has changed my life around entirely is waiting till after 10 A.M. to check social media and emails. I won't even open the apps. Instead, I use the beginning of my morning to set my intentions for the day, to speak positive affirmations over myself, to pray, and to be one with my own thoughts before jumping into a busy day.
While I do a lot of beauty regimes as part of my self-care, another huge one I love to do is cleaning my room on Sundays. Growing up, I was taught not to work on the Lord's day, but there's just something about getting everything together right before you go to bed and waking up the next day ready to start your week. And lastly, another huge component of my self-care routine involves sleep!
Entrepreneurs and creatives are pushed to live a "no sleep" life to achieve their dreams, but I realized as soon as I began honoring my body with how I needed to decompress before sleep, how many hours I needed, and when it was time to tune out the world, I saw a world of difference that has now become a non-negotiable in my life. - Jame Jackson, Fashion & Beauty Writer
Joce
Joce
For me, self-care is all about cherishing moments.
It's so easy to get overwhelmed by the duties and responsibilities of life. Whenever I can just pause to appreciate the important things in life, I relish in those moments.
For example, every Sunday, I buy myself flowers; they remind me of joy, strength, and resilience. I am a firm believer in doing things that make you happy. I love a good meal and a good trip so I try to treat myself as much as I can. Then, there are the moments I spend with my tribes. They keep me grounded and lord knows they keep me sane. My tribes have helped me appreciate nature more especially now that I am living in Colorado. I am truly amazed by God's work in nature.
I also find solace in supporting causes that warm my heart. Along those lines, I try to work on projects that are making the world a better place in a real, genuine way. Above all, my faith is my truest form of self-care. From my morning ritual of a mini praise and worship session to my church home, there's nothing like my relationship with God. He's the only constant in my life. - Joce Blake, Style & Human Interest Writer
How do you do self-care? Let us know some of your favorite practices and products in the comments down below.
- 5 Beauty Products Perfect For Self-Care - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- How To Care For Stressed Out Skin - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Daily Routine for Healthy Body and Mind for Successful Women - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- Signs Of Burnout, What To Do About It - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- 45 Simple Self-Care Practices for a Healthy Mind, Body & Soul ›
- 20 Self-Care Practices for the Mind, Body and Soul | HuffPost ›
- How Clinicians Practice Self-Care & 9 Tips for Readers | Psych Central ›
- 21 Of The Best Self Care Practices Ever ›
- 10 Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care ›
- 25 Science-Backed Ways to Change Your Life by Taking Better Care ›
- 15 Self-Care Practices for Well-Being - Daring to Live Fully ›
- 15 Little Ways To Practice Self-Care And Improve Your Mood ›
- Health education programmes to improve foot self-care practices ... ›
- 134 Activities to Add to Your Self-Care Plan ›
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
