Self-care can feel overwhelming when it’s packaged like a luxury retreat or an aesthetic routine you see on Pinterest. But the truth? Self-care isn’t something you buy or book. It could be a simple self-care routine, something you do, slowly, daily, intentionally. It’s about that moment of stillness in the morning, the vitamins you take with intention, or dancing in your kitchen because it just feels good. It’s in the way we show up for ourselves—daily, softly, consistently.

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If you’re like me—balancing work, life, emotions, and that endless mental to-do list—you probably crave more energy, clarity, and calm, that’s where a mindful self-care routine comes in, and for me, it starts with how I nourish my body from the inside out.

So here’s a peek into what my daily self-care routine really looks like. No fluff, just the honest things I do and the supplements I take that actually support my body and mind. Spoiler alert: It’s not perfect, and sometimes I do struggle to do everything on this list, but as long as I aim to follow this routine as much as I can, it’s working for me.

Morning: A Soft Start + Setting the Tone

Self-care in the morning isn’t about perfection—it’s about setting the tone. I start my daily self-care routine with something simple: making my bed and a big glass of warm water with lemon. It’s refreshing, clears and wakes up my digestive system, and feels like the first kind thing I do for myself each day.

Then comes meditation, to set the mood for my day. I often combine meditations with journaling. I meditate and take a few quiet minutes to fill out my Productivity Planner—jotting down my top priorities and intentions helps me focus without the chaos.

After that, I stand up, stretch, and I pause, look out the window at the sky, take a deep breath, and say aloud: Today, I am going to make a great day. It’s cheesy—but powerful.

Then, I try to get outside for a short run or walk, just to get some sunlight and breath in real air. This isn’t about burning calories or chasing goals—it’s about reconnecting with my body and mind. Movement is a non-negotiable in my daily self-care routine, and listening to my favorite podcast or book makes it even more enjoyable!

When back home, it’s time for the shower—and yes, I always high-five myself in the mirror. That little act of affirmation hits different. I learned it from one of my favorite inspirational women on this planet – Mel Robbins.

After that, depending on the day, I’ll make coffee or skip it if I feel my body can do without it. Either way, I always prepare a 1.7-liter pot of green tea with lemon and ginger, which I sip throughout the day. Hydration is such an underrated act of self-care.

… and I start my work. I check my phone, emails, and all the projects I’m working on that day.

Midmorning: Light Nourishment + Focus

I try to fast during most of my mornings—just because I like it! I like to give my body a longer break before I intake food again the next day. But as soon as I feel the first signs of hunger, I make my power smoothie—light but nourishing, filled with fruits (I love to include avocado!) or vegetables, seeds, Greek yogurt, and greens. This keeps me fueled without the heaviness.

If I went for a run that morning, I’d have a more protein-containing brunch. It could be boiled eggs or salmon with Greek yogurt, accompanied by a handful of almonds, walnuts, and greens.

Then, it’s back to work. Midday routines help me stay grounded, even when the schedule gets hectic.

Lunchtime: Movement + Mini Joy Rituals

In the middle of my working day, I pause for my non-negotiable: a dance or stretch break. If I went for a run in the morning, I would go for a quick stretch on my terrace and some fresh air. If I took it easier and just enjoyed the walk, I would do a longer movement, a dance, for example. My favorite go-to routine never fails to lift my mood. Movement = medicine.

After that, I enjoy a golden coffee with roasted almonds and three tiles of 100% cacao chocolate. These aren’t treats—they’re joy-filled habits that energize me.

This is also when I take:

• Vitamin C – for immune support, glowing skin, and reducing oxidative stress.
• Collagen – to help with skin elasticity, gut health, and joint strength.

I Drink LOTS of Water

Some days, I even hit almost the 4-liter mark! I know too much water isn’t ideal, but honestly, I never force it—it just happens, especially when I exercise or in the summer. I always listen to my body. Since I keep water nearby throughout the day, I end up sipping without even thinking about it.

But it wasn’t always like this! If you struggle to drink enough water, here’s my little tip: set reminders. Set them wherever you spend most of your time—phone, desktop, smartwatch—you name it.

Back when I worked in an office, I set alarms every two hours to remind myself to drink at least 0.5 liters of water. Were the reminders annoying? Absolutely. But they worked! After a few weeks, drinking water became second nature. My body started asking for it, and now? I can’t imagine leaving the house without my water bottle.

I carry my water everywhere in an insulated stainless steel water bottle. It’s one of my favorite little life hacks: in winter, it keeps my water warm and cozy, in summer, it stays refreshingly cool. Simple, but it makes such a difference.

Early Evening: Ease + Weekly Exercise

After more work time, I’ll squeeze in a workout into my self-care routine. I try to have a “good” workout every other day—these are my main sessions of stronger movement for the week. Depending on how I feel, I try to take a variety of classes, such as reformer Pilates, cardio, barre, or yoga, when I just want to release some tension and reset mentally. Not every day, but when I do, I feel more grounded afterward.

Dinner: Digestive Support + Daily Vitamins

Oh, almost forgot—about 10 minutes before my brunch or dinner or just before going to bed, I take apple cider vinegar, inspired by French biochemist Jessie Inchauspé (aka the Glucose Goddess). It helps with blood sugar stability and digestion.

With dinner, I also take my daily vitamins:

• Iron – I take this because it boosts energy, helps with fatigue, and overall strength. It supports oxygen transport in the blood—super important for women.
• Zinc – This one’s all about immunity, skin health, and mood balance. I find I get sick way less often when I’m consistent with zinc and apple cider vinegar!
• Multivitamin – My all-in-one insurance policy, my safety net, covering nutritional gaps and supporting my overall wellbeing.

Late Evening: Reflect + Release

Before bed, I try to get in a short walk—even if it’s just around the block. If it’s raining or I’m feeling low on energy, I’ll do a quiet meditation instead, followed by a short journal entry and reflection in my Productivity Planner.

In my daily self-care routine, I always include time for reflection on how the day went and plan my tasks for the next day. It gives me peace of mind and a sense of purpose. There’s something deeply satisfying about checking off what you accomplished and mapping out where you’re headed next.

Before I go to bed and aim for at least 7-8 hrs of sleep, I take:

• Biotin – for hair and nail strength. My hair and nails are still far from healthy, but I try to do everything possible to keep them strong.

Every Other Day:

• Magnesium – for better sleep, muscle relaxation, and mood regulation, as well as for the “womanly business” (the period in particular). Taking it to reduce pain and discomfort is best for me!

Every 3 Weeks:

• Vitamin D3 (20.000 I.E.) with Vitamin K2 (200 mg) – crucial for mood, especially during the winter when there is less sunshine around. In summer, I go lighter on the dosage, though.

Why These Little Rituals Matter to Me

For me, self-care is in the quiet, consistent habits that add up in your self-care routine. These supplements aren’t miracles, but they help me show up as my best self.

• Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin C, and Collagen support my immune system, skin, and gut.
• Iron, Zinc, and a daily Multivitamin help me stay strong, focused, and energized.
• Biotin, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and meditation, of course, help with sleep, mood, and hormone balance.

Everyone’s body is different, but this combination has been life-giving for me in my self-care routine. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing enough, consistently.

Oh, and to Help Me Lift My Spirits, I Have My “Happy Jar”!

Every Sunday night, I take a moment to reflect on the week. I jot down my biggest win and the moments I’m most grateful for, then pop the note into my Happy Jar. At the end of the year, I empty the jar and read through these memories. It’s such a heartwarming way to:

• Celebrate progress.
• Acknowledge growth.
• Relive moments of joy, both big and small.

This ritual is simple, yet it brings a profound sense of gratitude, accomplishment, and motivation.

Final Thoughts: Your Self-Care, Your Way

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that a self-care routine should be realistic and personal. You don’t need a strict routine—just a few rituals that feel good and work for you.

Start with one thing. Add from there. Be kind to yourself along the way.

What does your self-care routine look like? I’d love to hear your favorite tips! Connect on socials, send me a message! Let’s share the gentle things that keep us going 🫶

P.S. My Favorite Positive Energy Resources

Mind:

Meditation instructor – Jeff Warren

• These series helped me start meditation.
• These series were the second set on my meditation path.

Yoga at home – Boho Beautiful

Fitness:

Workouts at home – Pamela Reif

My midday Happy Dance!

For Müncheners: My Favorite Fitness Studios in Munich

Reformer Pilates – re.formed by manufactur

Cardio – Rocycle

Yoga – The Collective Flow and HerSpace

Healthier Nutrition Advice:

French biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, aka the Glucose Goddess

Lithuanian fitness instructor and nutritionist Agnė Juknienė

Planners:

My daily TO-DO List that I cannot live without!

Favorite tool to organize my day – Productivity Planner

And for those who know me, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t share my favorite book for mental health!—The Let Them Theory

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About

I just LOVE this human being, even without meeting her. Sharing her life and real examples, Mel Robbins is so relatable. She helped me to self-heal so many scars in my life! If you don’t know her, I highly recommend checking her out – The Mel Robbins Podcast.

Wth lots of love, Angelė 🤍