Hi ya’ll I know I haven’t blogged in literally years and a whole LOT has happened but I have recently been enjoying writing again on threads and thought it would be good to start a series here on what I wish I knew when I was younger. Consider this part 1!

One thing that you should embed into your brain as a young lady is routines and systems. Establishing & following a routine will set you up for success in all areas of your life. Here are some routines (Part 1 – follow and stay tuned for Part 2) I wish I had established as a younger woman and some I am implementing now at 46 (which is harder bc you are literally reprogramming your brain😫 SO DO THIS NOW IF YOURE YOUNGER!) These are the more personal routines:

Morning/ Nighttime routines: Self explanatory but usually consist of making the bed (key habit that will lead to a more productive day), spending time with God (even more 🔑) prayer/affirmation/meditation time, skincare, hygiene, get ready/wind down, etc.

Skincare/hygiene routine: You should have a cleanser, toner, moisturizer & eye cream at minimum. Exfoliate with a scrub (face & body) at least once a week and also use a mask to replenish. Hygiene should consist of a base soap (Dial or Castile soap), feminine wash, body wash (scented), witch hazel, oil, lotion, foot cream, deodorant, body sprays, fragrance. You should also have a 5-10-20 minute makeup routine. I can break both skincare/hygiene down in another post, just let me know

Health routine: Move your body& maintain weight & dr/dental appts. As a cancer survivor it was expressed to me how important movement/exercise & maintaining a good weight is to lowering risks all types of illnesses. Movement could be as simple as walking but I would also suggest lifting weights. Purchase a set on Amazon & perform a workout on YouTube. Make it easy for yourself. Drink LOTS of water! Limit bad foods & alcohol. Make sure you’re taking vitamins and keeping health appts, etc

Menstrual routine: Learn more about the phases of your menstrual cycle & pay attention to how they affect you. Address PMS – are you more sensitive or triggered- that means avoiding consuming certain content, being more gentle with yourself, allowing more time so you’re not rushed or frustrated, etc. What things do you need during this time: pain meds, teas, heating pads? Also what products work best for you: organic or cloth pads/tampons/ menstrual cup, disposable panties? Find out and do that.

Self care/ self maintenance routine (1): Self care to me means spending time w/self and doing things that bring you joy. This could include things that are apart of self maintenance like therapy, manis/pedis, or separate like reading, taking a class, baking, any hobby,etc. Your self maintenance routine should include taking care of your appearance: doesn’t matter whether you are a DIY girly or seek professional assistance. Appearances matter whether you like it or not, it’s just facts

Self care/ self maintenance routine (2): You should strive to look put together, neat, & clean always. Presenting your best self will always move you forward. Of course we all have off days but if fall into not wanting to take care of yourself address your mental health. I know when I don’t want to take care of basics I’m falling into depression. Which leads to the last routine for part 1

Mental health routine: Your mental diet is JUST as important as your physical diet. Pay attention to what you are consuming thru your ears and eye gates. Get therapy. Journal. Alleviate stress by staying organized, allowing yourself time and delegating. Also cry. We weren’t meant to hold things in! If you can’t do it on the spot, go to your car and let it out! Or schedule it. I do so by watching a movie I know will get those tears falling (Best Man Holiday) & I feel so much better after

Just know every woman’s routines will look different depending on who they are & the season of life they are in. And alot of them can be combined together. I know this seems like a lot but God gave you 7 days & 1 of those days included rest so make sure you do that. Don’t make excuses. We have so many tools available to live the life we want! & I’m not of the hustle mentality, I’m all about the soft life but let’s not confuse a soft life for a lazy one

Save this post for later, share with your bff & follow me for part 2. I was thinking about creating some in depth PDFs as a guide (these are only suggestions, you should tailor routines around YOUR life) so let me know if that’s something you’d be interested in. And if you have routines & best practices share them in the comments to help all the girlies🫶🏽

Love, Ricki