It’s up there with the most challenging aspects of life:

You’re trying to take better care of yourself, or maybe you’ve always been mindful about your well-being, but you’re not quite sure if you’re doing enough.

You’ve read countless articles, tried various products, and made numerous lifestyle changes. But somehow, it doesn’t seem to be enough.

Sometimes it’s not even that noticeable.

You just get this nagging feeling that there are more ways to enhance your self-care routine, even though every muscle in your body may resist any more changes.

Here’s how you can confirm that you’re on the right path by keeping these eight items in your home. This will show that you prioritize yourself as much as, if not more than, most people around you.

It’s about finding that balance between the desire to do better and the satisfaction of knowing that you’re already doing so much.

1) A designated relaxation spot

One of the most important steps in taking better care of yourself is having a designated spot in your home for relaxation.

This doesn’t mean you need a whole room dedicated to it, it could be as simple as a particular chair or a corner of your bedroom.

This spot should be a place where you feel comfortable and at ease – a place where you can unwind and let go of any stress or tension.

Having this designated relaxation spot in your home shows that you understand the importance of mental health and taking time out for yourself.

It’s not just about having somewhere to sit and relax, but making the conscious effort to create a space that promotes relaxation and wellbeing.

This is more than just a physical space – it’s a symbol of your commitment to prioritizing yourself, an affirmation that you’re worth the time and effort.

If you’ve got this down, then you’re already ahead of most people when it comes to self-care.

2) A collection of your favorite books

Following on from having a designated relaxation spot, another essential item to have in your home for optimal self-care is a collection of your favorite books.

There’s something incredibly comforting about having physical copies of books that you love. They’re not just vessels of knowledge, but they also serve as reminders of the different phases of your life.

I have a shelf full of books in my living room, and each one tells a story – not just within its pages, but about a certain time in my life.

There’s the cookbook that I bought when I first started to learn how to cook, the self-help book that helped me through a tough time, and the novel that I couldn’t put down on a holiday.

Having these books in my home isn’t just about filling up shelf space. It’s about creating an environment that reflects who I am and what I value – growth, learning, and the joy of losing yourself in a good story.

Having a collection of books like this shows that you value your intellectual growth and emotional well-being. It’s an investment in yourself that goes beyond most people’s self-care routines.

3) Plants for a natural touch

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

This quote resonates deeply with me, and I think it’s something that can be applied in our homes too.

I believe having plants in your home is a simple yet powerful way of bringing nature indoors and connecting to the world around us.

Plants do more than just purify the air and add aesthetic appeal to our spaces. They can also have a positive impact on our mood, reduce stress, and even improve concentration and productivity.

I have a variety of plants scattered around my home – from the succulents on my kitchen windowsill to the large monstera in my living room. Each one adds a touch of life and vibrancy to my space.

Incorporating plants into your home shows that you understand the value of a connection with nature and its positive impacts on well-being.

It’s about fostering an environment that promotes tranquility and mindfulness – something that goes beyond the basic self-care practices of most people.

4) Essential oils for a sensory experience

Did you know that our sense of smell is directly linked to the emotional center of our brains? That’s why certain smells can instantly trigger memories or feelings.

This is where essential oils come into play in my home. They’re not just for creating a pleasant smell, but they also serve a deeper purpose in my self-care routine.

I have a collection of different essential oils that I use depending on my mood or needs. Lavender for relaxation, peppermint for focus, eucalyptus for when I’m feeling under the weather.

Incorporating essential oils into your home shows that you’re in tune with your senses and understand the influence they have on your well-being.

It’s not just about making your space smell nice, but about creating an environment that caters to your emotional needs.

Having this level of mindfulness when it comes to your home environment truly sets you apart in terms of self-care.

5) A gratitude journal for reflection

With all these elements in place – a calming spot, a collection of favorite books, plants, and essential oils – there’s one more item that I can’t imagine my home without: a gratitude journal.

Life can get busy and stressful, and it can be easy to overlook the good things that happen each day. That’s where a gratitude journal comes in handy.

Every evening, I spend a few minutes jotting down three things that I’m grateful for from my day.

Some days, it’s the big things like an accomplishment at work or a kind gesture from a friend. Other times, it’s the small joys like a blooming plant or a calming scent of lavender oil.

Having this journal in your home shows that you understand the importance of reflection and gratitude in your overall well-being. This practice helps you to stay grounded and appreciative, reinforcing positive feelings and contributing to your self-care routine.

By incorporating this practice into your lifestyle, you’re demonstrating an elevated level of self-care that surpasses most people, focusing not just on the physical environment but also on emotional well-being.

6) A collection of healthy recipes

Alongside all these elements that contribute to your mental and emotional well-being, it’s crucial not to forget about physical health. That’s where a collection of healthy recipes comes into play.

In my kitchen, you’ll find a folder filled with delicious and nutritious recipes that I’ve gathered over the years.

From hearty salads and wholesome soups to guilt-free desserts and energizing smoothies – each recipe contributes to my overall wellness.

Having this collection within reach inspires me to make healthier choices when it comes to my meals.

It’s not just about eating right, but also about enjoying the process of preparing and savoring these dishes.

Integrating a collection of healthy recipes into your home shows that you value your physical health as much as your mental and emotional health.

It’s about nourishing your body with the right foods, which is an integral part of self-care.

This commitment to holistic well-being truly sets you apart when it comes to caring for yourself better than most people.

7) A water filter for hydration

Following on from the idea of nourishing your body with healthy food, let’s not forget the importance of hydration. That’s why having a water filter at home is a valuable addition to my self-care routine.

Having access to clean, filtered water encourages me to stay hydrated throughout the day.

It’s not just about quenching my thirst, but also about understanding the role of hydration in maintaining overall health.

Drinking plenty of water aids in digestion, keeps your skin looking healthy and glowing, and even boosts your energy levels. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective self-care practices.

Having a water filter in your home shows that you’re committed to taking care of your physical health.

It’s an investment in yourself that reflects your understanding of how essential hydration is to well-being.

By prioritizing something as fundamental as clean water, you’re demonstrating a level of self-care that goes beyond what most people consider.

8) A fitness tool for active living

Rounding off this list, and perhaps one of the most important items to have in your home, is a fitness tool. This could be anything from a yoga mat or a pair of dumbbells to a resistance band or a stability ball.

In my home, I have a yoga mat that I use not just for yogic exercises, but also for stretching and meditation. It serves as a reminder to stay active and take care of my physical health.

Having this fitness tool within sight encourages me to maintain an active lifestyle. It’s not just about building strength or losing weight, but about cultivating a habit of movement.

Including a fitness tool in your home shows that you understand the importance of regular physical activity in your overall well-being. It’s about creating a space that encourages movement and fitness.

This commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle is a crucial aspect of self-care that truly sets you apart. By prioritizing your physical health in this way, you’re caring for yourself better than most people.

Embracing self-care

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, it’s likely you’re already on the right path towards better self-care.

But remember, this is not a race or competition. It’s about nourishing and caring for yourself in ways that resonate with you.

Start by taking a look around your home. Notice the objects and spaces that contribute to your well-being.

Maybe it’s your cozy reading corner, or the plant that brightens up your living room, or the treasured cookbook filled with healthy recipes.

These aren’t just objects – they’re reflections of your commitment to self-care. Each item signifies a piece of the puzzle that makes up your well-being.

But don’t stop there. Keep exploring new ways to enrich your environment and support your journey towards better self-care.

A new fitness tool? A different kind of plant? An inspiring book? The choices are endless.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s okay if you’re not there yet. Each step you take towards consciously creating a home that fosters your well-being is a step in the right direction.

So embrace this journey with patience and kindness towards yourself. Celebrate each small victory and continue to seek ways to nurture yourself better.

After all, when we fill our own cups first, we can then pour into others from a place of abundance.

And there’s no greater joy than living a life that’s true to who you are while also being able to give back to those around you.