Boost Your Day: Three Benefits of Beauty Routines

For many young girls, watching a mother, grandmother, or loved one get ready in the morning was magical. I remember watching my grandma sit at her vintage vanity, applying her favorite Revlon lipstick. Every morning, I was mesmerized by her. I wanted to be just like her and would wait for my turn at the vanity. Most days, she would brush my hair and rub lotion on my skin. On special days, I even wore blush. On those days, I felt confident, lifting my chin and strutting all over the house. 

Beauty routines have been around for generations, but for many of us today, they have become background noise to the constant chaos. It’s easy to neglect even five-minutes of self-care when life is overwhelming. But what if I told you that investing just a few minutes into a self-care routine could improve your mental health and well-being? 

According to the Los Angeles Times, “‘These activities physically feel good and cause a release of positive hormones (dopamine and serotonin), which physiologically increase your mood and produce a sense of calm,’ Mills says” (Beauty rituals are deeply connected to mental health for these L.A. artists, Thompson). Not only can self-care routines make you more relaxed, but they make you feel confident and empowered. Here are three mental health benefits of a self-care routine.

Give Your Day Structure

Many of us thrive on routine. Having structure keeps our days on track while maintaining focus and productivity. Without a routine, it can be difficult to keep focused or accomplish tasks. 

According to Southern New Hampshire University, a self-care routine “allows you to recharge and rejuvenate, leading to increased productivity, improved concentration and better problem-solving abilities.” (What is Self-Care and Why is it Important For You, Glowiak)

Self-care in the morning or evening allows for time to take care of yourself even on the most hectic of days. For many of us, a morning or night time routine can look different. No matter when or how you do it, having a consistent routine helps you start or end your day on the right foot. 

Practice Mindfulness

In a digital world, being mindful can be overwhelming. It is much easier to turn to our phones for a distraction. Instead, try incorporating mindfulness into your self-care routine. Creating a space solely focused on you allows for reflection and introspection. For some, this may include saying positive affirmations and expressing gratitude. 

Mindfulness during self-care allows you to check in with your thoughts and assess how you have been feeling. These moments of pure mindfulness can make you feel more grounded in daily life.

Instill Confidence

Self-care can have an impact on self-confidence. When you invest time in yourself, you’re not only boosting your mood but also enhancing your sense of self-worth. Engaging in self-care rituals can provide a reminder of your own importance, leaving you feeling empowered.

For me, the days at my grandma’s vanity were transformative. When I applied blush or got a little lip gloss, I felt confident in my usually shy body. Even today, I find that when I take time for myself–whether it’s a bubble bath or a skincare routine–I feel my most confident. 

Take Time For You

Incorporating self-care routines into your daily life is about more than looking good–it’s about feeling your best for your own mental health. By creating structure, practicing mindfulness, and boosting your confidence, self-care routines can transform how you feel each day. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish–it’s essential.