How to Create a Self-Care Routine That Feels Fun (Not Forced)

Valentine’s Day tends to go two ways: you’re either wrapped up in the swoon-worthy side of love (hearts, roses, and all things pink), or you’re rolling your eyes at the commercial overload. Whichever side you’re on, Valentine's can be an odd time—overwhelming for some, painfully exclusive for others. But guess what? Valentine’s Day can be about so much more than candlelit dinners and heart-shaped candy.

Instead of fixating on who may or may not be giving us a Valentine’s card—why not embrace this time of year as a reminder to turn that romantic spotlight inward? Yep, we’re talking about self-love, self-care, and all the wonderful ways to treat yourself with the kindness you deserve.

Self-love: more than just a buzzword

We’ve all heard, “You can’t love someone else until you love yourself.” It’s so overused that it’s practically background noise at this point. Yet, beneath the cliché lies a kernel of truth. Loving yourself means recognising your worth—plain and simple. It’s not about turning into a walking ego trip. It’s about seeing yourself as a person who deserves care, rest, fun, growth, and kindness just as much as the people around you.

Of course, we’re bombarded with messages about self-care. 📣 Buy this face mask! 📣 Try that guided meditation! 📣 Download this wellness app! It’s easy to roll your eyes and lump it all under “yet another trend.” But think of self-care more like a muscle you build over time. You don’t just do a few bicep curls once and suddenly become a bodybuilder. You show up regularly, do the work (even if it’s small), and watch yourself grow stronger.

Why self-care matters

❓Pop quiz: How often do you prioritise your mental, emotional, and physical health?...

If your first response is “Uhhhh… 😬🥴”, don’t worry - you’re not alone.

Life is hectic. We juggle jobs, families, relationships, social commitments, Netflix watchlists - the list goes on! The thing is, if we don’t make time for ourselves, the stress can stack up until we’re feeling frazzled, burned out, and about as far from “loving life” as possible. Here are some of the many benefits of taking time to care for yourself:

Physical health: When you care for your body—be it through exercise you actually enjoy, nutritious meals, or investing in good hair and skin habits—you’re literally fueling your day-to-day experience. Feeling good physically can amplify your mental and emotional resilience.
Mental clarity: Ever find yourself too busy to think straight? Continuous stress can clutter your mind and spike anxiety. Regular self-care can help clear that mental fog. Even five minutes of mindful breathing each morning can make a world of difference.
Emotional wellbeing: Let’s face it—emotions can be a rollercoaster ride. Self-care helps you tune into what’s really going on beneath the surface, so you don’t end up snapping at the barista for putting regular milk in your latte instead of oat 😅

The key? Consistency. Doing some small thing for yourself most days—even if it’s just a two-minute scalp massage—keeps your self-care tank from hitting empty.

Making self-care fun, not forced

When you hear “self-care,” if your brain conjures up images of forced bubble baths and candlelit journaling sessions you don’t really want to do, let’s change that. Self-care should be enjoyable and uncomplicated. Otherwise, you won’t stick with it.

Try these easy tweaks:

Morning magic: As tempting as it might be, try to skip the phone check first thing and give yourself 60 seconds of quiet. Stretch. Inhale. Exhale. That’s it. Before you do anything else, you’re reminding yourself that you are the priority—not TikTok or your inbox.
Buddy system: Self-care doesn’t always have to be a solo act. Invite a friend for a walk or swap healthy recipes with a family member obsessed with cooking. Sharing experiences can keep you motivated and accountable.
Playlist therapy: Music is powerful. Put together a playlist that instantly makes you feel alive. Blast it during your commute or while cooking dinner. Dance. Lip-sync. Whip your hair back and forth. It’s an instant mood booster and arguably a cardio workout 🤔😅
Celebrate all wins: Did you get your desk organised? Did a 10-minute yoga session when you usually do zero? Celebrate it! Every small self-love practice matters.
Create a realistic routine: Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated but rather a few small practices that make you feel good, inside and out. Maybe that means swapping your old, snag-prone brush for a FARO hairbrush that glides gently through your hair. Or adding the FARO 1-Minute Mask to your beauty shelf lineup for an instant boost of hydration. Or trading in your cotton pillowcase for a FARO silk pillowcase to reduce overnight friction, frizz, and split ends.

Making self-care stick, beyond Valentines!

Valentine’s Day may come and go, but you’re in this life for the long haul. The question is: how do you keep the self-care momentum going once the candy hearts are on clearance?

Mini check-ins: Maybe it’s monthly, maybe it’s weekly. Ask yourself: “How am I doing—really?” Jot down a few thoughts or have a quick mental chat with yourself. If you notice you’re feeling frazzled, that’s your cue to ramp up the self-care.
Adapt as you go: Life changes—new job, new city, new relationship. Your self-care routine will need to pivot, too. Maybe you used to love early morning workouts, but now you’re commuting an hour to work. Consider a quick lunchtime walk or evening yoga instead. Stay flexible.
Community & support: Encourage friends or family to join the self-care train. Swap tips, try new things together, celebrate each other’s wins (big and small). If you make self-care a collective effort, it’s a lot easier to maintain.
Forgive yourself quickly: Miss a day or two (or ten 😆) of your self-care routine? Don’t spiral into “I’ve failed, so why bother?” territory. Just pick it back up. The sooner you bounce back, the more resilient you become.

Happy self-love season, from us to you ♥️

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is just a date on the calendar. The real love story here is the one you’re writing with yourself. That might sound a bit cheesy—but it’s true! Investing in your wellbeing—physically, mentally, and emotionally—pays off in ways that no heart-shaped balloon or fancy dinner reservation can ever compete with.

Take it from us 👉 whether you’re brushing your hair with a FARO brush, indulging in a weekly hair mask, or journaling for five minutes in the evening, every tiny act of kindness you give yourself is a vote for your health and happiness.

Cheers to loving yourself—today, tomorrow, and every day!
The FARO Team x