Self-care is a popular buzzword within the current climate for a number of reasons. So many people are suffering from depression and mental health issues. Others are losing themselves under the weight of all their responsibilities. If this sounds familiar to you, consider the following five ways you can go from being a wallflower to empowered with self-care.

1. Maintain a Morning Routine

The morning is one of the most important parts of your day. If you start strong, it’s a lot easier to stay on the right path and finish strong. The way you can encourage self-care in the morning hours involves avoiding your phone and feeding your mind. Listen to a motivational message. Read an inspirational book. Recite affirmations that empower you to be your best self.

2. Take Care of Your Surroundings

Many experts suggest that when your surroundings are cluttered, it’s a sign that your mind is cluttered with an overwhelming list of things to do. When you feel overwhelmed, it can be really challenging to center yourself and enjoy the day. This is why it’s best to maintain a clean home, car, and workspace. Consistently do a little bit of cleaning at a time. Don’t leave dishes in the sink. Wipe down the counter-tops before you go to bed. Schedule time to do chores like laundry and sweeping.

3. Experiment With Fashion

Hair, makeup, and clothing are ways in which we can express ourselves. If you don’t care about your appearance or have a sense of style you can make a big improvement. Try playing with different color palettes than you’re used to. If you’re used to wearing tight, bright-colored feminine clothing, try a more androgynous approach. Try clothing until something makes you feel at home. Worry less about what you should wear and throw “rules” out the window. When you are able to find clothing, fits, sizing, and colors that make you feel in your element you can forget about what you are wearing and how you are perceived and worry about being present and in the moment.

4. Feel Comfortable in Your Own Skin

There’s nothing vain about taking care of your physical appearance. It’s also important to consider the area that makes you feel the most insecure. If you’re suffering from cystic acne, consider meeting with an endocrinologist and a dermatologist. If you’re not in love with your smile, dental veneers might be an incredible option to consider. It’s okay to invest in your personal appearance in order to feel empowered. A haircut and makeover can make a big difference to make you feel comfortable.

5. Finish What You Start

When you don’t finish what you start, it can take a toll on your confidence. As a part of your self-care routine, work on becoming consistent with whatever you do. As you accomplish more, you’ll develop a different level of trust within yourself. If you don’t put yourself first, it’ll be really difficult to show up for others. Just like the airplane mantra suggests, if there’s a potential crisis, put your mask on first. Take care of yourself first so that you can be of better service to others. Plus, you’ll feel like the empowered individual you can be!