Let’s talk self-care. In a world where life gets busy, taking time for yourself can feel like a luxury—but let me tell you, it’s absolutely essential. At Revive we’re big on self-care because it’s not just about bubble baths (although they’re fab too!). It’s about building little habits that make you feel happier, healthier, and more you.
If you’ve ever struggled to stick with a self-care routine, you’re not alone. The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Here are my top tips to help you build a routine that lasts, with examples straight from our Revive community.
1. Start Small and Be Consistent
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to overhaul their entire life overnight. It’s too much! The key is starting small—focus on one or two things you can do regularly.
For example: Why not commit to attending one Pilates class a week? It’s a low-impact way to strengthen your body and calm your mind. Plus, knowing you’ve scheduled time for yourself makes it easier to follow through.
Why it works: Little changes feel manageable, and over time, they snowball into a full-on routine. Plus, movement releases endorphins—those happy hormones we all need more of!
2. Make It Social
We’ve all been there—feeling like you’re making progress and not wanting to stop. But overtraining is real, and it’s not fun. Without proper rest, you can end up feeling fatigued, irritable, and even unwell. Worst-case scenario? You might even get injured, which sets you back further.
Skipping rest days can actually slow your progress instead of speeding it up. Think of it as running a car without fuel—you won’t get very far before you burn out. Rest days are vital to reduce the risk of injury. So slow down and let your body keep up with your fitness goals!
3. Create a Routine You Actually Enjoy
Let’s be real: if your self-care routine feels like a chore, you’re never going to stick with it. The secret is finding things you love.
At Revive: We offer a range of classes to suit your mood and goals. Need to unwind? Try a calming Pilates session. Feeling a bit “meh”? A high-energy HIIT class will have you buzzing with endorphins in no time.
Why it works: When self-care feels enjoyable, you’re more likely to keep it up—and that consistency is where the magic happens.
Related journal – Exercise & Mental Health: The Ultimate Stress-Busting Duo
4. Mix Movement with Mindfulness
A lot of us focus on either physical or mental well-being, but the real magic happens when you combine the two.
At Revive: After a tough class, take five minutes to stretch and breathe deeply, maybe spend some time at the Milk Bar with a book or even chatting with a friend. Also, make sure you keep an eye out for our Wellness Retreats, where you can fully reset and recharge.
Why it works: Pairing movement with mindfulness lowers stress levels, improves focus, and helps your body recover more effectively. It’s a win-win!
5. Plan Ahead and Prioritise Yourself
Let’s face it: life is hectic, and if you don’t plan for self-care, it’s the first thing to fall off the list.
At Revive: Book your classes in advance through our app or make a weekly gym date with a friend. Treat it like any other important commitment—you deserve it!
Why it works: Having a plan takes the guesswork out of self-care. You don’t have to “find time” because you’ve already made it a priority.
6. Celebrate Your Wins
Every step forward counts, no matter how small. Taking time to celebrate your progress—whether it’s showing up for a class or nailing a new exercise—keeps you motivated.
At Revive: Share your wins with us! Whether it’s completing your first Bootcamp or mastering a tough Reformer Pilates move, we love hearing about your progress.
Here’s what one of our amazing members, Sarah, had to say:
“I started with one Pilates class a week, and now it’s my favourite time to switch off and focus on myself. The encouragement from the team and other members makes all the difference—it’s my happy place!”
Why it works: Celebrating progress, big or small, releases dopamine (your brain’s reward chemical), making you feel fantastic and keeping you inspired to keep going.
7. Make It Work for Your Family
For many of us, myself included, life revolves around family, which can make carving out self-care time feel tricky. But self-care doesn’t have to come at the expense of family—it can actually work hand-in-hand with it.
At Revive: We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly gym, offering a welcoming space that fits into your busy schedule. During school holidays, we know how hectic life gets, so our flexible class times make it easier to prioritise your well-being without disrupting family life. For most of our classes, you can bring your children along with you. Plus, we often host special events and activities that the whole family can enjoy, helping you model healthy habits for your little ones.
Why it works: Balancing family life with self-care teaches your kids the importance of looking after themselves too. And when you feel your best, it benefits everyone—you’re more energised, present, and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.
8. Pace Yourself and Avoid Overdoing It
When starting a fitness journey—or even adding something new to your routine—it’s tempting to dive in headfirst and push yourself to the max. But here’s the thing: more isn’t always better, and going too hard too soon can lead to burnout or, worse, injuries. You don’t want injury to take you away from all the benefits exercise and the Revive community has to offer.
At Revive: We encourage a balanced approach to fitness, especially for beginners. Our instructors are here to guide you, ensuring you’re using proper form and progressing at a pace that’s right for you. Perhaps a Barre Class would be perfect for building your strength and stability without overloading your body.
Why it works: Overtraining can strain your muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury and delaying your progress. Taking things slow allows your body to adapt and grow stronger while reducing the likelihood of setbacks.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the importance of rest days! Recovery is where the magic happens—your muscles repair, grow, and get ready for the next challenge. Of course, if you need a little more help in this area you can always book one of our many treatments in our Sports Therapy Clinic.
Related journal: Why Rest Days Are Crucial For Fitness and Recovery.
You’ve Got This!
If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this: rest days are not optional. They’re essential for helping your body recover, reducing injury risks, and keeping you motivated for the long haul. Skipping them might feel productive in the short term, but in the long run, it’s rest that helps you build strength and endurance.
So, next time you’re tempted to push through, remember: rest is progress too. Schedule that day off, enjoy it guilt-free, and trust that your body will thank you for it. Ready to find the right balance in your fitness routine? Join us at Revive, and let’s make your workouts (and your rest days) work for you!
