Life moves quickly. It can seem like there is never enough time to do everything, including yourself. Self-care doesn’t have to be a special occasion or a weekend treat. Self-care is a daily necessity, like eating and sleeping.
Self-care isn’t just about adding to your list of tasks or rearranging your schedule. Making small, deliberate shifts to prioritize your wellbeing is the key. Start here:
1. Redefining what self-care really means
Self-care doesn’t have to be face masks or bubble baths. Self-care, at its core, is anything that makes you feel grounded and balanced.
You could say:
- Walking in the fresh air is a great way to get some exercise.
- Disabling notifications for one hour
- Saying “no”, to things that drain your energy
- Eat something nutritious
When you change your perspective and start to see self-care in terms of a series small habits, it is much easier to incorporate into your daily routine.
2. What do you spend your time on?
Have you ever tracked your time and how you spend it? You may be surprised.
Spend a day observing how you spend your time. You may notice:
- Scrolling or frequent screen time
- Delegable tasks
- Multitasking is not productive
You can find more time for things that matter, like a 15 minute walk, journaling or quiet time, when you know where your time is going.
3. Schedule it like anything else
You wouldn’t skip a meeting at work or an appointment with the dentist. Put self-care on your calendar.
Blocking time is the only way to make it happen. If you must, set reminders. Over time it becomes a habit and not just an intention.
4. Take the power of small moments to heart
Even a few “micro-moments” can restore your energy and mood. Even short “micro-moments”, can restore your energy.
Try:
- Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths
- You can enjoy a favorite song by listening to it
- How to drink a glass of water mindfully and slowly
- Enjoy 5 minutes of sunshine by stepping outside
When you add these little resets to your daily routine, they can make a huge difference.
5. Prioritize Rest and Not Only Productivity
Burnout is a result of constant “on”. Our culture rewards hustle, but it’s not healthy. Rest can be productive.
Self-care, and good sleep in particular, are powerful ways to care for yourself. Try:
- Consistently setting a bedtime
- Unplugging screens 30 minutes prior to sleep
- Create a relaxing nighttime routine
Resting makes everything easier.
6. You can say “no” without feeling guilty
Self-care is also about protecting your energy. Saying “no” is part of self-care.
You might say:
- I’d like to help but today I need to recharge.
- Thank you for your consideration.
- Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to You.
You are worth your time and mental space. It’s okay to protect them.
7. Select What Really Feeds You
All “self-care activities” are not created equal. The best self-care activities are those that leave you feeling refreshed.
Question yourself:
- What causes me to feel happy or calm?
- What makes you feel like it’s a task in disguise?
It could be a cup of tea in silence, your favorite podcast, a painting or a nature walk. Do more of what you enjoy. Self-care is something that you should do, and not something you must do.
8. Simplify where you can
Stress can make it difficult to practice self-care. When you simplify your home, schedule, or commitments, there is more space for what really matters.
Ideas:
- Each week, declutter a small area.
- Multitasking can slow you down.
- Reduce your low-value obligations
You will have more time to be calm and clear when you reduce the clutter.
Final Thoughts
Self-care doesn’t mean escaping from your life. It’s about taking care of yourself to be able to show up in it better. You can create a life that is more balanced, fulfilling, and intentional by making small changes in how you manage time, energy and mindset.