If you’re like most people, you’re pretty busy. You’re already juggling your kids, spouse, friendships and a to-do list that is, no doubt, as long as your arm. You’re running in every direction at once. How in the world are you supposed to fit self-care into a day like that?
Thankfully, it’s easier than you think. Try these quick ways to add self-care into your busy day. Read More
Ask Some Important Questions
Where do YOU fit into your day? Self-care isn’t always about over-indulging yourself. Truly, at its core, self-care is more practical than you might think. You start by asking yourself what you need right now. Meeting these basic needs should be at the center of self-care.
Make a Self-care Plan
Self-care is never going to just happen. Unless you are intentional, you will never make time for it. By making use of your calendar and scheduling time for yourself you are more likely to succeed in meeting your basic needs. Start small by building in the habits which will help you the most. You can begin by adding in regular exercise date several days a week, or by making a meal plan to help you eat healthier. As you achieve one goal, add in another. The key is not to overwhelm yourself all at once.
Figure Out What Comes First
How are you when it comes to priorities? If you’re like most moms, it is far too easy to spend your entire day putting out “fires”. It’s essential that you take some time to figure out the difference between important and urgent, as it pertains to you.
When things come up that are important and not urgent, add them to your schedule. This is often completing paperwork, when a family member asks you to do something or running an errand.
To-dos that are urgent and but not important to you, personally, can be shortcutted or delegated for someone else to do. More often than not these are the “forgotten” things- Like having to bring a dozen cupcakes to the class party tomorrow! If the deadline is too soon to add it to your to-do list, buy the cupcakes and, if your child is older, consider making them pay the difference.
Ultimately, things that come up during the day should not interrupt your scheduled self-care unless something urgent AND important to you arises.
Learning to Say “No” IS Self-Care!
You should never feel like you have to say “yes” to everything. Sometimes the best form of self-care is learning how to say “no.” By setting solid boundaries, you protect yourself from activities that will only leave you drained and give you no benefit at all.
Do the Small Stuff
We think the little things don’t matter, but they do. By ensuring you take care of the basics such as making sure you get enough sleep, practicing good hygiene, eating right, and exercising, you will keep your body in tiptop form. These things also have a solid impact on your mental health.
Putting Self-Care into Action
When we get busy, we tend to forget all of these things so easily. When you’re making an effort to take care of yourself, you have to be intentional in what you do. Remembering these quick tips will go a long way toward keeping you healthy and happy no matter how busy you get.