When it comes to self-care, the number one excuse for it not being practiced as often as it should seems to be time and money…or lack thereof. This thing called life is rough, and it can feel like there are just not enough hours in a day to give everything and everyone the adequate time and attention it/they deserve. And more unfortunately, we may end up putting ourselves on the back burner.
Self-Care: What does it mean?
We’re all busy, but enough is enough. There is nothing glamorous about burn-out and complete meltdowns…but it is all too common! It is important to always be reminded that you can’t pour from an empty vessel and that your well-being is a priority. And if something is truly important to you, make the time. Let’s make the time to take care of ourselves. Besides, nobody is going to take care of you better than you.
Self-Care can mean doing absolutely NOTHING. It is not all about manicures and pedicures.
What are some quick and easy ways to squeeze in self-care on a tight schedule and budget? Here are some ideas:
TREAT YOURSELF
Money can get a little tight, which is all the more reason why searching for deals are an absolute must. You will be surprised how many savings can be found right at your fingertips with very minimal combing. With this in mind, it seems more realistic to invest in not only things, but experiences without breaking the bank. Be patient as you do your due diligence to find something budget-friendly.
PRAYER/MEDITATION
Setting positive intentions with a morning prayer/meditation session is a great way to start the day. You have to wake up a bit earlier than the rest of your household, especially if you have small children, to truly get total peace. But it is so worth it.
JOURNALING + POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
Having an outlet is a surefire way to help relieve stress and anxiety. To channel those emotions and translate them into words or art is truly a gift. Write down all the things you’re grateful for, pen a poem, set some goals, or outline that memoir housed on your bucket list. Get it all on paper; if it’s not written down, it isn’t real.
YOU ARE ENOUGH. MORE THAN ENOUGH.
EXERCISE + EAT WELL
Whether it be a series of yoga stretches, quick walk/run, or a group class…by all means, get up and move! It keeps the brain stimulated, boosts mood and increases blood flow. The same applies for giving your body healthy fuel (i.e., vitamin/mineral-packed smoothies). How you treat your body really does make a huge difference!
CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Catching up with family and friends always gives me the warm fuzzies. Making regular connections with people is so vital and will further let you know that you’re not in this alone. Lean on your familial support, friendship circles and collective village.
READ SNIPPETS FROM A BOOK OR MAGAZINE
Dive into the passages of the books you may have collecting dust, just yelling out for you to hurry up and read them. Realistically, it takes time to get through books these days with more demanding schedules, but taking baby steps is key…just make sure you have a bookmark handy!
ZONE OUT OR “VEG” OUT + UNPLUG
Ever just take a time-out and sit in your parked car, at your desk or on the couch in pure silence? No interruptions? No computer? That is what is meant by “zoning out” or “catching your breath”. Do it often – even if for 5 minutes.
[bctt tweet=”Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God. – Maya Angelou” username=””]STREAM YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE, MUSIC OR PODCAST
It’s perfectly fine to indulge in some of your guilty pleasures (i.e., reality television…if that’s what you like), get wrapped up in a Netflix series or jam to your favorite tunes and podcast episodes. Whatever makes you happy in that very moment is what you should be doing.
TAKE A NAP
Enough said. Children seriously have no idea how lucky they are to have scheduled nap times!
TAKE A “MENTAL HEALTH” DAY
This would be a perfect time to schedule those overdue medical appointments early in the day and then, for the remainder of the day, pamper yourself with a relaxing bath, shopping or spa treatment. Oh, and get a nap in there too…it’s only right.
MAKE A LONG, SCENIC DRIVE
Just imagine hitting the road to clear your mind with no special place to really be. Going with the flow and stopping to “smell the roses” are a dream in itself.
Self-care should be as routine as brushing your teeth. You will find that small adjustments to your everyday life really do go a long way.
Let’s hear from you: What ideas would you add for self-care with time constraints?
