August 4, 2019
How to practice self-care when you don’t have time
The fact that you have a crazy schedule shouldn’t mean you can’t carve time out of your day to take care of yourself. Self-care is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing. Going to the gym, writing in your journal, or even getting extra sleep are all great for your health, especially if you are constantly stressed out.
Although it may not seem realistic, everyone can make time for themselves. Here are some ways you can practice self-care, even if you think you don’t have extra time:
Break Self-Care into Small Timeframes
When your schedule is packed, finding an hour to take care of yourself can be hard. Instead, try breaking up your self-care routine into smaller chunks of time. If you want to work out but can’t do it for a full hour, do your workouts in 25-minute intervals. If you would like to do more creative writing, take ten-minute breaks to jot your thoughts into a journal. Taking small bits of time to take care of yourself will help you prevent putting your self-care on the back burner.
Create Rituals
The people who are the most successful at self-care have rituals or routines they use to keep on track. If there is something you really want to do but have not found the time to do it, figure out a way to plan it into your day. If you like to meditate, take ten minutes a day for some quiet time and stick to it. If you want to have a massage once a month, set up 12 monthly appointments and don’t miss them. If your goal is to take a walk every day, call a friend and set up a walking date for a few days of the week. This way, you are less likely to miss because you are holding yourself accountable.
Practice Self-Care During Your Work Day
While it may not seem like a possibility, you can make time for self-care during your business day. If you absolutely have no time to take care of yourself after work, think of ways to do so while you are working. If you travel for your job, schedule an appointment at the hotel for a manicure or a facial. If you do not have these opportunities, have a friend join you during your lunch break, or eat a quiet lunch by yourself at your favorite restaurant. You could also take 15-minute breaks from your desk — away from all of your technology — and step into the sunshine a few times a day.
Set Goals
If you thrive by setting goals in your professional life, why not make goals for your personal life as well? It can be easy to let things fall off your list of goals for the day if you don’t write them down. If you enjoy running, sign up to participate in a race. This way, you will have to make time to run every day to get ready for race day.
Self-care is so important, no matter how busy you are. Get creative and figure out how to take some time out for yourself. It is very beneficial to your overall health, and it will turn you into a happier, more productive person.
