Self-care is not self-ish. Taking care of your mind, your body, and your overall well-being and health is necessary before you can give energy and take care of others. That’s why regardless of how busy or occupied you are in a day, it’s important to take a moment for some self-reflection, self-compassion, self-care.
Here are some ways you can practice self-care even when you are busy.
1. Write it down
When you’re busy, you most likely have a few to-do lists in your mind. Whether it’s a work demand you have to complete, the workout you need to do, the grocery list you need to buy, the bills you have to pay, the chores around the house that needs to be done before the weekend, unrealistic expectations you’re placing on yourself, everything.
Writing it all down helps you clear your mental load and organize your subconscious. It provides you the mental clarity to help understand what’s a priority for today, what can be delegated, and what can wait until tomorrow.
It doesn’t need to be written down neatly and it can be written down on a scrap of paper. Listening to your mind, clearing it from distractions, and prioritizing the important stuff is a form of self-care.
2. Move your body
Depending on your situation, you might not have the luxury to drive to the gym, or even take a walk outside; however, it is important to move your body because it releases endorphins which reduces stress and anxiety. Take at least 15 minutes every hour or so to walk around your space, do stretches, and your choice of movement.
Exercising is critical for both our physical health as well as mental health. Taking these minutes to prioritize yourself is a perfect example of self-care.
3. Go tech-free
We live in a world full of distractions, everything is calling for your attention – from the notifications on our phones, the advertisements on the billboards, the radio/podcasts, our laptop pings, … everything! With technology integrated into our lives, it’s easy for our minds to get occupied and distracted on things that don’t serve us – taking away time from what matters most.
Turning off unwanted notifications from your apps such as emails and social media is an easy way to get your focus back. And then setting aside hours in a day where your phone is put on silent to days in a week where you go tech-free, will inspire new channels of creativity, allow you to be more present with your family, and give you time to pursue hobbies. All forms of self-care.
4. Schedule that appointment
When we’re busy, it feels selfish to set aside time to pamper yourself. It can also feel like an expense you might find difficult to justify. If you are feeling tense on your body or stressed from being busy or overworked – scheduling an appointment for a massage can help ease tension and be beneficial in the long run. Scheduling a massage or physical therapy appointment is also proven to improve sleep, the fuel you need to keep on with your busy schedule and necessary for productivity.
It’s an investment and doesn’t have to be a luxury. Check out your local massage locations and do your research on the price points, and if you’re in a hurry – different time commitments from 30min to 90mins.
Other appointments include infrared sauna, red-light therapy, facials. I recommend checking out WORTHY Self-Care Studio if you live in the Bay Area. I love their infrared sauna sessions – it clears my mind and sweats away the toxins in my body.
5. Say no
Protect your time and if it doesn’t excite you, say no. When I was younger, my motto was “I’m down, let’s do it”. As I get older, I realize there will always be events, gatherings, dinners, catch-ups and although I quality time is important (and in fact, one of my love languages), it’s also just as important to set aside time for my energy to be replenished. I respect the boundaries my friends and family set for me and the respect is mutual.
Learn to say no.
Love, Shayna
