“It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary.”
Everyone experiences moments when we have 50 things we need to get done and feel like we never have time to complete even 5 of them.
Maybe this sounds familiar?
Any of these feelings sound familiar? Exhausted, stressed, frustrated, or discombobulated? Do you ever feel like you have to make sure everyone else has what they need before you take care of whatever it is you need? But there isn’t enough time in the day to take care of everyone else’s needs AND yours, right?
No, that is so far from the truth, and here are some ideas to help you make it happen! There are countless inspirations, we just need to find those that work for us. Are the things that help more the go for a walk or exercise to get those endorphins pumping. Or maybe your idea of relaxing is more taking a bath/shower or working on a project that you have been meaning to get to?
Think of those little things you used to do throughout the day to make yourself feel better. Fixing your hair or makeup, freshening up your cologne, writing your thoughts in a journal, or even just breaking away from whatever you’re doing to have a snack or listen to music. These are all little things that can perk up your day, and whether it is for 10 mins, an hour, or an entire day, everyone needs that time away from that everyday monotony.
We all know how difficult it is from time to time to make some room for those much-needed “Self-care” breaks.
That specific time we carve away from everything else for ourselves. It can be any amount of time if you are actively getting away from what you are doing, and you are focusing on what YOUR own personal needs are at that moment. This outlet is so vitally important to be at your best for your family and your other responsibilities.
Time and time again it has been shown that even if it’s only a 10-minute breather from that work or home project, or the refreshing self-care get away from taking care of things your family needs, it is genuinely worth it. You are worth it!!
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Many of us seem to feel guilty if we take that 10m-1hr break away from whatever someone needs or the project being worked on. How about trying the below activity when in a bind and can’t relax enough to take that much-needed longer break:
Two Minute Self-Care:
- Take a moment to focus only on your breathing. Close your eyes and feel the air coming in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try counting while you are doing it to keep you on task… in for 4… hold for 2… out for 4… repeat.
- Give yourself a massage.
- Pull out a pen and paper (yes, a real pen and paper and not the app on your phone) and start a list of what you are grateful for. As the days and weeks go on, go back and revisit that list, add new things and reflect on what you had already identified.
- Make a cup of coffee or tea and sit down and drink it slowly and with intention. Pay attention to the smell, the flavor, the way the warmth feels in your mouth and the sensations of it going down your throat. Enjoy your beverage, don’t inhale it.
- Do a meditation.
- Get outside.
If you truly feel as though you have no way to get out of whatever it is holding you back, ask someone for help. The first step to SELF-care (and I emphasized the self for a reason) is letting people know what you need and making it happen. Putting your needs on the back burner can cause you to burn out, a decline in your mental and physical health, and mood swings.
Some of the best things you can do to help yourself relax and get away from your daily stressors are:
- Get Enough Sleep-many people wonder what enough is, but it really depends on the individual, their schedule, and their life. Just do your best to make it over 6hrs and consistent.
- Eat Healthy-even if you’re not hungry, drink or eat something. A piece of fruit, scoop of peanut butter, even a protein shake goes a long way for supplying your body energy.
- Go for a Walk– take a few moments, break away and go for a stroll.
- Lose the Electronics—go natural, forget the calls, the emails, and all the social media do something you enjoy.
Find a good book, hang out with a friend, or get a massage. Volunteering to help others is a great way to provide altruism and make us feel better! Whatever you do, enjoy your me-time while you can. Hopefully whatever you decide to do during your “me” time will help you go back to your responsibilities relaxed and refreshed.
Taking the necessary steps toward self-care and keeping them in check, including asking for help as needed can offer stability not only for your everyday stressors but when those bigger bumps in the road come along.
Self-care is different for all of us, whether we choose to exercise, do art activities, facials, take a walk, or read a book. As different as it may be for each person, everyone should make self-care a priority. Without you at your best, life just wouldn’t be the same. Next time you’re stressed or upset but think you don’t have the time for yourself right now because there is so much to do or others need you, try and remember this:
