How To Squeeze In Self-Care No Matter How Busy You Are
In the past few years, the term self-care has become somewhat of a buzzword. Many people may still be wondering how it is possible to attend to all your obligations, be on top of your work, keep your home neat and clean, have a social life AND, on top of it all, take good care of yourself. However, self-care is of the utmost importance and should be a priority! We often neglect our own needs and put others’ wishes first, but soon that will take a toll on our mental as well as physical health.
While it is true that the fast pace of the 21st century lifestyle makes it a real challenge, there are still many ways in which you can squeeze in a little self-care into your routine. The key is to make these things habits, and good ones at that. Read on to get some self-care ideas and improve the quality of your life!
Cut out unnecessary distractions
Think about all the things you waste your time on without getting anything important in return, such as scrolling through social media or any other app that has no real value. Distractions such as these persist purely out of habit. You’d be surprised what a big difference it would make to cut them out. Not only will you free up that half an hour to do something that will be more beneficial to you, but your mind will also be less cluttered.
Unplug yourself from time to time
In addition to reducing social media time, try to cut back on being glued to electronic devices, in general. Spend that time focusing on those around you instead. At the very least try to “disconnect” for a day, every once in a while, and you will see how relaxing it is not having to check texts and emails every few minutes. Today’s necessity of staying connected at all times can wreak havoc on our mental well-being, so treat yourself to a few hours of peace and quiet.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Another big problem for many people is that they can’t say ‘no’. We often tend to bite off more than we can chew, piling up tasks and obligations that leave no room for us to spare a few minutes for ourselves. However, knowing when it is too much and when it’s time to delegate some tasks is also an important skill you should hone. Whether it’s about work or household chores, there are always people who can help out and give you that much-needed break you deserve.
Pay attention to your diet
In the daily hustle and bustle, we often end up just grabbing a bite of whatever is quickest or most convenient. However, that can also be the worst thing you could do. You can’t expect your body to keep up if you don’t give it the best quality fuel. That shouldn’t even be a question of self-care, but of the most basic needs! If you are really busy, try to plan your week ahead and make a few dishes in advance or opt for getting healthy meals delivered to you to spare time but not at the expense of your well-being.
Stay mindful
If you are still not practicing yoga, meditation, or mindfulness, it’s time to reconsider this decision! As little as 5-10 minutes in the morning can make a difference in how you will feel that day. So, take this opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Pay attention to your thoughts the world around you. While also practicing gratitude – think about all the things you are thankful for and appreciate the moment. Your mind will feel clearer and ready for the day ahead! A quick yoga session is another amazing way to start the day, so tune out for 10 minutes each morning to stay in top shape!
Devote yourself to a hobby
You might think that you simply don’t have time for this, but there is always a way to free up an hour or two a week to do something you truly enjoy. Think about your past hobbies you really liked but had to give up. Was it gardening? Or baking? Or perhaps crafting? These deserve to be part of your life if they make you happy! Developing your skills in something you love will give you newfound confidence and pride, so those dirty dishes can wait a bit longer! On the other hand, if you never had a hobby of your own, your opportunities are endless and you will surely find something that will pique your interest.
Devoting some time to yourself is not selfish – it is only normal and should not be neglected. We have many roles to fulfill in our lives, and we can live up to the task only if we are at our best. So make sure you know when to put yourself first and treat yourself without feeling guilty. It’s all for the greater good.
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