Everyone experiences times when we have 50 things we need to get done and feel like we don’t have time to complete 5 of them.
Maybe this sounds familiar?
You’re frustrated, worn out and tired of everything you need to take care of before you can take care of you. But there isn’t enough time in the day to take care of everyone else’s needs AND yours, right?
That is so far from the truth and here are some ideas to help you make it happen! There are countless ideas, we just need to find those that work for us, whether for 10 mins, an hour, or a whole day.
We all know how difficult it is from time to time to make some room for 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, it is genuinely worth it. You are more than worth it!!
Self-Care Isn’t Self-ish
Many of us seem to feel guilty if we take that 10m-1hr break away from whatever someone needs or the projects 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 4… out for 4… repeat
- Give yourself a massage or stretch it out
- 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 purpose. Pay attention to the smell, the flavor, the way the warm liquid feels in your mouth and the vibrations of it going down your throat. Enjoy your beverage, don’t inhale it.
- Try a meditation-there are so many relaxing and rejuvenating reflections out there. Some of my favorites are on: www.insighttimer.com
- Get outside-breathe in some fresh air, even talk a stroll.
If you truly feel as though you have no way to get away from whatever it is keeping you sidetracked, 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 figuring out a way to make it happen. Putting your needs on the back burner can cause you to burn out, see a decline in your mental and/or 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 consistently. If you have trouble with this, please talk to a doctor or counselor.
- Eat Healthy-even if you’re not hungry, drink or eat something healthy. Not saying you can’t have a favorite “junk” snack once in a while, but a piece of fruit, scoop of peanut butter, even a protein shake goes a long way supplying your body energy.
- Go for a Walk– take a few moments, break away and go for a stroll.
- Listen to Your Favorite Music-music, especially the kind you enjoy listening to can elevate your mood and when that happens you are hopefully happier and feeling refreshed.
- Lose those Electronics—go natural, forget the calls, the emails, and all the social media. Do other things that you enjoy. Read 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 and regularly! Hopefully whatever you decide to do during your time will help you go back to your responsibilities relaxed and reinvigorated.
Finding balance in your life is so important and creating a way that works for you and your family can have a positive impact on your overall life and wellbeing.
To be there for others, try your best to take care of what you need to focus on anyone, anything else. Taking those essential steps toward self-care and keeping them in check, including taking even 10-30 minutes 1x a day for yourself can make a world of difference in your life. Do not be afraid to ask your spouse, parent, or neighbor for support as needed. Asking someone for help can not only take some of the pressure off your shoulders and can offer stability not only for everyday stressors, but when those bigger bumps in the road come along.
Self-care is different for all of us, whether we choose exercise, art activities, facials, taking a walk, reading a book, or whatever you enjoy doing to help yourself get more energized. As diverse as this 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 and think you don’t have the time for yourself because there is so much to do or others need you, try and remember this:
Take care of yourself so you can be there for others too! Best wishes! Find something you enjoy and just make it happen 10, 20 or 45 minutes every day will help!