In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care can be challenging.
However, it is essential to prioritise self-care to maintain overall well-being and manage stress effectively. Even during a busy day, there are ways to fit in moments of self-care with proper time management and conscious decision-making.
Self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress. While it may seem challenging to find time for self-care in our fast-paced world, it is essential.
Prioritising self-care not only benefits your overall well-being but also enhances your ability to handle the demands of daily life.
What is Self-care?
Self-care is the practice of taking care of your physical, mental and emotional health. It is important to engage in self-care activities regularly to maintain your overall well-being.
There are different types of self-care activities, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to find activities that make you feel good and that you enjoy.
How to Fit Self-care into Your Busy Day
1. Plan Ahead
Schedule self-care activities into your day, just like you would with work meetings or appointments. This way, you’re more likely to make time for them.
2. Set Boundaries and Combine Activities
Learn to say no when you’re overwhelmed with tasks or commitments. Setting boundaries and managing your workload can free up time for self-care. Look for ways to combine self-care with daily activities.
For example, you can practice deep breathing during your commute, or listen to a podcast on a topic you’re passionate about while working out.
3. Delegate and Prioritise Mindfully
Identify tasks that can be delegated to others or postponed to another time, and prioritise self-care activities as high as your work-related tasks.
When multitasking, combine certain self-care activities with other tasks. For example, you can listen to relaxing music while doing chores.
4. Set Time Limits
Allocate specific time slots for self-care, even if it’s just 15-30 minutes. Setting a time limit can help you stay on track and ensure that self-care doesn’t consume too much of your day.
5. Minimise Distractions and Learn to Let Go
Create a quiet and distraction-free space for self-care activities. Put your phone on silence, close unnecessary tabs on your computer and focus on the present moment.
Understand that it’s okay to let go of the need to be perfect or have everything done in a particular way.
6. Use Self-Care Apps and Stretch
Many self-care and mindfulness apps offer quick, guided sessions. These can be helpful during busy days when you have limited time.
Stretching and deep breathing exercises are also quick and easy self-care activities that you can do anywhere.
7. Gratitude Journaling and Hydration
Writing down a few things you’re grateful for and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration are essential self-care practices.
8. Set a Bedtime Routine and Seek Support
A good night’s sleep is essential for self-care. Establish a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and ensures you get enough rest.
Let your loved ones and colleagues know about your commitment to self-care. They can help remind you to take a break when needed.
Conclusion
Remember that self-care doesn’t always have to be time-consuming or elaborate. It can be as simple as taking short breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your body or practising mindfulness during daily tasks like eating or showering.
By consciously making an effort to prioritise self-care and manage your time effectively, you can find ways to fit in moments of rejuvenation and stress relief even on the busiest days. Taking care of yourself not only benefits your physical and mental well-being but also enhances productivity and overall quality of life.
Researched by Aduloju Oluwatoyosi Afolabi
