Nurturing the Soul
Best Tips for Self-Care for Busy Women
In the busyness of everyday life, finding time for self-care can seem like an impossible feat, especially for busy women juggling multiple responsibilities. However, prioritising self-care is crucial for maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and overall life satisfaction. I use to take for granted the importance of rest and proper self-care until I was naturally made to stop and rest sometime this year. So, as the holidays are upon us and with a lot of us rushing to get things done I have decided to share more on taking care of ourselves. In last weeks newsletter I shared tips on taking care of ourselves during the holiday season and this week I will share some practical tips for incorporating in a busy lifestyle.
The Power of Micro-Moments - Embracing Micro-breaks
It is important to take small breaks in between tasks so incorporate short breaks throughout the day, even if just for a few minutes. Use this time to stretch, practice deep breathing, or indulge in a quick mindfulness exercise. I like to use my watch to do a 1 minute breathing exercise every couple of hours during the working day.
Making the Mundane Tasks Mindful
I love my morning coffee but also in the cold seasons, I love a cup of tea every now and then. During these times I really like to sit quietly with my cup in hand and taking in the aroma of my beverage.. yeas sometimes it’s difficult to find the time for that but remember self-care is a choice. So, try this, transform your routine activities into opportunities for self-care. Whether it's savouring a cup of tea, enjoying a warm shower, or relishing a nourishing meal, infuse these moments with mindfulness.
Efficient Exercise for Busy Schedules - Embracing Alternative Workouts
Ever heard of if you fail to plan you plan to fail? Well exercising is important for our health and our busy schedules shouldn’t take priority of that so if you don’t have time for an extended workout take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to the shops instead of taking the car, or walk the dog for a bit longer. The most important thing is incorporating moment in your day which can boost energy levels and enhance mood.
Prioritising Sleep
I started this article with my experience with lack of rest and so here I dedicate a whole section to rest. I had been going on for weeks with less than adequate sleep and high intensity exercising but I got to a point where I couldn’t concentrate for 15 minutes straight. I was always so exhausted that scared me so I visited my GP. I was told to prioritise my sleep or face other consequences so I adhered. Quality sleep is a cornerstone of self-care and establishing a consistent sleep routine, creating a calming bedtime ritual, and ensuring your sleeping environment promotes restful slumber can do wonders for your health.
Making Self-Care Practices Simple - Plan and Prioritise
Schedule self-care activities just like any other essential task. Whether it's a weekly pampering session, a hobby, or quiet reading time, allocate dedicated slots in your calendar. Apart from my usual breaks and morning and evening routines I have Sundays as my Me-days where I give myself extra love.
Delegate and Ask Support When Needed
I know a lot of us have difficulty asking for help but this is also crucial to our well-being. Asking for help when needed isn’t a sign of weakness. Recognise that it's okay to delegate tasks and seek support. Enlist help from family members, friends, or colleagues to lighten your load, creating space for self-care.
Nourishing the Mind and Soul
We are what we feed ourselves, in food and mental stimulation. The food we eat will eventually have an effect on our energy, mood and physical appearance but also the food we feed our mind will determine what we think and expect of ourselves. Fuel your body with nutritious, balanced meals with all the nutrient groups in moderation. Consider prepping healthy snacks and meals in advance to ensure you make nourishing food choices, even on busy days. Make a list of inspiring and educative podcasts and listen to them on the go.
Feed Your Passions
Finally, no matter how busy we are, it’s our duty to ourselves to make time for activities that bring us joy and fulfilment. Whether it's a creative pursuit, a hobby, or simply spending time in nature, engaging in activities you love is vital for well-being. I love to bake so for me a great relaxing outlet is getting myself in the kitchen with my ingredients and letting my imagination run wild.
Take Home Message
We are all really busy in our day to day but taking care of ourselves and our self care is a choice that should be priority on our own lists. Balancing a hectic schedule with self-care requires intentional effort and commitment. I have shared some tips that can be incorporated into your daily routine. This will help enhance your overall well-being and also prove that self-care can be seamlessly woven into even the busiest of lifestyles.
Note to self, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and sustainable life.
Journal Prompt: How can I incorporate more self care activities in my daily life?