Self-Care for Busy Women: Tips to Refuel Your Tank
As a busy professional, mom, or both, you probably find that it is extremely difficult for you to make time for yourself, and your quality of life might be suffering because of it.
But when you hear the word self-care you think “ya right, when do I have time for that!”
Well I want you to know that it may be easier than you think to make some much needed time for yourself. It is not necessary for you to block off a big chunk of time in order to practice better self-care. Going to the gym, getting your hair or nails done, or getting a massage is usually what comes to mind when we think of self-care. Yes of course those things are great when time permits, but self-care should also be something that is not just one more thing to do in a day. It is much more than that.
Self-Care is about doing things that leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. Real Self-Care is about taking care of yourself in a physical, emotional, and mental way. It’s about reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
Below are some ideas to get you started.
Pay attention to what your body needs.
If you feel like you are hungry, eat. If you are tired, take a break. Listen to the cues your body is giving you. I hear many moms say that they get so side tracked with other tasks throughout the day that they don’t eat a thing until dinner time. For your body and brain to function properly, it needs fuel and rest.
Be alone
It may feel difficult to get away, but taking 5 or 10 minutes to sit quietly in a dark room can help you to feel re-energized and grounded. Try to focus on a place that brings you joy. I often imagine sitting outside with the sun warming my face.
Say NO – without feeling guilty
You might not believe me but you can’t be everything to everyone! People in your life are always going to be asking you to do things for them. As women we tend to feel guilty for not taking care of others. As uncomfortable as it may be, sometimes you just have to say no.
Saying no can be difficult at first, but once you realize it also comes with a sense of relief, you might just start doing it more.
Say YES – without feeling guilty
I’m not trying to confuse you, but it is also important to say yes to things too! Saying yes gives you an opportunity to view your needs as a priority. Just make sure that you are saying yes to the things that you want to do, and that they will leave you feeling refreshed, not drained.
Get outside and be with nature
Ah my favourite! Take a walk, sit under a tree or just take five minutes to breathe in some fresh air. Being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces frustration, anger, fear, and stress and helps to increase feelings of calm.
Hydrate
Did you know that you’re already dehydrated when you start to feel thirsty? It is recommended to drink about 2 liters of water per day to stay properly hydrated. Adding lemon might help – try sipping on a warm lemon water in the morning to aid in digestion and help give your complexion a boost.
Once you understand what works best for you, it makes self-care so much easier to do and fit into your busy life!