Schedule Self Care
If you have trouble setting aside time for yourself, schedule it. Physically write it into your calendar and make sure you follow through. It’s easy to put yourself last when there are a million other things that need doing. However, when you’re running on fumes, you’re not going to be much help to anyone. Block out a chunk of time as often as you need and do something that makes you feel refreshed.
Inversion
When you finally take time to sit and relax, you want to make sure your body is reaping the benefits. One of the easiest ways you can do that is to invert your body position. An article written by Margarita Tartakovsky for psychcentral.com talks to Kirsten Brunner, MA LPC who is a perinatal mental health and relationship expert. She explains, “We spend so much of our time upright, rushing around with tense shoulders,” Brunner said. She suggested spending 15 minutes lying on your back on the floor with your calves on the sofa. “You’re hydrating and calming your brain at the same time by letting things flow in reverse for a while.”
Work on your Breathing
If life starts to feel chaotic, or you’re feeling stressed, consider using the 5-5-5 breathing technique. Breathe in for 5 seconds, hold it for 5 seconds then breathe out for 5 seconds. Do this four or five times in the morning and evening. You’ll be surprised at the impact it makes!
Ask for Help
Asking for help is so simple, yet many of us have a hard time doing it. If you’re looking to free up some of your time in order to practice self-care, asking for help is one way to do that. You can delegate tasks both at work and at home. Work projects, babysitting, house cleaning, and yard work are all things you can get assistance with. The people who love you will be happy to help you. Don’t be afraid to seek out the assistance of others!
Go to Therapy
If you are looking for someone who can walk you through healthy self-care practices while also giving you resources, find a therapist. They will be able to help you identify areas of your life where you can scale back or ask for additional help. A good therapist will also help you learn more about yourself through books, activities, conversation and assignments. Even if you think you don’t need it, you should try it.
Find Balance
Finding balance in your everyday life is so much easier said than done. But it’s a definitely a worthwhile goal! It’s going to be really difficult for you to find happiness and practice meaningful self-care when one area of your life is overtaking the others. Evaluate all of the ways you’re spending your time and determine where you can make changes.
Self-care is so important. In a world where being ‘busy’ is glorified, make sure you take time for yourself.
