The concept of self-care isn’t new by any means, but it is definitely talked about more these days. It is a wonderful way to spend time focusing on yourself and your own needs, helping to nurture your emotions and give yourself some love. But if you have a very busy schedule, it can be hard to find time for it. Here are some ways to practice self-care, even with very limited time available.
Combine Self-Care With Other Activities
When you have limited time, you probably won’t be able to practice self-care just on its own for an hour a day. That’s okay! You can definitely still have self-care, it just might need to be combined with other activities.
For example, if you are going to take a shower, why not take a bath instead and light some aromatherapy candles? You get your cleansing ritual in, while also taking care of your mental health. Or you can take your dog somewhere scenic and peaceful to go for a walk instead of just around your neighborhood.
Pay Attention to Your Routines
Take a look at your current routines, especially when you are at home and have leisure time. Do you really not have any time available for self-care, or do you just need to adjust some of these routines a little bit?
You may find that there are little pockets of time where you spend too much time on your phone, more time than is necessary organizing something that was fin before, or just vegging out on the couch. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, but it might be good to adjust some of them in order to get some more self-care time in.
Put Other Responsibilities Aside
When you really, truly don’t have the extra time for self-care, it might be necessary to make the time. You need to set new priorities and see what you can say no to in order to have more time for yourself. This doesn’t mean calling in sick to work or skipping things that you really have to get done, but saying no to obligations that someone else could probably handle without you, or ordering in dinner one night instead of cooking.
Self-Care Activities That Don’t Take a Lot of Time
Now, for the fun part. Self-care activities that aren’t going to take all your time! Here are some ideas for what you can do for yourself that don’t require dedicating a lot of time or energy to them.
Journaling
Meditation
Deep breathing exercises
Listen to music
Watch something funny on Netflix
Go for a walk
Take a micro nap
Do a simple craft, like adult coloring or part of a puzzle
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