Self Care for Busy People

It’s so easy to let self care fall by the wayside

especially when we have a ton of responsibilities. You might feel like you don’t have enough time for yourself, which simply isn’t true. Your self care needs to be your main priority, and not something that you might not have enough time for at the end of the day. It shouldn’t be a maybe. When your days get hectic and busy, a solid foundation of self care practices will help you feel productive and less overwhelmed.

Establish a morning routine 

Getting up early might be a sacrifice that you need to make in order to nurture yourself. The morning is a special time, where the world is quiet and no one expects to have access to you. Especially if you’re a parent, you need time to yourself, doing things that fill your cup. You can’t take care of your family or fulfill your obligations when you’re running on empty. Take the time in the mornings to go inward, reflect,  listen to your body, and stretch. Sometimes, sticking to the same exact routine day in and day out can be draining. Try to mix it up while sticking to a consistent framework. For example, you might find that it is important to incorporate some form of movement into your routine, but you feel restricted by doing the same yoga flow everyday. Mix up the flow, do a different workout, or go for a walk instead. 

Celebrate your small wins

When you’re on the verge of burnout, it can be easy to feel jaded, and like there’s no end in sight. It helps if you remind yourself what you are grateful for, and celebrate yourself for getting where you are, even if it’s not where you would like to be. If you are making an effort to improve yourself every day, that is enough to feel proud of. Accept yourself without having achieved perfection. It will give you the encouragement to keep going.

Set realistic expectations for your day 

Overloading yourself with tasks in an effort to soothe the self imposed guilt that you feel about not being productive enough will only lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout. Ask yourself: What do I absolutely need to get done today? What tasks can I move to another day? How can I organize my tasks in a way that is achievable for me?

 Treat yourself. 

You are not a machine, and even if you were, you would require maintenance. Taking care of yourself is more than just eating, sleeping, and brushing your teeth. It requires an investment of time, effort, or money into your own happiness. This can look like taking an epsom salt bath, eating an exciting meal, or pursuing a beloved hobby. Even if you don’t have the time to do something extravagant, you can still dedicate thirty minutes to your own joy every day. Novelty is vital to your mental health, and you will thank yourself later.

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Starting with a creative written voice and a BA in English from ASU, Alli Cravener has become so much more than Integrative Counsel’s voice! Not only is she a writer who is passionate about connecting concepts and content, Alli is also currently a grad student working towards her Master’s in Counseling. She is also the editor-in-chief, office manager, AND intake specialist at Integrative Counsel. When you call us, you’ll talk to Alli! Alli’s interests include painting, history, learning about other people, and wearing the color pink. She likens herself to a “mouse in a palm tree”, and she loves it that way.