What falls to the wayside when you get busy? It’s probably not work projects, your kids’ activities or appointments you scheduled months ago. Chances are, you give up on your personal, private time instead.
One of the many downfalls of sacrificing your personal time is that you end up losing steam, which makes it hard to pour yourself into all of your other tasks. If for no other reason than to improve your performance while busy — though self-care is important regardless of your schedule — it’s time to work your “you” time back onto your to-do list.
The following five tips will make it possible for you to take care of yourself, no matter how hectic your schedule gets. Try the ones that stand out to you and see which one sticks — your body and mind will thank you.
1. Pencil it in
You probably follow a schedule on your busiest days so you can squeeze everything in. To be sure you have time to take care of yourself, write it into your schedule, too.
Looking at your calendar, you can probably find a few gaps you can dedicate to yourself. If your calendar is comically packed, even a quick 15-minute window will work — specifically setting aside even a quarter-hour will put you back in the right mindset.
2. Find a new hobby
Perhaps you find it hard to designate “you” time without it having a particular purpose. One way to fill the void is to pick up a new hobby you practice within your dedicated timeframe.
You could go with something traditional, such as sport, or try and come up with a pastime that’s in tune with your unique interests. No matter the route you choose, make sure it’s something you’re passionate or excited about as that kind of emotion will keep you coming back for your self-care sessions.
3. Make a pampering appointment
Wider windows of time for self-care give you the opportunity to treat yourself even more than you would with a bit of quiet time or hobby time. For some, this type of free time is an excuse to get seriously pampered.
Check out the service menu at your local spa to see what sounds the best and most relaxing to you. Whether it’s a pedicure or a full-body massage, you’ll be glad you did something for yourself and be ready to jump back into your busy routine with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Oh, and your skin or nails might be glowing, too.
We call that a win-win.
4. Write it all out
We’re not talking about your day planner or agenda here. Instead, we suggest taking up journaling as a way to take notice of what you’re feeling throughout the week.
Starting a journal will unlock a wealth of benefits that come with writing regularly. In this case, perhaps the most important will be the fact that you can lower your stress levels by simply scrawling in your journal. That’s because you’re retelling the events of your day through a new lens that might allow you to reflect on what’s causing you anxiety and help lessen it.
Journaling can even combat the insomnia that comes from stress, too. You can get your feelings out and help your mind rest before it’s time for bed.
5. Delegate
Remember, you’re only one person, and an unrealistic schedule will put unrealistic demands on you. Look at your weekly agenda with a critical eye. Is there anything you can give to someone else to do, whether it’s a coworker, family member, spouse or partner?
If so, take advantage of the helping hands around you. You’ve undoubtedly helped one of them in a similar situation, and you will probably do so again. So, now that you need someone else’s help, don’t hesitate to ask —
You deserve it.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!
Author: Savannah Hemmings
Savannah Hemmings graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. She is a Philadelphia-based personal stylist and writes about style, fashion and fitness on her lifestyle blog, Sincerely Savannah. Her work has been featured on Hello Giggles, Bustle, Self Magazine and TIME. She has a passion for fitness and you can almost always find her training for her next marathon.
