4 Ways To Include Self Care Into Your Busy Lifestyle
It seems like everyone is busy rushing around these days and not taking a breather to take proper care of themselves.
One moment you're dashing out of bed to get the ready for the morning, and the next you're on the commute to work, trying desperately to remember the legion of tasks you have to complete during your time at work and beyond.
You might have a busy social life too, with friends and family members to catch up with on a fairly regular basis. And you might busy yourself with other things during the week, be that your household chores, your garden maintenance, and any hobbies or group meetings that you regularly partake in.
And while there is nothing wrong with a busy lifestyle per se, you do need to be mindful. If you rarely stop and catch your breath (figuratively and literally), you will start to feel the consequences of a busy lifestyle within your health. Feelings of stress and anxiety might become a norm, and you might fall prey to the ensuing side-effects, such as high blood pressure, exhaustion, and depression.
So, finding ways to include self-care into your busy lifestyle is a must.
These suggestions might be useful to you.
#1: Make time for yourself in the morning
Establish a morning regimen before your busy day begins.
Take the time to eat a healthy breakfast, because this is infinitely better than grabbing a cookie from the jar when you're rushing out of your front door.
You should then take some time out to exercise, be that with a walk or a run around the block, or even by exercising in your living room by doing some yoga or stretching. These home exercise ideas might prove useful.
Then spend some time in thought and reflection in your meditation space. This will give you time to find some semblance of inner peace and will provide your body and mind with the much-needed rest required before your day's activities begin.
By taking these steps, you will start the day the right way. Rather than feeling rushed and stressed, you should feel calmer and better prepared for whatever it is you will be busying yourself with throughout the day.
#2: Schedule time for yourself
No matter what else you have going on during the week, find places on your calendar for me-time, and put a large red ring around the times you have chosen.
And if you can't find time for yourself? Maybe you simply have too much going on?
Then remember that your health matters first and foremost. There are bound to be things within your schedule that hold less priority in your life, so ask yourself:
Do I really need to attend every meeting I have scheduled?
Do I need to attend every social engagement that I have been invited to?
The answer is probably 'no,' so if you need to cross things off your calendar in favour of me-time, then do so. Then be sure to say 'no' to any other activity that might distract you from your personal needs, unless there is a significant reason as to why you might need to move your me-time to another date.
And if you have a family to consider? Set boundaries for yourself if they are in the same house as you, and let them know that you need some time to yourself. Or take time out for yourself when they are involved in after-school activities or otherwise engaged. You might bring in an extended family member to look after them occasionally too.
And when you do have time for yourself, don't busy yourself with housework or with any other types of strenuous activity. Instead, catch up with your Netflix boxsets, pamper yourself at your beauty table, go for a gentle walk, read a book, or do anything else that will give you time to refresh yourself. You will feel better by doing so.
#3: Book your health appointments
When did you last see your doctor? And when did you last see your optician and dentist? You need to make these appointments a priority if your health is suffering in any way, but even if you are feeling fine, you should still see your local health professionals for a check-up. If anything is wrong, they should be able to remedy any health issues you are experiencing.
So, despite your busyness, make the time for these appointments. Arrange for them before or after work, or let your employer know that you might need to take some time out of the workplace.
Of course, if your employer provides occupational healthcare services, you should take advantage of what is on offer. Your boss should encourage you to anyway, but there is nothing wrong with booking an appointment yourself on a fairly regular basis or when you feel it necessary.
#4: Live a healthy lifestyle throughout the day
You can still live a healthy lifestyle despite your busy day, so take the necessary steps to care for your wellbeing.
So, rather than driving or taking the bus to work, you might walk or cycle instead in your lifestyle ensues.
Rather than eating on the go when you're busy at work, take time out to rest, opting for a healthy lunch rather than something from the local fast food joint.
Find other opportunities to exercise throughout the day, perhaps by going for a short walk during your break times and/or taking part in exercises at your desk. You might also visit the gym before you go home or book yourself into a dance or fitness class.
And during the evening, resist the urge to do too much with your time. By adhering to one of our previous points, you might have scheduled time for yourself already. But even if you do have family and friends to consider, try to find relaxing things to do with them, instead of busying yourself with activities that could tire you out.
Finally, remember to go to bed at a reasonable time. A good night's sleep has many health benefits, on both a physical and a mental level, so get your shut-eye, as you will then be able to return to the first point on this list when you wake in the morning.