How to: find time for self care in your daily life
We’re determined to shift the narrative that self care is a luxury.
Are you trying to make self care a priority in your life, but don't know how to squeeze it in?
We get it! Caring for yourself doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. Our purpose speaks to self care being a simple moment you carve out just for yourself – a moment to stop and reflect, or dial in and connect. When practised consistently, moments of self care can help you achieve better health and wellbeing. Putting yourself at the top of your to-do list can lead to less stress, improved mood, brain function, memory… the list goes on.
But, life gets busy. Between maintaining an active social life, work and family commitments, moments for you can feel few and far between.
How to make it happen? We've got four tips to help you carve out time for yourself:
Schedule it in
If you’re waiting for your schedule to open up to have time for your self care routine, you may end up waiting a while. Like you would diarise an appointment or a meeting, open your calendar app and book a date with yourself. Better still, set an alarm to go off at a designated time so you know you have to down tools and carve out some ‘me’ time – whatever that looks like to you.
Become a morning person
Use the stillness of the early morning to meditate, stretch, journal, or simply enjoy a coffee in peace. Don’t lose out on those all-important forty winks, waking early may require you to go to bed slightly earlier to ensure you’re still getting ample sleep.
Break it up
Self care doesn’t always call for lengthy soaks in the bath or a three-hour Swedish massage, a few minutes throughout the day are just as beneficial. Forgo your nightly scroll in favour of reading that book that’s been living on your bedside for far too long, or try some box breathing while you brush your teeth.
Share the load
If you’re still struggling to squeeze in some precious solo time, ask for help. It can feel impossible to do it all, so reach out if you need someone to take something off your plate, and book that date in with yourself.
Nurture Yourself tip: Amidst the hustle and bustle, practice taking one minute each day to focus on your breath. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take ten slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This simple mindful breathing exercise can instantly reset your mind and recharge your energy, leaving you feeling refreshed and more present, and it will soon become a daily ritual for self care.
We hope these tips will help you to create your own Daily Rituals for self care. 💫 Need more inspiration? Follow @embodyme_daily or sign up The Weekly for more on curating precious moments for you each week.