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Scheduling in Self-Care: How Much Time Do You Have Today?
Contrary to popular belief, self-care doesn’t require a weeklong vacation, a weekend getaway, or even more than just a few minutes out of your busy day. Here are some self-care ideas that you can try with just 10 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour, or an afternoon to feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled with life.
Types of Self-Care
Self-care often is lumped into just one category, but it’s important to care for yourself in every unique aspect of your life. For example, physical self-care involves getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. Mental self-care includes activities that help you clear your mind and focus, such as keeping a journal, challenging yourself with hobbies, and making time to relax.You can boost your emotional self-care by developing positive friendships, jotting down a list of things you’re thankful for, and expressing your emotions. Prioritizing the important people in your life promotes relationship self-care, and practicing mindfulness and volunteering supports spiritual self-care.
To achieve a well-balanced life, try different types of self-care depending on how you’re feeling and what your needs are that particular day.
Self-Care with Any Amount of Time
- 10 Minutes: There are plenty of self-care activities you can engage in even if you only have 10 minutes or less to yourself in a day. One of the best ways to take care of yourself is to slow down, which is easier said than done. To help you take a break with limited time, download a meditation app on your smartphone, such as Headspace or Calm. Other self-care activities you can do in just 10 minutes include stretching, self-massage, journaling, and sipping a cup of tea.
- 30 minutes: Thirty minutes may not sound like a lot, but you can make the most of a spare half hour by doing something positive for your mind, body, and soul. This is a perfect opportunity to apply an at-home facial or do a few yoga poses with your favorite YouTube, app, or DVD instructor. Other options include listening to music, reading a book, taking a long shower, and drawing a sketch of something beautiful.
- One Hour: If you have an hour to yourself today, consider getting outside to go for a walk or run while soaking up some fresh air and sunshine. Exercise is a wonderful stress reliever and can be squeezed in between kids’ appointments, work projects, and meal times. You may want to spend your self-care hour getting a manicure or pedicure at your local nail salon to improve the way you look and feel. Other options include practicing a musical instrument, dressing up and trying a new hairstyle, trying a new recipe, and soaking in a relaxing bath with essential oils.
- An Afternoon: Every once in a while, moms deserve to clear the calendar for an afternoon all to themselves. Consider booking a massage appointment or visiting your hairdresser for an updated cut and style. This is also a great opportunity to pursue a new hobby by taking a class at a local rec center, art studio, or community college. You might also try going for a solo hike in the woods, purging your closet of clothes you don’t love, browsing shops in a nearby town, or binging on your favorite Netflix show.
Create Your Own Self-Care Rituals
To take the best possible care of your health, aim to make self-care feel like second nature and become part of your daily routine. For example, maybe your morning routine involves doing some stretching, showering, and eating a healthy breakfast. A lunchtime routine is ideal for breaking up a stressful day with a little mediation, reading, or a brisk walk. Then before going to bed, establish a bedtime routine that helps you relax, such as writing in a journal while listening to music.Always remember that self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s one of the best preventive health measures you can take, and that’s something that will benefit every mom tremendously.
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