When we have a long list of events and tasks to accomplish, the first thing many of us cut back on is self-care. We assume if we skip the gym, stop meditating, or don’t take breaks, we’ll reach our deadline faster. What we fail to realize is that we are less productive when we burn ourselves out and minimize personal time. Are you stressed out from taking care of everybody except yourself? Do you find yourself saying “yes” to things even when you want to say “no” because you don’t want to disappoint others? If this sounds like you, it’s time to stop neglecting yourself.
Self-care has been an increasingly popular topic and I’m here for it! You cannot serve from an empty vessel. Self-care is the action that comes as a result of your love for yourself. Thus, it’s more than a trend it’s a lifestyle. Having consistent self-care routines lead to more positive feelings and boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Overworked people tend to make more mistakes, act out of emotion instead of being rational, and are dissatisfied with their lives. Believe me, I’ve felt this way many times and still do from time to time. Whenever I start to feel overwhelmed and like I’m struggling to maintain focus, I prioritize doing something that makes me happy. I speed up my progress by slowing down.
No matter how busy you are, you deserve time to take care of your well being. Your relationship with yourself is the longest and most important one you’ll ever have.
Caring for yourself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation.
Not sure how to make time for self-care?
Here’s 4 ways to treat your self-care routine like the necessity it is:
1. Plan & prepare for your self-care activity ahead of time
2. Focus on spending your allocated time doing something you selfishly enjoy
3. Commit to your plan like it’s a meeting you cannot miss (because it is!)
4. Reflect on how you feel after you’re done
Needs ideas on how to spend your ‘me” time?
Here’s a list of some of my favorite self-care activities:
- Read
- Meditate
- Journal
- Got to the spa
- Get your hair/nails done
- Nap
- Go on a date (by yourself, with friends or someone you actually like)
- Binge watch a show
- Travel
- Treat yourself to something you love
- Spend a day without social media
- Do something creative
- Go to the spa
- Dance to your favorite songs
- Listen to a podcast
- Watch your favorite movie
- Spend time in nature
- Spend some time alone
Maintaining mindfulness and prioritizing self-care counteracts the negatives thoughts that deplete your mood, energy, and overall quality of life. Also, you won’t ever run into anyone who says, “I regret eating healthy, going to therapy, exercising, and treating myself kindly.” Life is more than what pays your bills. You have more to contribute to this world and your life than the number your paycheck reflects.