Do you often find yourself putting other people first? Whether it’s your kids, your clients, or your friends, you’ll go the extra mile to make other people feel cared for.
When was the last time you did the same thing for yourself?
Giving is a beautiful thing. However, it’s important to fill your own cup so that you have the energy and stamina to be there for others, too. Otherwise, you’ll eventually burn out. Besides, self-care isn’t as difficult as it sounds once you make it a habit!
Below is a short guide to making time for yourself.
Set Goals By Journaling
First, take a few moments to listen to your own inner voice. Put away your cell phone and computer and take out a pen and journal. Then, jot down your thoughts on the following topics:
- What have you been neglecting? What hobbies, passions, and goals have fallen by the wayside?
- What keeps you from investing energy in yourself? Do these obligations really require as much time as you give them?
- Is there anyone you can ask to help out with your workload?
- How much time would you ideally like to spend on your own projects and pastimes?
- What would it take to make time for yourself? What priorities would you need to shift or change?
Then, you’ll have a clear sense of what you want your life to look like. The next step? Making it a reality.
Ask for Support
Chances are that you’ll need other people’s support to carve out a little bit more time for yourself.
If you plan to carve out designated me-time in the mornings or evenings, ask your family members or roommates to respect it. More likely than not, they’ll be thrilled to see you doing something for yourself!
However, if work is the main drain on your time, you may need to look elsewhere for support. Your coworkers probably won’t pick up the slack for you. (If they might, then by all means, ask!)
Take a little time off if you’re able to, and consider investing in a self-care course to get clear on your goals.
Nourish Your Body
Sometimes, making time for yourself can just mean using the hours you’d usually spend scrolling through Instagram or watching TV to do something to connect you with you.
Try out these fast, easy strategies for caring for your physical form.
- Take superfood supplements – An astaxanthin supplement can help support your overall health. Take it in the morning to find a little more energy throughout the day. With any luck, you can use the extra fuel in your engine to spend a little more time on you!
- Move while working – Just because you’re booked with phone calls doesn’t mean you can’t care for yourself. Try out a self-care video (on mute) during your next phone call. The listener won’t notice that you’re getting in a little restorative self-massage!
- Cook – You have to eat. Rather than going for takeout, spend a few minutes making a simple recipe, even from a meal box. When you eat well, you’ll have more pep. We also digest better when we’ve spent some time with our ingredients before we eat the final dish!
Address Stress
Sometimes, your own nervous mind is the only thing keeping you from taking better care of yourself. Dealing with your stressors head-on can help you clear your thinking and refocus your priorities.
There are more methods than ever for anxiety relief. Try out some of our favorites:
- CBD concentrates
- Yoga
- Aromatherapy
- Gardening
- Knitting
- Walking
Choose the method that fits into your lifestyle. While yoga might require you to carve out a little more time, it’s easy to knit on your commute or take CBD on the go.
A Few Minutes a Day Makes a Difference
If the idea of making time for yourself actually adds stress to your day, remember that it’s okay to start small.
Taking even just five minutes to mindfully drink a glass of water, take some health supplements, and journal can put you on the path to a more relaxing day.
Our bet? Once you see the benefits of making time for yourself, you’ll be inspired to carve out bigger blocks of time. Soon enough, you’ll be thanking yourself for filling your own cup, while continuing to share the wealth with others, too.