Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash
Kids, career, spouse, household. Do you ever find that you are doing these things and don’t feel like you are really good at any of them? I mean, you make your son’s tournament, you meet your work deadlines (though maybe at the last minute), your manage to get something that resembles a home-cooked meal on the table, and your house, well, most rooms are clean. Where, in all of that, is time to take care of you?
I know your answer: there isn’t time. But if your husband asked you to make brownies for his company barbecue or your daughter asked for a ride somewhere, you’d find the time. It’s important to apply that same importance to carving out time to take care of yourself. Self-care is incredibly important to your overall well-being and avoiding burnout, but it doesn’t happen without a dedicated effort.
Taking even a few minutes to care for yourself can decrease your overall stress. The best part is that self-care can look like anything that makes you feel at ease. It can be meditating poolside for half an hour or getting a massage. Sneaking out to Target for a coffee and some browsing counts as self-care. Sitting in your parked car at the park and sipping water while listening to some of your favorite music is self-care. So is getting up a few minutes early and sipping coffee in silence before the world wakes up.
If you’re not convinced self-care is worth slowing down for then consider this, if your self-care includes eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly, it can lead to major improvements in your physical health.
If your self-care includes indulging in activities you enjoy like reading, creating, or learning a new skill, it can lead to enhanced cognitive function.
Emotionally, taking those little breaks for self-care promotes resilience and self-esteem—two things that can help you cope with daily challenges.
So discover what reignites your fire and prioritize time in your schedule specifically for that pursuit. You’ll be a better version of yourself and ready to tackle your daily routine with enthusiasm.
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