Self-care. The term is almost a parody of itself today, mired in pithy statements about gratitude or positive mindsets – but, despite the incredible wealth of borderline-cringe content around self-care, it really is a vitally important undertaking for both your physical and mental health. And yet. In today’s fast-paced world, self-care often slips to the bottom of the old priority list. Even for the busiest among us, carving out time for wellness is nothing short of essential (as opposed to the luxury we often treat it as).
But how the hell do we make time for self-care if it feels like there’s no time to make for it in the first place? Here, I hope to demonstrate that self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Whether you’re a working professional, a busy parent, or always on the go, these following suggestions – rituals, if you will – are designed to restore balance, boost mental clarity, and support your long-term well-being.
Start Your Day with Intention
Intentionality is vital to personal wellness. It’s no use making vague promises to yourself, particularly if you’re already quite adept at breaking them in favor of working harder. Even just three minutes to sit down with an honest to-do list can make a world of difference to the way you approach your day. Being on the front foot with your busy-ness is far more likely to pay off than being reactive.
Micro-Moments of Mindfulness
This intentionality means you can be more honest with yourself about the small pockets of free time you do find yourself having. You might be used to using social media as a quick-release dopamine button, but this is mindlessness at its worst – and certainly won’t be doing anything good for your stress levels. Try to leave the phone alone when you have a minute; instead, let yourself be present with yourself for just a minute, even thirty seconds. Notice things: the ticking clock on the wall, the sound of the wind, the smell of the flowers in the window.
Quick Ways to Nourish Your Body
Nourishment is key to self-care too – and this doesn’t just mean forgoing the fettucine alfredo for lunch in favor of a salad. Nourishment comes in a number of forms, including rituals and routines attached to cosmetics. A quick skincare routine, for instance, can be nourishing for both body and soul. Skin brightening products can bring a glow back to your eyes, helping you see a bit more ‘you’ in the mirror; moisturizers and sleeping masks can rehydrate your skin for a healthier complexion too.
Build a Ritual That Sticks
While no two days are necessarily the same for us busy-folk, there are still times of day that retain some level of predictability. Those fifteen minutes after you finally get your toddler down, or the 30 minutes grace you have at home before you need to get dinner on – they are the same whenever they happen, and prime territory for building yourself a ritual that sticks. Stay regular with it, and the long-term benefits will absolutely come to fruition!