4 Ways To Insert Self-Care Into Your Already Jam Packed Schedule
I get it you are busy.
Maybe you feel like there is barely enough time to catch a breath throughout the day or take a bathroom break let alone think about or schedule in some self-care.
Reminder: the point of self-care is not to add more things onto your schedule, to do list or to stress you out. It is to create and allow some space and time for you and your needs so you can show up and be more present, focused and ready to tackle those items that are on your schedule.
Tips & Tricks to fitting it all in…
1. Start With Your Needs
What do you need more of in your life? What do you need less of in your life? What needs are you looking to meet with self-care? What is the thing you need most in your life right now? Answers sometimes include, but are not limited to relaxation, quietness, connection, stability, love, energy, etc.
2. Think Micro NOT Macro
Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, or involve you spending hours at the gym or at the spa. Instead of doing large chunks of self-care all the time, break it down into more digestible chunks so it can be squeezed into your day to day schedule. Having a spa day, taking a mini day trip, and working out are all great “macro” self-care items, and you should still focus energy on those, but just not all your energy. Allow yourself to explore with “micro” self-care items such as: surrounding yourself with positive post it notes or messages, closing your eyes and counting to ten before starting your car to drive home, standing up and stretching at your desk, get outside during your lunch break, actually take a lunch break, when you feel the urge to go to the bathroom go use the restroom (stop holding it in!), walk around your office building, wear clothes that make you happy, drink water throughout your day, smile, etc.
3. Set Boundaries And Stick To Them
Saying “no” isn’t easy (for you or those around you) but it can be such a great self-care tactic to integrate into your life. If we are usually the one to say “yes” to all, we will receive some push back from those around us once we set certain boundaries and start sticking to them. But what is gained from this is an immense amount of appropriate power and self-love for out wants, needs and abilities. Remember that the world isn’t going anywhere and that it will still be there for you when you are done taking time for yourself.
4. Take A Lunch Break (I mean it!)
Not a working lunch break, not a lunch break where you are listening to or reading up on business related items, and not a 5-minute lunch break where you shovel your food into your mouth at your desk while answering emails. A real lunch BREAK. Leave your workstation and let yourself decompress. We all don’t have the luxury of having a true hour lunch break, but if you do, USE IT! If you don’t, be creative and find a way to turn off your work brain and pop in a true crime podcast, your favorite Spotify playlist or something else that interests you.
Shannon Gonter, Professional Counselor in Louisville, KY
I specialize in working with men and young adults. I am passionate about my career and want to work with you to create positive change. I also strive to create a counseling environment where men and young adults can relate, feel heard, and find new solutions to their negative patterns. Some issues that I most commonly work with are stress, relationship issues, difficulty saying “no” to others, difficulties recognizing emotions and emotionally connecting to others, anger, and intimacy issues, among others. Learn more here.
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