As busy women and high achievers, it’s easy to forget that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of everyone and everything else.
We juggle work, families, social commitments, and side hustles, often leaving our own health and well-being at the bottom of the priority list. But what if I told you that you don’t have to choose between being productive and practicing self care?
You can absolutely do both — and it all starts with intentionally building self care into your daily routine.
Why Self Care Matters
We’ve all heard the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” This is so true, especially for women who are constantly giving to others.
Without taking the time to refuel, our health—both physical and mental—can suffer, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and even chronic health issues.
Self care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for long-term well-being and success.
For me, it took a long time to realize this. I was running on empty, feeling like I was constantly behind on everything. It wasn’t until I started incorporating small, intentional acts of self care into my life that I noticed a shift—not only in how I felt but in how much more effective I became in everything I did.
Self care isn’t selfish. It’s the most empowering thing we can do as women to ensure we’re able to show up fully, not just for others, but for ourselves.
Step 1: Start Small and Be Consistent
When I first started prioritizing self care, I made the mistake of thinking it had to be a big, time-consuming (and expensive) effort—like a full spa day or an hour-long meditation session.
I quickly learned that for busy women, that’s not realistic. What’s important is starting small and being consistent.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to hydrate your body and kickstart your metabolism.
- Take a few deep breaths before jumping into your day, helping center your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Incorporate movement into your day—even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching or walking.
These small steps are easy to implement and can make a big difference in how you feel. The key is consistency. Doing something small for yourself every day helps to build a routine and makes self care second nature.
Step 2: Set Boundaries Around Your Time
One of the biggest challenges to self care is the feeling that we don’t have enough time. But here’s the truth: If you don’t make time for your health now, you’ll be forced to make time for illness later.
As women, especially moms, we’re often conditioned to put others first. But a big part of self care is setting boundaries around your time. Start by carving out non-negotiable “me time” every day, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Use this time to do something that recharges you, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing mindfulness.
For example, I’ve learned to say no to things that don’t align with my priorities. Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s essential to protecting your time and energy.
Step 3: Incorporate Self Care Into What You’re Already Doing
Self care doesn’t have to be something you squeeze into an already packed schedule. In fact, one of the best ways to ensure you’re taking care of yourself is by incorporating it into things you’re already doing.
- Turn your shower into a mini-spa experience by using essential oils or playing calming music.
- Listen to a podcast or an audiobook while cooking or cleaning to nourish your mind while getting things done.
- Stretch or do breathing exercises while watching TV to ease tension and relax.
By building self care into your existing routine, you’re making it easier to stick with long-term without adding stress to your day.
Step 4: Prioritize Sleep
If there’s one self care practice that will have the most immediate impact on your health, it’s sleep. I know how hard it can be to get enough sleep, especially when you’re a working mom with young kids and juggling multiple responsibilities. But prioritizing sleep isn’t just about getting enough hours—it’s about getting quality sleep.
Here are a few tips that have helped me improve my sleep routine:
- Create a relaxing bedtime ritual: Whether it’s drinking a cup of herbal tea, reading, or journaling, find something that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down.
- Set a consistent bedtime: Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
- Limit screen time before bed: The blue light emitted from phones and computers can disrupt your sleep patterns. Try to put your devices away at least 30 minutes before bed.
Step 5: Practice Gratitude Daily
Another powerful way to practice self care is by cultivating a mindset of gratitude. Taking just a few moments each day to acknowledge what you’re grateful for can have a profound effect on your mood, stress levels, and overall sense of well-being.
I like to end my day by writing down three things I’m grateful for. It doesn’t have to be anything big—sometimes it’s just that I made it through the day! This simple practice helps shift my focus away from what’s going wrong and onto what’s going right.
Step 6: Ask for Help When You Need It
This is a big one, especially for women who are used to doing it all. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a form of self care. Whether it’s leaning on friends or family, hiring a babysitter, or outsourcing tasks like grocery shopping, don’t be afraid to take things off your plate.
For me, asking for help has been one of the most freeing things I’ve done. As a single mom, I realized I couldn’t do it all on my own, and that’s okay. We all need support sometimes.
Final Thoughts
Building self care into your routine is all about knowing that when you put yourself first, you can thrive—because being busy is great, but it only works when you’re taking care of yourself too. By taking small, consistent steps, setting boundaries, and incorporating self care into your everyday activities, you can create a routine that empowers you to show up as your best self.
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