The Busy Women’s Guide to Self-Care
Why Self-Care is so Important
Self-care is something that can be easy to forget. The hustle and bustle of life gets in the way and you forget to actually take care of your mind and body.
As someone who is a blogger, freelance writer here on Medium, and YouTuber, my time is so filled with work self-care is the last thing on my to-do list.
You may be feeling the same in your own life.
So, here is the busy women guide to self-care!
WHY IS PRACTICING SELF-CARE IMPORTANT?
-YOU’LL EVENTUALLY BURN YOURSELF OUT
It’s good to take a break every now and then. I try to take two days completely off a week. If you work a 9–5, having off days may be hard to come by.
Whenever you get a day off, you may have chores or grocery shopping to catch up on. So your “days off” aren’t actually spent relaxing.
But I’ve noticed that if I don’t allow myself to take a break, my body will do it for me. You’ll get fatigued faster, or just simply be unproductive.
Once you start zoning out, just know it’s time for a break. The dishes can wait for a bit.
-IT WILL ACTUALLY MAKE YOU MORE PRODUCTIVE
I know, it can seem counterproductive to take a break to enhance your productivity. But, when you find yourself doing “busy work” and not taking actionable steps toward your goals, try taking a break. Even if it's just10 minutes.
Step away from the computer, or desk and let your mind and eyes rest.
You’ll find when you come back your mind will be recharged and ready to go!
WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE
1. STEPPING AWAY FROM YOUR WORK
There is this method that I like to use throughout my workdays called the Pomodoro Technique, which I wrote about on my blog.
The basis of the technique is you set a timer for 25 minutes, work on one task for the full time, then take a 5 minutes break. Do this 5 times in total and then take a longer break away from your desk (For 30 minutes, like a lunch break).
It can also be a good idea to take at least one day off a week to rest and just enjoy life. Spend time with your family, take care of the house. Whatever it is you have to do!
2. TAKE A BUBBLE BATH OR SHOWER
Taking a bath or a shower can be a great way to relax your body and mind.
I know lots of people like to sit in a buble bath, play some relaxing music, light candles… the whole 9 yards.
Me, personally, I can relax just as well with a nice hot shower. Whatever works best for you!
3. TREAT YOURSELF
I say this vaguely because everyone has different ways to treat themselves. Whether that be taking the day off and sleeping in, a buble bath, watching a movie… whatever you like.
Buy yourself a nice meal, sit and watch some movies, play video games, or read a book. Just do something you enjoy often.
4. SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Don’t be a hermit! If you spend all of your time holed up in your office, you’ll eventually run out of insparation for writing!
On top of that, it’s good for your health to form relationships and spend time with the people you love.
So go out and spend time with friends and family!
5. WORK OUT
Working out is a great way to pratice self-care. It will not only get your body in shape, but your mind as well!
Working out can be a great release of stress, and your mind realeses endorphins. Endorphins are natural chemicals in your brain that are not only the body’s natural pain killers, but it also helps improve your mood!
Going to the gym can be a great way to make new acquaintances and as a way to get you out of the house (and the office!). But, if you can’t make it to a gym, any workout at home can be good as well!
There are plenty of ways you can practice self-care because everyone is different! Everyone has their own set of things that they enjoy.
It doesn’t matter how you practice self-care, it’s most important that you do it often so you can avoid burnout!
What are some ways you practice self-care?
