5 Super Simple Steps for Self-Care

When was the last time that you took some time out for you? Do you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything, let alone find time to take care of ourselves? Stress can definitely take its toll on our bodies, in many ways: physically, emotionally and mentally. I find that the times when I feel like I don’t have the time to slow down is when I actually need it the most!

It is important to take some downtime and take care of you. After all, what or who could be more of a priority in your life and career than you? You not only deserve to take care of yourself wholly, but when you’re feeling rested and recharged, you can accomplish so much more and support those around you even better.

Here are five ways to slow down, reduce stress and take care of you:

1)    Get enough sleep. Often times, women tend to short ourselves on getting adequate rest. However, the more rest you get, the more time you give your body to recharge & rejuvenate.

2)    Take the time to prioritize your day. Whether it is electronically through the calendar on your smartphone or the old fashioned way via a monthly planter, creating a schedule for yourself helps keep you organized. Take a few moments before going to bed to write out your top 2-3 goals for the next day. You will be less likely to forget something important.

3)    Make time for yourself. Even if it is only 15 minutes daily where you sit quietly and relax. Perhaps it is your commute to work. Maybe it is a few minutes on your lunch break. However you decide to take that time: sipping a cup of tea, reading a chapter of that book you’ve been trying to finish for a while, keeping a gratitude journal, or listening to some meditative music. It is essential to schedule in some time where the focus is on you, and not work or creating/building your business.

4)    Take deep breaths during the day. Deep breathing increases oxygen flow, which can help us concentrate. In a stressful moment, deep breathing can help us re-center ourselves and calm down, decrease our heart rate, and give us a moment to evaluate the situation before reacting.

5)    Speak to yourself more kindly. We can be our own worst critic at times. The negative voice in our head can tell us that we aren’t doing enough. We aren’t being a good enough mother, wife, friend. We don’t have what it takes. All of that is utter nonsense, and only serves to slow our own selves down in accomplishing our goals. One way to combat this is to find a positive quote or affirmation that speaks to you. Print it out and put it in several places that you will see it daily. Let it serve as a reminder that you can do any and everything you set your mind to.

What do you think of these tips? Do you utilize any of these already? What are some of the other ways you make time to take care of you? Let me know in the comments below!