Last Updated on August 4, 2022
Self-care is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for women. We’re constantly juggling work, family, kids, and social obligations, so it can be tough to find time for ourselves.
But taking care of yourself is essential if you want to be your best self both mentally and physically. In this blog post, we will discuss self care for busy women like you, ten actions in total, that can help you take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
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Why Is Self-Care so Essential?
It’s no secret that women are often juggling a lot of different roles and responsibilities. Whether we’re working, taking care of our families, or managing our households, it can be easy to let our own needs fall by the wayside.
However, a self care routine of some sort is essential for maintaining our health and well-being. When we take the time to nurture ourselves, we’re better able to handle all of the demands of our busy lives.
Furthermore, self-care can help to prevent burnout and promote productivity.
When we make our own physical health and emotional health a priority, we’re better able to show up for the people and commitments in our lives.
What Happens if We Don’t Take Care of Ourselves?
It’s easy to let your own well-being needs fall by the wayside. After all, there are only so many hours in the day, and often it feels like taking care of yourself is a luxury that you can’t afford.
However, neglecting your well-being can have serious consequences. When you’re run down, you’re more susceptible to illness and injury. You may find it difficult to concentrate and make mistakes at work.
You may also struggle to meet your family’s needs if you’re not taking care of yourself.
The good news is that there are small changes you can make to your routine that will help you prioritize your well-being. We’re going to delve into 10 simple ways that a busy woman like you can provide the essential self-care to keep you healthy, motivated, and ready to take on the challenges of life.
Self Care for Busy Women – 10 Ideas and Tips
If you feel like the day is getting away from you from the moment your little feet hit the floor, it’s time to stop and regroup.
Here are some simple self care tips, 10 of them to be specific, that will help you regain control of your day, your overall health, and feel so much better about yourself.
And, if ten self care ideas and actions seem like seven or eight more than you can handle right now, that’s okay. Take just a couple of them to put into practice, then in a few days add one or two more. Keep things manageable, but be sure and do something for yourself.
1 | Have a morning routine
You know how it is – you wake up feeling rushed and stressed before you’ve even really gotten out of bed. The alarm goes off way too early, and you’re already thinking about all the things you have to do today.
Sound familiar?
If so, then it’s time to rethink your morning routine. Just a few simple changes can make a world of difference when it comes to your stress levels and overall well-being.
Yes, my friend, it might mean that you set the alarm to wake you up a little earlier. But that 15 or 30 minutes is so worth it when you take that early morning me-time.
- Take a few deep breaths and stretch as soon as you wake up. This will help wake up your body and mind and start the day off on the right foot.
- Drink a glass of water. Staying hydrated is essential for good health, and starting the day off with a glass of water can help you to make sure that you’re getting enough fluid.
- Begin your day with something that is just for you:
- meditation and/or prayer
- 5-minute journaling
- 10 to 15 minutes of light exercise
Then, eat a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast can lead to low energy levels and poor concentration later on in the day. By taking the time to eat a nutritious breakfast, you can give yourself the energy and focus you need to tackle your day.
2 | Stay hydrated throughout the day
Life is hectic, and you might not always have time for a lengthy skin-care routine or a luxurious bath. But there’s one self-care step you can take every day that requires very little time or effort: staying hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your skin looking its best. Water helps to flush out toxins, keep your skin hydrated, and prevent wrinkles. It’s also important for maintaining a healthy weight, energy levels, and digestion.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or short on time, remember that simply staying hydrated can do wonders for your mind, body, and skin. Cheers to that!
3 | The 5-minute check in
You’re juggling a lot. You’ve got work, family, friends, and maybe even some side hustles. It’s a lot to keep track of and you’re doing an amazing job. But sometimes, in the midst of all that busy-ness, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself.
That’s why setting aside just five minutes each day for a little self-reflection can make a big difference. Paying attention to how you are feeling is critical.
Listen to your heart, mind, and body. What is it telling you?
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Just ask yourself how you’re feeling today, both physically and emotionally. If there’s anything you’re struggling with, see if there’s something small you can do to take care of yourself, like taking a break for some fresh air or reading your favorite book before bed.
And if you’re feeling good today, take a minute to reflect on what might be making you feel happy and healthy. Then tomorrow, when you’re feeling frazzled again, you’ll have that positive memory to fall back on. Just five minutes is all it takes to give yourself the self-care you need and deserve.
4 | Get your sleep
You may have a career, a family, and a social life – and you wouldn’t have it any other way.
But all that activity can take a toll on your body, and one of the first things to suffer is your sleep. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, irritable, and unable to concentrate.
It can also lead to serious health problems, such as weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. That’s why it’s important to make sure you get enough shut-eye. Seven to eight hours per night is ideal, but even six hours can make a big difference.
So if you’re finding it hard to get a good night’s sleep, take steps to change that.
Establish a bedtime routine, turn off electronics an hour before bed, and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom. You’ll feel refreshed in the morning and your body will thank you for it.
5 | Stay in touch
You may not always have time to physically be around your friends and family. However, it’s important to stay in touch with them as part of your ongoing self care.
Friendship and family relationships provide us with emotional support, helping us to feel loved, valued, and connected. In turn, this can help reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
Additionally, spending time talking and laughing with loved ones can boost our mood and levels of happiness.
So make sure to schedule regular check-ins with your friends and family. Whether it’s a weekly video call or a quick text exchange, staying connected will do wonders for your mental wellbeing.
6 | Unwind each day
When the schedule is so full you probably don’t feel like you have time for anything else besides work and taking care of your family. But if you don’t make time for yourself, you’re going to burn out eventually.
It’s important to take some time each day to unwind and relax, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
You can take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or just sit quietly. Whatever you do, make sure it’s something that allows you to clear your mind and recharge.
Taking some time for yourself each day will help you be a better worker, a better mom, and a better person overall. So don’t forget to schedule some “me time” into your busy day.
7 | Ask for help
Being a woman is challenging in itself, but adding in the stresses of life and family can sometimes feel impossible. You are constantly juggling a million different balls, and there is never enough time in the day.
It is important to remember that part of taking care of yourself is asking for help when you need it.
Whether it’s hiring a babysitter so you can have some time to yourself, or asking your partner to take on some extra chores, giving yourself a break is essential.
It can be easy to feel like you need to do everything yourself, but that’s just not realistic. Asking for help doesn’t mean that you’re weak or that you can’t handle things on your own. It simply means that you are taking care of yourself in the best way possible.
So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your well-being is worth it.
8 | Breathe the fresh air
When the schedule is really full you might not always have time for a traditional self-care routine. However, one simple step that you can take to improve your health and perspective is to spend some time outside each day…just a few minutes. I know. You don’t have time. But hear me out.
Breathing in fresh air has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. In addition, spending time in nature can help to boost your immune system and improve sleep quality.
So next time you are feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step outside and breathe deeply. You’ll be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel.
9 | Positive thoughts
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a few minutes each day to think positive thoughts and use affirmations. Doing so will help to reduce stress, boost your mood, and increase your overall well-being.
And the best part is that it doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Just spend a few minutes each day focusing on positive thoughts and statements about yourself.
For example, you might say “I am worthy of love and respect” or “I am strong and capable”. By doing this, you’ll be giving yourself the mental and emotional support you need to thrive despite your busy schedule.
10 | Be kind to yourself
Being gentle and kind to yourself is part of ongoing, healthy self care.
That means making time for yourself, even if it’s just a little bit each day. It means being gentle with yourself when you make mistakes. It means celebrating your successes, big and small.
And it means giving yourself permission to rest, relax, and recharge when you need it.
When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of those around you. So be kind to yourself today and every day. You deserve it.
Learn more about the benefits of self-care:
- 6 Types of Self Care and Why We Need Them in Our Life
- 5 Minute Self Care Ideas When You Need a Quick Boost
- Self Care vs Self Love: What’s the Difference?
- 6 Tips for Creating a Healthy Morning Self Care Routine
- 10 Winter Self Care Ideas to Keep You Feeling Your Best
- Summer Self Care Ideas: 10 Ways to Relax and Refresh
- Self Care Sunday: 15 Ideas to Soothe Your Body, Mind, and Spirit
Final Thoughts: Self Care for Busy Women
Life is always going to be unpredictable. And for many of us as women with families, careers (at home or on the job), and social lives, things can seem to spiral out of control very quickly.
But you know what? Many of those hectic times are also wonderful times. Not all, but many.
So, use your time wisely and remember to think about yourself for those few minutes each day. Self care is only as effective as we allow it to be.
So find some peace through making smart lifestyle choices adding more self care into your daily routine.
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