Quick & Easy Self-Care for Busy Times

How’s your calendar looking this month? Are you feeling super busy, or taking it all in stride?

It’s natural to get out of our routines at this time of year. And that’s not a bad thing, because community and connection matter.

As always, I encourage you to be intentional around how you schedule your time so that you don’t lose sight of your priorities.

At the same time, I also believe in having quick and easy self-care strategies in your back pocket so you can continue to tend to your needs even with a busier schedule.

Here are 8 things you can do for your self-care that take ten minutes or less.

1. Go to bed. You’ll probably be out later than usual some nights. But I also know that there will be some nights when you’re sitting there on your third episode of Scandal, feeling tired enough to go to bed, but still choosing to keep watching. I get it. Netflix is addictive. So maybe once this week, try going to bed early, just because you can. Your mind and body will thank you.
2. Take 3 deep breaths. You know I’m a big believer in breath-work for regulating your nervous system. Breathing Room is all about that. It’s truly amazing how much of a difference even a few deep breaths can make. In fact, I just paused to take 3 deep breaths and I feel more present and relaxed already.
3. Drink more water. Water is life. It will boost your energy levels, improve your cognitive function, and give you an excuse to leave the room when you’ve had enough because you’ll have to pee.
4. Accept a compliment. For so many people, taking a compliment is HARD. Like, really hard. If you typically deflect or downplay compliments, try letting them in for a change. You’ll feel more connected to the person giving you the compliment, and more confident in yourself. To get started, the next time someone gives you a compliment, just say, “Thank you.”
5. Walk / move your body. You might not be making it to the gym as much as usual, and again, that’s ok. Look for little ways to get moving. Walking brings amazing health benefits. Even if you’re used to intense exercise, walking will help balance your mood, connect you to your body, and support your wellbeing in myriad ways.
6. Ask yourself, “What do I need?” As a kind and generous person, I know you’re accustomed to checking in with others and meeting their needs. Simply checking in with yourself at some point during the day to see what you need is a great way to create space for yourself. It’s amazing how often we turn off even our basic needs so we can keep on giving. Give yourself permission to take a break, grab a cup of tea, have a quick chat with a friend, or meet whatever need arises when you ask yourself this question.
7. Celebrate your wins. Humans have a negativity bias. Because we’re wired for survival, we tend to focus on what’s going wrong so that we can fix problems and protect ourselves from danger. This is a very useful skill to have, but it can also make us pretty unhappy. All too often, we accomplish something awesome only to move right on to the next thing. We don’t take time to acknowledge – let alone celebrate – what’s going well. You can write it in a journal, text a friend, or make it part of your family’s dinner conversation. Taking the time to savour our wins helps to boost our sense of fulfillment and supports a positive mindset.
8. Practice gratitude. That negativity bias is powerful. Practicing gratitude turns what we have into enough. To really reap the benefits, it’s important that it be more than a mental exercise. Instead of making a quick list of things you should be grateful for, really feel into each one. Consider why you’re grateful for it. What difference does it make in your life? How do you feel when you tap into gratitude? What sensations arise in your body? Really dive in and let yourself experience it so it can do its magic.

Can you see yourself trying any of these? Leave a comment below and let me know what resonates with you. 💜

If the stress of the season is getting the best of you, I’m here to help. Check out Sweet Relief, my brief 1×1 coaching package to help you take the pressure off and find practical steps to keep from losing your mind this month. Click here for more info.