Making Time for Self-Care : Even with a Busy Schedule
"You will never 'find' time for anything. If you want time, you must make it." Charles Buxton
These words from Charles Buxton accurately reflect the challenge of incorporating self-care into our perpetually busy lives. But the truth is, self-care isn't just an additional task to squeeze into our packed schedules.
It's a fundamental need, crucial to maintaining our health, happiness, and overall well-being. Here's how you can prioritize self-care even amidst a hectic schedule:
1. Start Small
"Small shifts in your thinking, and small changes in your energy, can lead to massive alterations of your end result," states Kevin Michel. You don't have to spend hours to practice self-care. Begin with five minutes of mindful breathing or a quick walk around the block.
2. Incorporate Self-Care into Daily Activities
Self-care can be woven into your everyday life. As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, "Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future." Savor your morning coffee, enjoy the process of preparing meals, or listen to uplifting music on your commute.
3. Prioritize and Delegate
As per Greg McKeown's book, Essentialism, "The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials." Identify what truly matters and delegate or eliminate other tasks. This can open up time for crucial self-care practices.
4. Make Use of Digital Tools
As Cal Newport suggests in Digital Minimalism, use technology to support your self-care goals. Set reminders for self-care activities or use apps for guided meditations, exercise, or tracking sleep.
5. Schedule Self-Care
Treat self-care as an appointment. As Stephen Covey emphasizes, "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." Mark out dedicated self-care time on your calendar and respect it.
6. Practice Mindful Work
Mindfulness can be applied even when working. As Jon Kabat-Zinn articulates, "While you are practicing mindfulness, you are not trying to get anywhere else — you are fully engaged in being 'where' and 'as' you already are." Pay attention to your body signals, take breaks, and breathe deeply.
7. Multitask Wisely
Certain self-care practices can be paired with other activities. Listen to an inspiring podcast while cooking or practice yoga while watching your favorite TV show.
8. Get Active During Breaks
"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states," says Carol Welch. Use breaks to stretch, take a short walk, or do a quick exercise routine.
9. Create a Bedtime Routine
A nighttime routine can help you unwind, ensure a good night's sleep, and prepare for the day ahead. As Arianna Huffington emphasizes in The Sleep Revolution, "A good day starts the night before."
10. Practice Self-Compassion
Lastly, remember the words of Kristin Neff, "Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others." You may not always manage to fit self-care into your schedule, and that's okay. Practice self-compassion and try again the next day.
Remember, the goal isn't to add more tasks to your already overloaded schedule, but to find ways to nourish and care for yourself within the life you're living. It's about weaving moments of mindfulness, peace, and joy into the fabric of your daily existence. With a bit of creativity and intention, it's entirely possible to cultivate a sustainable self-care routine that supports your well-being amidst the busiest of schedules.