5-Step Guide to Practicing Self-Care for Busy People

Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessary practice that benefits both our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it is often the first thing we neglect when we feel stretched for time. This can lead to negative consequences in our relationships, work, and overall experience of the world. The truth is, during times when we feel least able to pay attention to our self-care, it is when we most need it. In this article, we will provide you with a 5-step guide to practicing self-care when you are busy.

Step 1: Start with Your Needs First
Self-care is not just about pampering yourself but is about meeting your human needs. Before engaging in any self-care activity, identify the needs you want to meet. This could be a need for relaxation, quiet, connection, stability, and much more. Identifying your needs allows you to pinpoint exactly what it is you need right now, making your self-care more efficient.

Step 2: Schedule It
“I don’t have enough time” is a common reason why people struggle to engage in self-care regularly. A way to create time for self-care is to schedule it. Find a gap in your calendar during the next week and schedule in an appointment called “self-care time”. Stick to it and be realistic with your schedule.

Step 3: Prioritize
When we feel like we don’t have time to do something important, it is either because we’re not making time, or because our priorities are out of alignment. Self-care can be a priority if you decide to make it one. This means saying ‘no’ to certain commitments or forgoing TV or Facebook time.

Step 4: Be Assertive About Setting Your Boundaries
When you start taking time for yourself and saying ‘no’ to commitments and requests, you might experience resistance from people around you. Stand your ground and be assertive about your needs and boundaries. Remember, you can take half an hour for yourself, and the world will still be there when you return.

Step 5: Focus on Little and Often
Practicing self-care doesn’t have to involve a lot of money or require a lot of time. Quick self-care practices include deep breathing exercises, meditation, short yoga routines, journaling, dancing, leaving uplifting quotes around your home, creating affirmations, or finding a change of scene. Focusing on self-care activities little and often is more helpful than one that takes two hours once a month.

In conclusion, practicing self-care is crucial to our physical and mental health, and it can be incorporated into our busy schedules with a little planning, prioritization, and self-awareness. Start small, listen to what you need, and remember that self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary.