Self-care is a MUST for good mental health. Talk to any expert and they will tell you how important it is to take time out for yourself to focus on your mind and body. Even Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, hangs out with his friends, watches movies, and plays video games with children in his free time. An adequate amount of self-care is necessary to stay healthy, protect relationships, and improve productivity.
If you are pressed for time and don’t think you can take out time for self care, you are wrong! Read ahead to find out why.
5 Ways to Create Time for Self Care When You Don’t Have Any
1. Add Self-Care to Your Calendar
A common mistake that most people make is that they don’t prioritize self-care. Rather, they think of it as something they’d like to do in their free time. If you are struggling to engage in self-care, you must schedule it. Add free time activities to your calendar, even if it’s just 10 minutes, and stick to it. Once you decide self-care is a priority, you will be able to fit it into your schedule.
2. Set Your Goals
Setting small and accomplishable goals for self-care is one way to make time for it. For example, if you don’t have time to attend a yoga class, take some time out to practice breathing exercises. Promise yourself that you will go to sleep early or that you will not skip any meals because you’re working. Setting such goals can impact your mental health.
3. Be Assertive about Boundaries
Learn to say No. We cannot emphasize this enough! Whether your child begs you to drive him to his 4th sports team practice or your boss wants you to take a project that will lead to 8 hours of overtime, you must be assertive. You might disappoint some people but developing boundaries for yourself is important because self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.
4. Don’t Do Things You Don’t Enjoy
One way of making time for self care is to avoid doing things just because everyone else is doing them. Self-care is all about you, so if you start doing things you hate, you will not be able to commit to it for long. The key to sticking to your self-care routine is to find activities you enjoy and do things that make you happy.
5. Simplify Your Routine
Keep your self-care routine simple. Do not overcomplicate it or you won’t be able to commit to your new mindset. Your self-care routine doesn’t have to be too comprehensive or cost you money. It should fit into your current lifestyle and help you relax and recharge.
Self-Care Activities for Your Free Time
- 10 minutes: having tea, stretching, journaling, self-massaging, practicing breathing exercises
- Half an hour: at-home facial, practicing yoga, working out, reading a book, taking a bath, drawing
- An hour: going out for a run, getting a manicure/pedicure, dressing up, trying a new recipe, playing a musical instrument
- A whole afternoon/evening: getting a massage, taking a class at a recreational center, hiking, binging on a TV show, watching a movie, shopping
Making time for self care is a great way for you to let your body and mind know that you care about them. If you are suffering from mental health issues due to work overload, burnout, and frequent stressors, schedule an appointment with a physician at Health One Family Medicine today. Visit our website or call at (469)262-5762 to book your slot.