4 Quick and Easy Ways to Sneak Self-Care into Your Day

Hey gang!
This is a guest post by the lovely Brad of selfcareing.info who reached out to me about posting. Check out these self-care tips that you may or may not already be sneaking into your day!
​- Jenn Rose

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​You can’t seem to catch your breath. You have deadlines piling up; you have clutter piling up at home; and your friends are complaining that they never see you. There is so much pressure to be everything to everyone that you struggle to be something meaningful for yourself.
 
Self-care is the victim of our fast-paced, to-do-list-obsessed, and achievement-driven society. We take on too much because doing more has become the standard. But, researchers and doctors agree, it’s not sustainable and is taking a toll on our health both mentally and physically.

It’s time to make yourself a priority. Self-care doesn’t mean you are being selfish or putting responsibilities on to others. When you take the time to care for yourself, you are making sure you are better able to care for others.

• Prevents burnout: Self-care helps you slow down and remember the joy and purpose in the things you do.
• Reduces stress: Self-care not only gives you a break from stress, but it also helps you manage it better when you otherwise could feel overwhelmed.
• Prioritize better: Self-care lets you refocus on the things that are really important, empowering you to prioritize your responsibilities more realistically.

 
At first glance, you might be wondering where you’ll fit in self-care. Isn’t part of the issue that your schedule is already overpacked? These tips can show you how self-care can be done in simple, subtle ways that are still incredibly effective.
 
Make time for sleep
Sleep isn’t just important to your mental and physical health; it is critical. If you aren’t getting good-quality sleep, you are at risk for heart disease, cognitive issues, mood disorders, chronic pain, weight-management challenges, and depression. Try getting better sleep by starting a bedtime routine that includes a warm bath, gentle yoga, comfy pajamas, and no electronics. Be sure to start the routine at the same time every night, so your mind and body gets used to the signal that it is time to wind down.
 
Declutter your space
Stacks of unopened mail staring you down? Dust collecting on sentimental knick knacks that cover multiple surfaces? Clutter in the home is one of the leading causes of stress, lack of motivation, and sluggish productivity. Decluttering your space also declutters your mind and spirit. You’ll feel less stressed and more relaxed with a more minimalist approach to your home’s organization. You don’t have to take on decluttering on your own. Consider hiring a service to give your home a deep cleaning. In the Utica area, you’ll likely spend between $59 and $124 to hire maid services.
 
Exercise on your lunch break
You don’t have to run a six-minute mile, but getting some physical exercise during your lunch break will be a huge mood booster for the remainder of your day. Not only does it get you a break from the work grind, but you’ll get a nice surge of endorphins, which can help drive up productivity and enjoyment. Take a walk, go to a yoga class (a class generally costs $12 - $16), ride your bike, do a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, or hit up a nearby gym.
 
Take 30 minutes for yourself
Half an hour is hardly any time at all, but for self-care, it can make a world of difference. Each day, try to carve out 30 minutes to do something for yourself. Call a friend, work on a craft or hobby, get an express facial (it’s possible to get one for under $20), take a walk, or just be creative. You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once; take a 15-minute break in the morning to meditate and another 15 in the evening to read.
 
Self-care gives you a chance to reset and refocus your energy and efforts on what really matters. When you’re doing so much for so many, you have to take some time to do things for yourself. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.

(Photo by Pexels)