Are you tired and overwhelmed, instead of inspired and creative?
Do you feel pulled in so many directions that, at the end of the day, you find that you don't have enough time for yourself?
Or...you know what you need to do to feel better mentally and physically, but you run out of hours in your day?
Goals, including health goals, are achieved through goal-setting and an action plan. That might sound simplistic, but that's the point.
Some of the keys to self-care include sleep, hydration, nutritious eating in the right amounts and minimizing processed foods, exercise, and grounding activities. Sometimes, it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day to do it all! To "find" that time, if we feel like time is always eluding us, then we have to schedule the time.
First, set achievable goals. Work toward more self-care activities in increments. For example, if you aren't getting 8+ hours of quality sleep every night, maybe you typically sleep 6 hours per night, then start by aiming for 7 hours per night. After 2-3 weeks of a consistent sleep schedule, then increase by 30 minutes nightly. If you are walking 3 days per week, then increase to 4-5 days/week. If you are going for 15-minute walks daily, then increase to 20 minutes for 3-4 weeks. If you are eating too many sugary treats, then include more fruit in your daily intake and reduce sweets. If you rely on caffeine and energy drinks, reduce those slowly to avoid caffeine withdrawal headaches and daytime drowsiness.
Identify your struggles. Write down your time conflicts, and how you are spending your time. How can you cut down screen-time? Create rituals around self-care activities, such as a nightly wind-down routine of relaxing, reading, meditation, or a soothing hobby.
Find accountability partners. Exercising with a friend reinforces exercise habits because you get social time while focusing on your health. Beyond workout buddies, find others who have similar self-care goals (and a plan, or schedule) and check in on each other daily.
Creating a self-care regimen, and making self-care activities routine, may require a schedule. You can use scheduling apps on your phone, and set reminders. You can keep a notepad or calendar. You can make lists. Or you can use all of these.
Give yourself healthy rewards for increasing self-care time. Get a massage. Escape with books or hobbies. Schedule more "me-time". Seek healthy activities in your area: saunas, body treatments, guided hikes, and new yoga classes, are good examples of unconventional rewards.
As you increase your time spent in self-care activities, you will see improvements in mental clarity. Make your self-care a top priority, create a self-care regimen with reminders, and stay committed to the path!
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