Most of us are familiar with the analogy that self care is like putting on our oxygen mask before assisting others with theirs - we can’t help other people if we don’t first help ourselves. And while it’s easy to acknowledge the logic of this - that you can’t pour from an empty cup - practicing self care in our own lives often proves to be much easier said than done.
Why is that? Maybe we point to our overpacked schedules or our miles-long to-do lists. Maybe we feel guilty for putting aside our real world, adult responsibilities to take time for ourselves. Maybe we’re worried that people will think we’re lazy. Maybe we feel selfish.
But here’s the thing: Self care doesn’t need to be extravagant or time-consuming. In fact, we’re more likely to stick to a consistent daily practice of self care if we keep it short and simple. What self care does need is to be PRIORITIZED and HONORED.
Dedicating just 10-30 minutes to ourselves each day can have enormous benefits to our overall well-being. And when we make ourselves a priority in our lives and schedule time in our day to take care of our own needs, we become our best selves. We become better parents, friends, colleagues, and fellow humans to those around us. And when people see us practicing our commitment to self care, we inspire those we love to care for themselves as well. That kind of impact is well worth the investment!
There are so many fun (and free!) ways to incorporate self care into daily routine. Here are 10 ways to care for yourself in 30 minutes or less:
- Do a short workout
- Prepare and enjoy a healthy meal
- Go for a walk
- Read a book
- Meditate or pray
- Watch a guilty pleasure TV show
- Take a bath
- Do something creative - paint, draw, write, etc.
- Engage in a hobby
- Listen to your favorite song(s)
Have something to add to this list? Tell us how you are planning to care for yourself this month on Facebook! #sharethelove #selfcare