10 Self-Care Ideas for Busy Women
As a busy woman in 2021, it can sometimes be a little hard to stop for a minute to incorporate self -care in your routine. As women entrepreneurs are emerging at rapid rates and women are dominating the career fields, it is easy to get lost in the hustle. I know all about this far too well. I was the girl putting it off telling myself I do not have time for it. That path led to serious burnout and health issues.
There was a time I would not even properly comb my hair because I was just too excited to get out of the house and get to my day. I would brush my hair into a bun and run out the door. Soon after I started to notice the hair in the middle of my head falling out. Then the stress hives started. First, I thought it was just an allergic reaction to something until I visited the doctor. My doctor told me plain and simple, “you don’t take out enough time for YOU”.
For a while I disregarded what he said and figured I am going after my goals I do not have time for me. Eventually the hives got worst, the dark circles around my eyes got darker and my mental health was suffering. I finally got serious about self-care and I can honestly say it’s been a game changer. Now, self-care for me is a necessity. I am constantly looking for more ways to implement self-care into my routine.
We as women are focused on our careers, entrepreneurship, our dating life, our kids etc but are not taking care of ourselves. While those areas need a lot of attention so do YOU.
Here are a list of 10 examples of self-care you can add into your daily routine:
Journaling -Journaling has been known to be very relaxing and therapeutic. Releasing your thoughts onto paper can help with stress and give you more clarity. Sometimes we just need an outlet to release our thoughts and worries, journaling can help with this. I highly recommend journaling for a least 10-15 minutes per day as a form of self-care.
2. Going for a quiet walk or drive- Sometimes a breath of fresh air is just what we need. In addition to fresh air, the quiet time gives you a chance to reflect on your day or life in general. For instance, I have a routine of when I go to get coffee, I purposely take a longer route home just to quietly drive with the windows down and take in the fresh air. This has been most of my favorite acts of self-care.
3. Meditating - If you are anything like me, my mind is constantly going. Sometimes its good to stop for a second and practice stillness. Like every part of our body, our mind deserves a break. Meditating daily gives your mind a chance to take that break.
4. Exercising – We all know the great benefits of exercising. Incorporating this into our self-care routine can help with so many things for instance our mental health and the way we feel about ourselves. If you are not currently working out, start with just 30 minutes a day to begin.
5. Catching up on your favorite shows or favorite hobbies – I remember a time when I felt ashamed to be watching so much TV. I always felt I was wasting time. That time could be put into other things. What I have learned is that there is nothing wrong with binge watching your favorite shows. If it does not get in the way of your priorities. What is wrong with indulging in something you like? The same goes for hobbies. My best ideas have come to me while I was doing one of my hobbies, more than likely because my mind is relaxed when doing a hobby. One of my favorite hobbies is fishing. Fishing has been great for my self-care routine because it allows me to do something I love. When I get back to work, family life etc. I feel refreshed and more rejuvenated.
6. Sleeping in – I can say I am very much against team no sleep. Team no sleep is not beneficial long term. Sleeping in and getting your needed rest must be a part of your self-care routine. You can’t operate on an empty tank, trust me I learned this firsthand.
7. Treating yourself -Do you remember that nice purse you saw that you could absolutely afford but you told yourself you did not deserve it? I am here to tell you; it is okay to treat yourself every now and then. Buy yourself flowers to remind yourself you are wonderful, take yourself out to lunch to your favorite spot. We all deserve to be treated and it starts with us treating ourselves.
8. Spa – The spa is probably the first form of self-care that comes to mind for many people. While it is not the only option it can be a great option to get out and get a nice massage or facial if it is within your budget. Like come on, who does not like being pampered?
9. Home Pampering -If the spa is not in your budget, how about you bring the spa to your home?
For instance, doing your own pedicure and manicure or facial. You can even purchase a foot spa for an added touch. Home pampering is very cost effective and can bring the same benefits of self-care as the actual spa.
10. Saying NO – Last but not least, a newly incorporated one for me. The art of saying no. Sometimes we as women feel like we can do it all. While we do a pretty good job of doing a lot, sometimes it's good to say no to some things. Saying no to things that are not necessary for us to do gives us more time to use for things like self-care. Start incorporating this 2-letter word and see how much time you begin to free up.
I hope you have enjoyed this list and will start your self-care journey. The benefits of having a self-care routine are endless. Start a pact today that you will incorporate it into your daily journey and really become the woman you were destined to be.
Christian Moon is a certified life coach, wife, mom of two, and the creator of the initiative “Ambitious with a Purpose.”
As a young, single mom Christian struggled with the judgement of others and with finding her identity outside of motherhood. She seeks to help other women tune out the white noise and find their own niche.
Check out Christian on instagram @coachchristianmoon on twitter @christianmoon007 and check out her website here.
