Does the Thought of Self-Care Trigger You? Read This.
If you’re anything like most people, the mere suggestion of “self-care” can feel frustrating. You have a career to manage, children to take care of, and endless chores to juggle. Who has time to “put themselves first” in the midst of all of that? In the chaos of life, it’s easy to feel like self-care is just one more thing to add to your already overflowing to-do list.
And that’s where the frustration comes in. The idea of taking a whole day off for a spa trip or going out for dinner with friends might feel completely unrealistic when you’re barely getting through the day. The truth is, when life is busy, self-care needs to adapt. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or take up hours of your time. In fact, some of the most effective self-care practices are small and simple—things you can do daily to nourish your mental and emotional well-being.
Here’s some ideas to help you start to rethink the concept of self-care in a way that fits into your life, no matter how busy you are.
1. Turn Off the News
We live in a world where we are constantly bombarded by negativity, especially through the news. It can be overwhelming and weigh heavily on your mental health. If you notice it affecting you, give yourself permission to turn it off. You don’t have to stay glued to the TV to be informed. Instead, set aside a specific time each day to catch up on current events, free from the constant barrage of bad news. Protecting your peace IS self care.
2. Stretch Your Body
I know what you’re thinking: “I don’t have time for that.” But hear me out—you can find time for 15 minutes of stretching before bed. It’s about making the choice to put your phone down and prioritize unwinding in a way that benefits your body and mind. Stretching helps release tension, promotes relaxation, and prepares you for a better night’s sleep. It’s a simple act of self-care that doesn’t require a ton of time, just intention.
3. Make Time for Movement
Finding time for exercise can feel impossible with a packed schedule, but movement doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Try getting your family involved! Go for a 20-minute walk after dinner three times a week. It’s healthy for everyone, helps with digestion, and teaches your family to be present with each other, enjoy nature, and connect with their thoughts. Plus, it’s a healthy way for everyone to decompress before bed. It’s self-care for the entire family!
4. Speak Kindly to Yourself
This is a big one, and it doesn’t take any extra time. Simply pay attention to the way you talk to yourself. Notice the words you use when thinking about or speaking to yourself, and start to make a shift toward kindness. Be your own biggest cheerleader. Self-care isn’t just physical—it’s mental, and it starts with how we treat ourselves internally. Read my blog The #1 Top Self-Care Practice for more on positive self talk.
5. Set Boundaries with Your Family
Feeling overwhelmed? It’s okay to tell your family that you need a break. Teach your kids that you sometimes need a five-minute time out too. If you’re handling most of the housework, it’s important to speak up and ask your partner for more help, or get your kids involved by creating a chore list. Advocating for yourself is an essential part of self-care. It’s about setting boundaries and making sure your needs are being met.
6. Schedule Time for Joy
Unwinding doesn’t always mean mindlessly scrolling through social media, although we’re all guilty of it. Instead, carve out small pockets of time for activities that bring you joy. It doesn’t have to be anything big—a quick dance video, an art activity, reading a chapter from a book, coloring with your kids, or listening to nostalgic music. These moments can be as short as 15 minutes, but they can bring you so much more joy than scrolling through your phone ever will. And let’s be honest—I know you’re already scrolling for longer than that! ;)
Reclaim Your Self-Care with Small, Meaningful Actions
Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It’s about making small, intentional choices that support your mental and emotional health, even when … no … especially when life feels chaotic. The ideas in this blog are just that … ideas. I encourage you to brainstorm your own ideas that make sense for your life!
If you’re looking for more inspiration and tips on how to prioritize yourself without the overwhelm, check out my Elevate Your Life Journal. It’s packed with practical self-care ideas and journal prompts to help you reflect and reconnect with yourself. You deserve to feel your best, and self-care is the path that can bring you back to yourself—one small step at a time.
With love,
Sara
