Self Care Practices for the Always Busy

There's no doubt that it seems like there's always something or someone else that needs our attention. Busy schedules could lead to us neglecting our own wants and needs, or simply feeling guilty because the little time spent on ourselves could be spent doing things for other people. The truth is that self-care is not selfish nor is it a luxury; it's an important part of life that could help you feel your best emotionally and physically. If you feel that you could benefit from having a little more time for yourself, there are certain self-care practices that could result in positive changes regardless of how jam-packed your schedule is.

Decide what you really want
Before you decide how to go about incorporating more self-care practices into your life, it could be best to first decide some of what you hope to achieve. For example, do you want to start taking exercise classes that you've been meaning to try? Read the untouched books that are stacking up on your end table? Find more time with loved ones? Make a list of what it is that you hope to accomplish and start with what you're most excited about.

Turn off your phone
It can undoubtedly be difficult to turn your phone off even for a couple of hours at minimum, especially if you're someone who's so used to always having it in hand or within reach, but sometimes shutting out the world isn't such a bad thing. When you turn the phone off, it's an opportunity to reconnect with yourself without emails, texts, notifications, or calls competing for your attention.

Meditate
Meditation could have several benefits, including that it could help reduce stress, help improve your quality of sleep and help boost your mood. It doesn't cost anything, and you can meditate anywhere which can be an asset to your well-being throughout the day.

Schedule "me" time every week
There are many who would cancel a meeting with a client, an appointment, or a planned get-together with a loved one only for the most serious reasons, so schedule time for yourself each week and treat it as if it were an appointment with someone else. You're the most important person in your own life and making sure you have enough time for yourself each week, whether you take yourself out to dinner, get a manicure and pedicure, or just veg on the couch at home, is one of the ways to treat yourself as such.

Play one or more of your favorite songs
Have you ever put on one of your favorite songs and couldn't help but sing and dance along? It could easily be an instant mood booster, so whether you're cleaning your home, commuting, running errands, or something in between, keep your favorite songs easily accessible for a quick pick-me-up. Feel free to put those songs on repeat for as long as you need.

Make your bedroom a special place
Your bedroom should be an oasis that you can't wait to get to at the end of the day, a place that encourages going to bed at a decent hour that works for you and contributes to a rejuvenating and restful night's sleep; it could be an investment in your home as well as your well-being. Consider purchasing high-quality bedding, getting blackout shades, clearing clutter, and changing up anything else that could make you feel better overall.

Take yourself out on a "date"
Take yourself out on a "date" by going alone to the movies, out to dinner, to the park to read a book, or wherever you're in the mood to go. Time spent enjoying your own company is time well-spent.

Connect with nature
Getting out into nature can help you reconnect with yourself, get some fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and--depending on the activity--get a little exercise. You could go for a hike in the mountains, swim in the ocean, walk through a park, sit on a bench and read a good book, and make the most of your time outside whether you're by yourself or with a loved one.

When it comes to practicing self-care, one of the biggest steps that may help you is to simplify your life a bit. For example, try and delegate things you really don't want to do, don't feel obligated to say "yes" when you really want to say "no," cut toxic people from your life, declutter, and devote your energy to things that really bring you joy rather than what feels like a negative influence on your life.