Self-care is essential because of its positive impacts on your wellbeing. But sometimes, you may just not have the time to practice self-care for as long as you’d like. I’d love to take a bath, read for hours, and have unlimited alone time every day, but these self-care practices just aren’t realistic when my life gets busy. When you’re stressed and overwhelmed and have a hundred things on your mind, it’s understandable that the time you spend on self-care decreases. You’re only human, which means you can only handle so much at one time.
We can’t avoid the practicalities, responsibilities, and busyness of life, but that doesn’t mean we have to abandon our self-care because of it. There are many small, quick, and easy things you can do that will contribute to your self-care in big ways. These small gifts we give to ourselves can even help us get through the stress and reconnect with our productivity. You may not think you have the time, but it’s all about intentionally making the time. Here are twenty quick self-care ideas you can try during your busy days.
1.Take deep breaths.
Taking a few deep breaths takes only a few seconds and can significantly rejuvenate your body. It’ll also make you feel more calm, which is exactly what you need during a busy and stressful day. So breathe. Just breathe.
2. Go for a walk.
If you’ve been stuck inside for a while, a breath of fresh air would do you some good. A quick walk around your neighbourhood or outside your workplace can add some pep into your step and the productivity back into your brain.
3. Meditate.
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and just be. Try to declutter your mind and take some long, deep breaths. Meditating for two, five, or ten minutes won’t take away too much time from your busy schedule, but will add so much to your daily wellbeing.
4. Think about the things you’re grateful for.
Reflecting on what you’re grateful for may help you shift your mindset about your stress and make you feel happier. It only takes a few moments but has the potential to totally transform the way you approach your day.
5. Cuddle your pets.
Taking a break from a busy day to snuggle with my cat always makes me feel better and less stressed. Even just looking at him makes me feel happier. Appreciate all the joy your pets bring into your life and take some time out of your day to enjoy their company.
6. Eat chocolate (or any other food you love to indulge in).
Chocolate may just be my biggest addiction. I try to be mindful of how much of it I eat, but I also allow myself to indulge in it, especially when I’m in need of some comfort during a stressful time. We all deserve to indulge in the foods we love sometimes.
7. Listen to a song or podcast.
Putting on one of your favourite songs or a quick podcast episode is a great way to take a break from all of your work. It may also stimulate your mind in inspiring and creative ways, and reenergize you for the rest of the day.
8. Stretch.
Get up and move your body, even just for a few moments. Stretch all your muscles and bring the blood flow back into your body and mind. Taking a quick break to stretch can make you feel reenergized and ready to conquer the rest of your day.
9. Sing, dance, or do both.
When no one else is around, crank up the music, belt out those notes, and dance it out. It might feel silly at first, but it’s a great way to get your blood pumping and de-stress from the busyness of your day.
10. Talk to someone you love.
Check in with your loved ones. Send a quick text, give them a call, or sit down with them in person. A small conversation with someone you love can give you the boost you need to get through the rest of your busy day.
11. Hide your phone.
Put your phone somewhere far from your reach for a little while. Or at least take a break from scrolling social media. For some people (like me) it’s unrealistic to jump right into a cell phone and social media “cleanse”. You don’t have to avoid your phone and social media all day, but try to lower the number of times you reach for it to distract yourself.
12. Burn a candle or use an oil diffuser.
The scent from candles and essential oils are calming and rejuvenating. Even better, you can use them while you’re doing other things. So the next time you’re busy working away at something, stimulate your sense of smell by letting a candle burn or an oil diffuser do its thing in the background.
13. Laugh.
This is one of my favourites. Laughter has so many emotional, mental, and physical benefits. When you’re particularly busy, do little things every so often to bring some laughs into your day. You’ll feel refreshed, energized, and happier.
14. Declutter, clean, and organize your space.
This doesn’t have to mean doing a complete overhaul of your entire house. Take a few minutes to put away the dishes, tidy up your desk, or finally organize that stack of mail you’ve been neglecting. I find even the smallest clean-up sessions can feel rejuvenating and even make me feel more motivated to tackle the rest of my to-do list.
15. Write down your thoughts.
This is particularly helpful when you’re feeling overwhelmed or have a lot of things on your mind. Let out all of your thoughts onto the page. Writing these thoughts out might free up some space in your mind and allow you to rethink your game plan for your busy day.
16. Drink water.
Fill up on your liquid intake. It’s okay to drink coffee or soda to bring some sugary energy into your veins, but try to fuel up with water most of the time. Take a few moments to drink a glass of water, or keep a reusable bottle with you. It’s important, and super easy, to stay hydrated during your busy day.
17. Read something inspiring.
Read a chapter of a self-help book, a motivating article, or even the caption on an Instagram photo from someone who inspires you. Taking a few moments to consume inspiring content can change the way you approach your day for the better.
18. Have some quiet alone time.
This one is especially essential for introverts like me. Alone time helps me recharge, refocus, and relax. It’s one of my needs every day, but especially on busy days. If you’re the same way, never deprive yourself of the gift of a few quiet moments to yourself.
19. Give yourself a compliment.
This one may sound a little cheesy, but it works! Complimenting yourself can make you feel motivated and give you that extra kick in your step to get through a stressful day. Take a minute to acknowledge all the awesomeness that you bring to this life. A small pep talk can be an effective tool to help you get through a busy day.
20. Take a break.
No matter how busy you are or how many things you have going on, you’ll need a break at some point. I find that taking frequent breaks throughout my day refuels my energy for the next tasks I have to complete. You may not think you have time for a break, but a small break or two could be exactly the productivity boost that you need.
Self-care doesn’t always mean taking a long bath, going for an hour massage, or jetting off to a wellness retreat. Whenever you have time for that stuff, do it! But when you don’t have the time, try to spare a few moments to practice self-care on a smaller scale. These small self-care practices can boost your energy, productivity, and motivation to get through a busy day.
what do you think?