The importance of Self Care
Between work commitments, social engagements, and family responsibilities, it can feel like there's always something vying for our attention. However, it's important to remember that prioritising our own well-being is essential to our overall health and happiness.
Why Self-Care is Important
Self-care refers to any intentional action taken to preserve or improve your physical, mental, and emotional health. It can take many forms, from getting enough sleep and exercise to doing hobbies and activities that bring us joy, help us manage stress and recharge our batteries. While it's easy to dismiss self-care as a luxury or something "we simply don't have time for," the reality is that it's essential to our well-being.
When we prioritise self-care, we're better equipped to manage stress, improve our mood, and build resilience. We're also better able to cope with challenges and setbacks and to maintain healthy relationships with ourselves and others. In short, self-care is not an indulgence, but necessary for a healthy, balanced life.
The Importance of Self-Care During Busy Periods
While self-care is important at all times, it's especially crucial during busy periods. When we're juggling multiple commitments and feeling overwhelmed, it can be easy to neglect our own needs in favour of meeting the demands of others. This is not sustainable in the long run and can lead to burnout and exhaustion.
During busy periods, it's important to make self-care a priority in order to maintain our physical, mental, and emotional health. It’s also important to be selective about the events and commitments we take on, learning to say no when necessary. By prioritising our own needs, we're better able to show up for others and fulfil our commitments in a sustainable way.
Tips for Making Self-Care a Priority
Schedule self-care time: One of the best ways to prioritise self-care is to schedule it into your calendar as you would any other appointment or commitment. This might mean setting aside time each day - you might even schedule a self-care day or weekend once a month.
Be selective with your commitments: When we're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to be selective with the events and commitments we take on. Consider whether each event or commitment aligns with your values and brings you joy and fulfilment. If not, it may be time to say no.
Find non-alcohol related activities: During busy periods, it can be tempting to turn to alcohol as a way to relax and unwind. However, this approach can be counterproductive and ultimately lead to more stress and anxiety. Instead, consider finding non-alcohol related activities that help you relax and recharge. This might mean changing things up and meeting friends at a yoga class instead of the pub, going for a walk, or trying a new hobby.
Work with a coach: If you're struggling to prioritise self-care or make positive changes in your life, working with a coach can be a valuable resource. A coach can help you identify areas of your life that need attention and create a plan to achieve your goals. They can also offer support and accountability to help you stay on track.
Take breaks throughout the day: During busy periods, it can be easy to get caught up in our work or other tasks and forget to take breaks. Taking regular breaks can help us recharge and stay focused. I sometimes set a timer on my phone to remind myself to take a break, which could be as simple as going for a stretch or calling a family member or friend.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that involves focusing on the present moment and being aware of our thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help us manage stress and anxiety, improve our mood, and increase our overall well-being. Consider incorporating a mindfulness practice into your daily routine, even just taking a few minutes to meditate or to do some deep breathing exercises will help!
Use technology to your advantage: There are many apps and tools available that can help us prioritise self-care and manage our time more effectively. For example, there are apps that can help us track our exercise and meditation, remind us to take breaks, and even block out distractions on our phones or computers. Or if technology isn't your thing, you can track it in your notebook or journal.
Read up on self-care and mental health: There are many great books, articles, and podcasts available that can help us learn more about self-care and mental health. Consider checking out some of these resources to gain new insights and ideas for incorporating self-care into your life.
Ultimately, prioritising self-care during busy periods is essential to our overall well-being and happiness. By taking the time to care for ourselves, we're better equipped to manage stress, fulfil our commitments, and show up as our best selves in all areas of our lives. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it's necessary. So, take the time to prioritise yourself, and don't forget to be kind to yourself along the way.
If you're struggling with prioritising self-care or would like some support, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I offer coaching services to help people like you identify their goals and create a plan to achieve them.