Self-Care is NOT Selfish: How to Find Time for YOU
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often fall into a monotonous pattern of the same old routine. Day in, day out; same story, different day. It might be hard to find time to pamper ourselves, or even just simply relax. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take care of ourselves, even when our days are hectic.
Caffeine is a necessity for some of us, whether it be coffee, tea, or an energy drink. If your preferred method of energizing is a Rockstar or Starbucks, make sure you stay hydrated alongside it! Or have you considered trying out a new tea? Green and black teas are caffeinated naturally, and they're a great way to stay hydrated too!
Plan ahead and schedule a time to take some time for yourself. Set aside a few hours in the evening ahead of time to do something you enjoy. Read a book, watch your favorite show, write in a journal, take a bath, do a face mask; all of these activities and more are great ways to destress.
When it comes to eating, we often multitask during work or rush ourselves to get back to work. Try to find a quiet spot during your lunch break to sit alone and savor your food away from screens. In addition, incorporate new foods into your routine. Try new recipes, and meal prep for the week ahead of time to ensure an easy grab-and-go for work. On the flip side of this, you can make your favorite comfort meal for yourself!
Make sure you’re taking care of your body. Taking short breaks from work and simply walking around the workplace or your home for 5 to 10 minutes can increase blood flow to your brain, leading to better energy levels, mood, and focus. You can also take nature walks on days off, especially if there are local parks with walking trails nearby.
On top of everything else, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Stay off your phone for an hour before bed, and take that time to read or journal instead. Make sure your lights are dimmed to help your brain realize it’s time to relax.
Even something as simple as lighting your favorite candle or using your favorite essential oils in a diffuser while you work can help you to find a bit of peace in the chaos of daily life. If these aren’t an option, get an air freshener for your workspace in a scent you enjoy.
These are just a handful of activities you can do to ensure that you don’t lose track of your physical, mental, and emotional health. No matter what, you can always do something to take care of yourself amongst your busy schedule.
Tiva Frushour is a senior student at the University of Evansville in the Communications program. She enjoys writing and providing a voice for communities and small businesses.