You Must Make Time For Yourself In Order To Be Your Best Self
Do you ever struggle to find time for yourself? If you’re a mom like me, time to yourself is few and far between. Regardless of being a mom or not, time for self-care can, at times, seem impossible. While we spend so much time caring for others, or taking care of the responsibilities in our day to day lives, we tend to neglect the person who needs it most –OURSELVES
I know as a mother I have always stated that my kids come first. While my kids do come first over any and everything else, I must come first in order to show up for them as the best mother and role model I can be.
When you take time to care for your needs and recharge, you are better equipped to care for others. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is an act of love – both for yourself and your family.
What Is Considered Self-Care?
In short, self-care is any deliberate act you undertake to keep yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.
It entails things such as eating healthy, exercising, and getting sufficient sleep. Practicing gratitude, journaling, and meditating are also forms of self-care that improve your mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Why Is Self-Care So Important?
Self-care is crucial if you want to improve your overall well-being and live as your best, happiest self. Self-care has been clinically proven to reduce stress and depression, increase your energy, reduce risk of illness, boost self-esteem, and help you better handle life’s challenges.
There are so many self-care and self-improvement practices made available for all aspects of your life. Whether you are trying to better yourself or make improvements to any single area of your life, making time for yourself will replenish your energy and enhance your overall well-being.
Once I started incorporating self-care into my daily routines, I gradually felt better about myself. Of course, it didn’t happen overnight. But the more consistent I was, and the more self-care practices I implemented, the happier and kinder I became.
Self-Care Practices
Eating nutritious meals, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and attending medical check-ups, are all forms of Physical, Mental, and Emotional Care
Meditating and practicing mindfulness are essential for Spiritual and Mental Health.
Journaling and practicing gratitude are beneficial for both Emotional and Mental Health.
Additionally, listening to uplifting music and inspirational podcasts can also improve our Mental and Emotional Health.
How I Incorporate Self-Care Into My Daily Routines
Some of us have more free time than others. But for me, with working three jobs and having three young boys, it’s very hard to find time for much of anything else.
The best way to fit self-care into your life is to make it a part of your morning and evening routine.
Morning Self-Care Routine
I make an effort to wake up before my kids, this way I don’t have someone constantly calling out for something or barging into my room every five minutes while I’m getting myself ready for the day.
I incorporate self-care into my morning routine by waking up anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour before my usual wakeup time.
I like to start my morning with a simple meditation. Ever since I introduced meditation into my morning routine, it has become a constant staple in my life. It conditions me to start my day feeling positive, peaceful, grateful, and calm. Even just five minutes of meditation, done daily, can have a positive effect on your state of being.
After meditation I like to get in a quick workout. How long of a workout and what type is dependent on how much time I have in the morning. Running first thing in the morning always gives me a boost of energy and helps me feel more confident. If I’m pressed for time, I can always spare a few minutes for some push-ups or squats. A little bit of something is always better than nothing.
If you prefer to workout first, then meditate, by all means, have at it. It is whatever works best for you.
As I get myself ready in the morning, or whenever I have free time, I like to listen to podcasts, personal growth books, or music.
Listening to music, books, or anything beneficial to your growth and happiness is a great addition to your morning routine.
Journaling, practicing gratitude, and affirmations are other examples of self-care that can be done in the morning or anytime during the day.
Beginning your morning with any form of self-care is conducive to a more positive rest of your day. Secondly, if daily self-care is a priority for you, tackling it first thing in the morning allows you to mark something important off your agenda for the day. This way if something unexpected pops up you’ve already accomplished your number one priority- to care for yourself.
I keep up with self-care throughout the day by drinking plenty of water and consuming nutritious foods.
Evening Self-Care Routine
I like to start my evening self-care routine with some light stretching or yoga. In addition to stretching, I choose to make my gratitude list at night. It can be anything from your kids or significant other, to necessities, and positive experiences throughout your day. This can help you see the abundance in your life and all the things you have to be grateful for. Then, getting in a few minutes of reading, even if it’s just a page or two, is a positive way to end your day.
And of course, we don’t want to forget the importance of a good nights sleep. Which is an essential part of self-care.
Meditation is another great addition to any night time routine. If you prefer to practice meditation at night instead of the morning, or even during both times, it will only benefit you. Meditation can also help you relax, fall asleep faster, and sleep more soundly. So, if you have trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night, meditation could be the solution.
Conclusion
Self-care is not selfish. It is essential if you want to be and feel your best.
Whether it’s spending time with people you love, taking a bubble bath, or getting a massage, they are all beneficial to your overall well-being and all forms of self-care.
For me, personally, waking up earlier to meditate and workout starts my morning off on the right foot. Then, I top it off with listening to inspirational books or music.
When it’s time to settle down at the end of the day, a light stretch, a gratitude list, and reading, help to get me settled for a good nights sleep. Not to mention the feeling of contentment my gratitude list brings me as I drift off to sleep. What a great way to end the night- peaceful, calm, and happy.
Ultimately, self-care can be done at anytime throughout the day. It all depends on what works best for you and your schedule.
Once I decided to start caring for myself my life changed significantly. I started with small steps, and as I started to feel better and notice positive changes, I aspired to be better in every area of my life.
Today, I continue to focus on being the best version of myself. I strive to get better every day, in every way. And thanks to daily self-care, I am on my way there, and I am closer every day.