Let’s be realistic—self-care for most of us isn’t about luxury spa days; it’s about those small, daily practices that don’t take much time. We know it’s essential for our health, yet it’s often the first thing we neglect.
Daily Self-Care Practices
It's now September, and many of us are wondering why we don’t feel relaxed after the summer. Even if we took holidays or had some time off, you might have found it difficult to truly switch off. Or perhaps, like me, every break you get is spent with your kids, making it hard to fully unwind.
When we’re accustomed to being busy and constantly rushing, rest can feel unfamiliar, leading to feelings of unease and guilt. But self-care is crucial for maintaining good hormone health. Women aren’t designed to be in perpetual motion with little downtime, but society often demands it.
I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize yourself or even find time to do so. However, sustainable health starts with consistent self-care, and we must find ways to achieve this, even if we’re new mothers, caring for grandkids and parents simultaneously, looking after a child with additional needs, or working shifts while raising five children. A busy woman needs self-care more than anyone. Here are a few small steps to help you get started:
Mindfulness: Spend 5 minutes each day in quiet reflection or meditation. This helps clear your mind and reduce stress.
Nutrition: Fuel your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods. Think colorful plates full of veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Yes, food is part of self-care.
Movement: Move your body daily, whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a quick home workout. Movement boosts mood and hormone health. Even just ten minutes can make a difference.
Rest: Prioritize sleep and relaxation. Your body needs time to recharge—aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. If that seems out of reach, focus on one small change to improve your current situation.
When my boys were little and when I was running two businesses, self-care wasn’t on my mind at all. But I’ve since realized that you can’t give to others if you don’t first give to yourself—fill up your own cup and all that.
By integrating small self-care practices into my daily routine, I found balance and improved my health. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary and doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
So this week, consider one thing you’ll commit to that will help you take better care of yourself. It could be reducing distractions, decluttering your bedroom, or having more mindful moments, like truly savoring a hot drink. Just pick one and lean into it daily.