“Self-Care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” -Katie Reed
Whether they are working professionals or homemakers, women always have a lot on their plate. They keep overworking themselves without even realizing that they need a break once in a while. With so many responsibilities upon their shoulders, self-care is the last thing that comes on their list.
If you’re one of those busy women who keep working round the clock to balance her career and personal life or takes care of the entire household, let me ask you, when was the last time you took a break? When was the last time you didn’t feel stressed out? When was the last time you cared about your health and skin? When was the last time you felt like yourself?
In November 2016, the term “Self-care” marked a five-year high in Google Search trends, emphasizing the importance of self-care. According to a 2019 Study conducted by Shine that spoke about how millennial women are embracing both ambition and self-care, 79% of the women admitted to wanting to prioritize self-care and mental health as a coping mechanism for the pressure they faced day-to-day.
10 Self-Care Tips for Busy Women
When finally thinking about prioritizing yourself and starting a self-care routine, a few questions that come into mind are, how to start self-care? How to take care of yourself as a woman? Are there any self-care ideas for moms? Whether you are a working professional or a stay-at-home mom, here are 10 self-care tips and tricks that every woman should do to take care of herself.
1. Meditation
Meditation is one of the most effective self-care tips for mental health. It helps you relax your muscles and come in contact with your inner-self. Meditation will heal you internally, and you will find that inner peace you were longing for. Meditating regularly has been proven to reduce stress, increase concentration, and take care of your overall well-being. Begin with 15-30 minutes a day, and you will see a significant difference in your life.
2. Create a Morning or Night Self-Care Routine
Create a morning or night self-care routine as per your schedule. Morning routines are about taking care of your mental and spiritual self. Your morning routine could include meditation, light exercises, morning drink rituals, time with nature, etc. Nights are about relaxation and reducing the stress caused by the activities of the entire day. Your night routine could include taking a hot bath, moisturizing yourself, reading a book, writing a journal, having a hot drink, etc. You can begin with either a morning or a night self-care routine and then slowly do both. It’s all about giving the care you need.
3. Pamper Yourself
Self-care is an expression of self-love. You need to love yourself first. Go for a body spa, have a bubble bath, have a salon day, or treat yourself with your favorite food. Do the things you love. Pamper yourself with the things you’ve been postponing because of your busy schedule. It’s time to feel like your real self again. Pampering yourself once in a while will do just that.
4. Take A Day Off
Take a day off to spend time with yourself. If you can’t take a day off, set a day on a weekend or a holiday for yourself. Use this time to disconnect from the outer world and connect with yourself. Reflect on your actions and appreciate yourself for the things you do. Write about the things you are grateful for and the things that you miss doing. Use this time for self-reflection, make a self-care list, and incorporate them into your routine.
5. Get Enough Sleep
The body needs to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Sleeping at odd hours not only disrupts the biological clock but also impacts your physical and mental health. Lack of sleep leads to a weaker immune system, weight gain, fatigue and could also lead to depression. Ensure to have a good night’s sleep so that you feel refreshed for the next day.
6. Get In Touch With Your Creative Self
While some people think that hobbies are a waste of time, they are important self-care activities. Hobbies don’t only bring out the creative side in you but also help you relax. Hobbies such as reading books or doing crossword puzzles are a part of your intellectual self-care while yoga or dancing is a part of your physical self-care. Hobbies tend to give you a sense of satisfaction and purpose, which also instills a sense of self-worth.
7. Stay Hydrated
One of the reasons why busy women get tired faster is because of dehydration. You could be drinking gallons of water per day and still be dehydrated. Along with drinking water, it is important to consume fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, spinach, watermelon, etc. that help keep you hydrated for a longer time.
8. Reconnect With Your Friends
Reconnecting with your friends and loved ones is important for your social well-being. Women get so busy with the hectic schedules that they neglect social self-care. It is important to maintain contact with your friends and family. Start a conversation with an old friend or colleague, and you will see the difference it makes.
9. Use Energy Boosters
Energy booster is an effective way of reducing stress. Take a 5-minute break and listen to your favorite music or hug a loved one. Try going in front of the mirror and laughing your heart out. Go for a short walk in the garden. These short breaks will make you feel relaxed and help you get through the day more smoothly.
10. Ask Yourself What You Want
Self-care is all about doing something for yourself. You are the only person who knows what you actually want. Ask yourself what you want, and do those things. Don’t hold back. It is okay to think about yourself and do something to make yourself happy once in a while.
In addition to these self-care activities, make sure to have a beauty self-care checklist. It is important to give your skin the pampering it needs. These tips for self-love and self-care will make you fall in love with yourself again. Remember, the best self-care is self-love.
