5 Ways to Take Care of Yourself When You're Busy

Hey there, wellness warrior friend!

As the holiday season knocks on our doors, the hustle and bustle can easily pull us away from our regular self-care routines. The misconception that effective self-care requires lengthy, elaborate sessions often leads us to neglect our well-being during busy times. The truth is that small acts of self-care can be just as impactful, if not more. Read on for how this can help you in your life today.

Redefining Self-Care

It's time to challenge the notion that self-care must be an all-or-nothing endeavour. The idea that we either commit to an hour-long workout or skip it altogether can be detrimental to our well-being. Let's shift our perspective. If a lengthy fitness session seems daunting, can we spare 15 minutes? Even a short burst of movement raises endorphins, fostering happiness and better stress management. Try a quick AnyTime Studio video, or move around on your mat in a free-flowing movement session to iron out those kinks. Maybe dance to your favourite music, or if you're at work, take a short 15-minute walk around the building.

Micro-Moments of Self-Care

In the midst of a chaotic day, dedicating an entire hour to self-care might feel impossible. But what about 5 minutes every hour? Set a timer, stand up, stretch, grab some water, and see how good it is to have your basic self-care needs met. These micro-moments, though brief, contribute significantly to our overall well-being. You can set a challenge for yourself: how many hours in the day can you follow the "5-minute rule" to give yourself those quick breaks each hour? You'll be amazed at how those minutes add up over time, yet you'll still feel productive and fresh throughout your day, whether at work, home, or anywhere in between.

Breaking Free from "All or Nothing" Thinking

One common pitfall is the "all or nothing" mindset. Feeling pressured to adhere to an idealized wellness routine can be overwhelming and discouraging. Understand that most wellness programs aren't designed for the unpredictability of everyday life. Life has seasons—some busy, some relaxed. It's about finding balance within the ebb and flow. Remember, social media doesn't tell the whole truth; you're getting a heavily curated snapshot of one person's idea of wellness. That doesn't mean it will work for you, nor does it have to. Allowing yourself the flexibility to have busier days with basic wellness needs met and calmer days with more wellness needs met will give you much more peace of mind and confidence in your ability to stick to your goal.

Permission to Do the Bare Minimum

As the holiday frenzy approaches, give yourself the gift of permission to do the bare minimum when needed. On the busiest days, even 10 minutes of stretching or 5 minutes of mindful tea-sipping count. Acknowledge that wellness is a journey, not a destination, and it adapts to the seasons of life. Give yourself compassion in these times - that is also a huge part of well-being! You can also make this a game for yourself: how many ways can you find to take care of yourself that don't require more than 5 or 10 minutes? See how creative you can be, and find gratitude that you are exploring different ways of caring for yourself.

Pride in Every Step

Whether you have a surplus or scarcity of time, each act of self-care is a step toward a healthier, more balanced life. Be proud of every moment you invest in your well-being, no matter how small. It's not about perfection; it's about consistency and self-compassion.

So, my dear friend, as the holiday whirlwind approaches, remember that even in the smallest acts of self-care, you're nurturing the most important relationship—the one with yourself. Embrace the power of little things, for they add up to a life well-lived.

With love and well-being,

Meg

P.S. If you're looking for great ways to embrace simple self-care practices, our Cozy Yin Yoga in-person workshop takes place December 10, 2023, and is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon for yourself - it also makes a great way to spend time with friends and family! You can find out more here: www.healthgirl.ca/cyw1223 

And, if you're looking for something more consistent and flexible, the online AnyTime Studio has videos as short as 15 minutes to help you get through your busiest times and as long as 90 minutes for when you have lots of time for yourself. Get your 7-day free trial here: www.healthgirl.ca/join