For most busy professionals, self-care takes a backseat to work. This comes at the cost of many people’s mental and physical health. There’s absolutely no reason for you to neglect your health and wellness because of being too preoccupied with your job. It’s not sustainable to give your all when it comes to your co-workers, families, and friends but leave nothing over for yourself. The following are some easy self-care practices tailor-made for a busy professional like you.
Be strategic about your love life
It’s important to strike a balance when it comes to your love life. It’s not healthy to either completely ignore your romantic prospects or dote on someone too much even as you maintain a busy schedule. You’ll end up burning yourself out with either option. You can always carve out some time for someone special in your life if you’re strategic about it. For example, using dating services, getting involved with someone as busy as you are, or using your lunch break as an opportunity to go on short dates.
Schedule your self-care time
The most effective way to find time to engage in self-care is to actually make time for it. Schedule self-care time in your calendar just as you would pencil in work meetings and business presentations. You’ll never have to use the excuse that you don’t have enough time for it. You don’t need to block off a whole day for some peace and quiet either. Even just 10 to 15 minutes of personal care a day will do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Keep your routine simple
From elaborate skin regimens to complicated workout routines, some self-care practices feel exactly like work. The only way you’ll be able to actually maintain a self-care schedule is if it’s simple enough to follow that it feels like second nature for you to do. The less you have to think about it and the less time you have to spend on it, the better and more inclined you’ll be to keep at it.
Perform small acts of self-care as often as you can
Not everyone has the luxury of time to dedicate an entire weekend to pampering themselves, especially busy working professionals. Rather than trying to plan an entire day around self-care, you’re better off allotting several smaller and shorter chunks of your daily life to doing simple and relaxing activities. For example, 15 minutes of reading before bed or 10 minutes of meditation as soon as you wake up every morning.
Use your morning commute wisely
Commuting to work can be incredibly stressful. Whether you’re plowing through traffic or suffocating in a cramped train, it’s nobody’s favorite part of the day. You can make it work for you by turning this time into “me time.” Simple meditation and breathing exercises can be done just about anywhere, and they’re good for relaxing the mind and body.
Go offline after work and on weekends
Turning off all electronic devices or logging out of your social media accounts as soon as you clock out of work are simple yet effective forms of self-care. Doing these things gives your mind a rest and shifts your focus from work to relaxation, allowing you to power down for the day.
Being a perpetual busy body can be harmful to your health. Take time off for yourself with these simple and easy self-care tips.