Follow Your Gut

Sometimes we get so busy that we find ourselves operating on autopilot, especially during hectic times. But it is critical that you make an attempt to listen to your instincts telling you that you are in need of a self-care boost. When you start to feel frazzled or fatigued, don’t double down and work harder. It’s your body and mind telling you that you need a break. Listen to them. Also, look for other unusual signs indicating you are off balance. Signs like irritability, eating poorly, losing sleep or indulging in bad habits. These things are telling you to take care of yourself.

Schedule It In

A trick that helps some people to fit self-care into their schedules when life gets busy is to WRITE IT DOWN! Insert your self-care rituals in your date book, TO DO list, or calendar. Treat your self-care commitments like any other appointment or event. Write down the time you’ll start and finish. Try to be specific about the activity you’ll engage in. Doing these things will increase the odds that you’ll follow through. Don’t put yourself on the backburner when life gets crazy, but remember that these are the times you need self-care the most.

Create a Plan

Developing a self-care plan is crucial to maintaining your well-being. We shared some ideas in a previous blog post about how to do this. Let’s review a bit, as it’s so important to have a self-care toolkit at your disposal during life’s busiest and most stressful periods. Keep your emergency Toolkit and your Care Package together so they’re easily accessed when you need them. Also, have your list of Self-Care Crew to call when you might need encouragement or accountability. Your Crew know you and can provide the motivation and support you need to take care of yourself.