5 Important Ways to Practice Self-Care When Life Keeps You Busy

No matter what you do in life, you deserve to show yourself love. Here are some ideas that help me practice self-love and self-care. I hope they work for you too.

1. Take a nap for a bit of self-care.

Living off caffeine? Too tired to think? Think you need to “go-go-go?” You deserve to take a guilt-free nap. It’s OK to rest for a bit. It’s not “selfish,” and it’s not “lazy” either. It’s healthy self-care. So don’t wait until you collapse from exhaustion — sleep in one day. Stay in your pajamas for a while too. Napping can be good for you.

2. Do a home spa treatment for a self-care day.

If I really want to treat myself, I order a box of Lush bath bombs. The colors, the smell, the softness, and the sound of them in my tub are all relaxing to my senses. Dim the lights, pour your favorite drink, and light a candle to create a luxurious experience just for you. You deserve it!

3. Say “no” when you need extra self-care time.

You do not have to do everything. You do not have to take the extra shift your boss asked you to do, join the volunteer committee, or put your kids in 50 extracurricular activities. You can say “no.” Slowing down, breathing, and giving yourself downtime in your schedule starts with saying “no.”

4. Nourish your friendships as a type of self-care.

It’s important to spend time with people who lift you up and help you grow and just as important to know you are not alone when you are having a hard time. Message, text, or call your friends or make time to meet up with them in person. Making time for your friendships may seem like one more “ball” to juggle in the world of adulting, but having supportive friends and spending time with them can make juggling everything feel easier.

5. Be yourself unapologetically to practice self-care.

Try not to judge yourself or compare yourself to others. Don’t let the judgment of others make you second-guess yourself. The world needs your unique mark on it. Don’t apologize to anyone for who you are — especially yourself.

Rest, pamper yourself, pace yourself, spend time with others, and be yourself. Which one do you need to do this week? Share your self-care plans in the comments!