Selfcare…How to Make More Time For You

1. Schedule It
   “I don’t have enough time” is one of the most common excuses people make for not engaging in self-care on a regular basis. The remedy for this belief is to make time. Perhaps this sounds easier said than done, but one certain way to create time for your self-care is to schedule it. Find a gap in your calendar during the next week and schedule in an appointment called “self-care time”. Then, most importantly, stick to it.
2. Focus on Little and Often
   Self-care is far more effective when you engage with it little and often, as opposed to big chunks every now and again. Practising some kind of self-care activity that takes 10-15 minutes a day is far more helpful than one that takes two hours once a month.

Self-care doesn’t have to involve a lot of money, nor does it require a lot of time. If you’re struggling to fit self-care into your routine, start small, prioritise, and listen to what you need.

3. Wake Up Early
   Are your mornings relaxing or do you always rush to get out the door? One of the best times to include self-care into your day is in the morning. Set an alarm an hour or two earlier than your usual wake-up time so that you can ease into the day rather than feeling rushed. During the morning, you can take time to make breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and listen to some motivational speeches or music. You can also plan out your day or week – which is an excellent excuse to schedule-in fun things into your schedule, like booking a massage to reduce anxiety or meeting up with a friend for lunch.
4. Be Assertive About Setting Your Boundaries
   Learning to say no is really hard; many of us feel obligated to say yes when someone asks for our time or energy. However, if you’re already stressed or overworked, saying yes to loved ones or coworkers can lead to burnout, anxiety, and irritability. It may take a little practice, but once you learn how to politely say no, you’ll start to feel more self-confident, and you’ll have more time for your self-care.
5. Take care of yourself by getting organized.
   Getting organized is often the first step to becoming a healthier you because it allows you to figure out exactly what you need to do to take better care of yourself. A small change, like keeping a planner or a calendar on the fridge, can help you write down all your responsibilities and appointments, while at the same time keeping your life a bit more organized. You can also create an area to keep keys, purses, and backpacks, and make sure they’re ready to go for the next day.