Do you wish you had time for more self-care, but can’t seem to squeeze it into your schedule? What if I told you, you don’t have to squeeze anything into you schedule to have time for self-care?
Self-care is so important for our mental well-being. It brings us ease, it gives us good energy, it motivates us, and it makes us calm. This helps us de-stress, relax, and brings us into a positive mental state. Everyone could incorporate more self-care activities into their day even if they think they don’t have time to.
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Do this little exercise…
Make a list of things/tasks that give you energy, and make another list of things that take away energy. On your list of things that give you energy are probably thinks like doing yoga, taking a nap, getting a massage, taking a bath, etc. Things on your negative energy list are probably chores and day to day tasks.
On your list of things that take away energy, is there anything you can take off the list? Anything you don’t have to do? If so, take it off. Don’t do that task anymore! I’m sure there’s a lot on your list that you have to do; that you can’t take off. In that case, keep reading to find out how to make the mental shift to turn those tasks into self-care activities!
This is all about mentality. You have to make a mental shift and turn the daily tasks that drain you, into tasks that give you positive energy and calm your mind.
Here are some examples from my list…
Doing Dishes: Most people don’t enjoy doing dishes. I for one enjoy cooking, but I hate cleaning up afterwards. Instead of seeing the messy kitchen and feeling overwhelmed or feeling like it’s another chore, switch your thinking. Turn it into “you time”. Listen to music, do deep breathing exercises to relax, think about the joy you’ll feel when your kitchen is spotless and how calming it will be to walk into a spotless kitchen!
Walking the Dog: If you have a dog, you pretty much have to take them for a walk (unless you live on a farm). It’s just another thing that has to be done, even if you don’t have much time for it. Instead of thinking of it as a chore, spend the time outside enjoying being outside! When I walk my dog, I usually leave my phone in the house, I let my mind wander, and I let my dog control the walk. I let her choose which way she wants to go and I follow her. Sometimes I’ll just watch her having fun on her walk which brings me joy. It helps turn it into a relaxing and fun activity for the both of us.
Driving (anywhere): Are you driving to school? The grocery store? To pick up the kids? I remember growing up, my mom would get so stressed out trying to get us anywhere on time. At the end of the day, you cannot control traffic or lights. You can only control what time you leave. So in the car, listen to music, sing to the music, listen to a podcast or a book. You could even do deep breathing exercises to relax. Sometimes when I’m driving, I let my mind wander which is really relaxing for me. And one thing I don’t do is look at the clock. I swear, time is what makes people so stressed. Don’t look at the clock and you’ll get where you’re supposed to be, when you’re supposed to get there.
Folding Laundry: I don’t know anyone who actually enjoys folding laundry. What I do look forward to when I fold laundry is putting on my favorite TV show and sitting on the floor folding laundry and watching TV. It’s relaxing and enjoyable for me and it makes laundry something I can look forward to instead of another task that needs to be done.
Cleaning the Bathroom: This one is probably the hardest for me to make the mental shift. But when I start to clean the bathroom, I get into the zone and don’t stop until it’s done. I love the feeling of walking into a spotless bathroom. Who doesn’t? When I’m cleaning the bathroom, I’ll light a candle or 2 and just let my mind wander, which makes it relaxing for me.
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So much about shifting your mentality is just remembering the joy and relaxation you’ll feel after the task is done.
And if you start the day off on the right foot, you won’t feel rushed all day, you’ll be less stressed, and it’ll be easier to shift your mindset. You have to wake up in the morning with the idea of “self-care first.” Do a mental rundown of your tasks for the day (or list them out…I for one like lists and I love little notebooks like these
And if you haven’t seen my post on healthy habits for a productive day, be sure to check that out to get your day off on the right foot!
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