5 Everyday Moments When You Really Do Have Time For Self-Care
You know what none of us have? Time. Yes, we all feel this way.
However, if you’re a daily exerciser, you probably feel “no time” is an excuse some people use to avoid working out. Likewise, if you require your surroundings to be neat and tidy, you too probably feel “no time” is an excuse for not cleaning up after oneself immediately.
It comes down to priorities - what is important to us and what do we need in our world to help us feel good so we can function. And while both are very important to healthy living, some of us prefer a regular cardio outlet for stress, while others feel soothed by and lean towards organization and order first.
But what EVERYONE seems to need more time for is - themselves.
So if you believe in the self-care benefits of mindfulness but aren’t practicing as often as you’d like, here are 5 moments when you really do have the time:
While driving in the car or during your commute.
While doing dishes, laundry, cleaning or picking up.
When you’re reaching for a self-regulating tool – a cocktail, a cigarette, Candy Crush, social media/TV or my personal go-to, taking a salty snack break.
In the loo. You’re already spending more time washing your hands a little extra these days.
Just go. Instead of squeezing in “one more thing” before you run an errand, which always makes you late anyways, start for your errand early and take advantage of the wait before your appointment to be present with yourself or that special person you’re driving around.
So what are you supposed to do in these moments that make them self-care, you ask?
Having someone hold focused space for you is by far the easiest, lowest effort way to do self-care. This is why all month, we’ve been talking about following your teachers to stay inspired.
My favorite thing to do it listen to someone who inspires me and brings me back to what is important to me while I drive, clean the kitchen or fold laundry. In fact, it turns a dreaded task into a desirable moment for myself. Do you dread a certain task? Pair it up with something that you enjoy – like an extra special cup of coffee while you do your taxes.
When you don’t have enough time to turn on a podcast or audio book or get a fancy coffee drink, simply bring your awareness back to your body and breathe. If you have racing thoughts or fidgeting while you take this moment, no problem! Your engine in downshifting. If you’ve been going 80 miles a minute you aren’t going to be able to come to a complete stop immediately. But allowing this time to slow down will change how you run the rest of the day.
These little moments matter and they really do make a difference.
While you may not notice an immediate difference, interrupting your stress cycles with these moments are physically and mentally therapeutic. Most likely your friends and family will notice before you will!
Try it for 3 days and then let me know how it goes. Did you have success? Did you not see a difference? Was it easy or hard? Email me at aimee@aimeeorta.com, post in the comments below or post on my page.
Health and happiness,
Aimee