Self-care is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but it can be hard to find the time when you have a busy schedule. There are several ways to maintain a self-care routine even with a busy lifestyle. From creating an organized plan and setting aside “me time” to taking regular breaks and engaging in activities that bring joy, there are many strategies that can help you prioritize your wellbeing.
When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
NIMH, Caring for your mental health.
We will cover topics such as reducing screentime, setting aside time for yourself, making healthy lifestyle choices, and more. By following these tips, you can make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to look after your mental health while still keeping up with your busy schedule. Here are 5 ways to practice self-care with a busy lifestyle.
1) Plan and Prep Healthy Meals We may not always have the time or energy to make healthy meals, so preparing them beforehand is key. Fuelling your body with nutritious foods is important, especially if you live a busy lifestyle. It can be easy to grab whatever’s convenient for lunch, dinner, or a snack, but not only does it cost more money, it’s usually not very high in nutritional value.
In order to feel and perform your best, you need to fuel your body with healthy foods. I find that if I don’t plan ahead, I end up skipping meals or filling up on unhealthy snacks. This is incredibly common for those who are always on-the-go. You can prevent this by planning and prepping ahead of time. Also carry a reusable water bottle because it’ll remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2) Nature Walks People who live busy lifestyles can be overstimulated by their screens, whether it be a smartphone, laptop, or computer. It’s a sensory overload and the best way for mental restoration is to spend time outdoors. As the weather gets warmer, consider switching up your routine and prioritize time in nature.
Nature walks are a perfect example of self-care. The fresh air, sunshine, and light exercise is beneficial for your mental and physical health. Spending time in nature is the perfect way to redirect your senses to more peaceful surroundings.
3) Listen to Podcasts/Audiobooks The next time you’re commuting to work, on your break, or running errands, use this time to listen to an audiobook or podcast. Audiobooks and podcasts are self-care tools that are not only educational and entertaining, but they also provide a moment of escape. While it’s important to dedicate your time and focus to your work, it’s just as important to find moments to relax in between.
Rather than stress about your next meeting, deadline, or unread emails during your break, give yourself moments of peace to unplug and enjoy the things that make you happy. Take advantage of the time in between work to indulge in content that you enjoy. This allows you to find some balance for self-care during the workweek.
4) Reduce Screentime No matter how busy we are, the one thing we always have time for is social media. It’s been proven that spending too much time on our devices can have a negative impact on our mental health. Rather than doom scrolling for a few hours each day, use this time to develop healthier habits. Try activities that help you relax and recharge after a long day. A few of my favorite activities include,
• Talking to a friend or family member
• Reading for 30 minutes before bed
• Organizing your bedside table
• Taking an Epsom salt bath
• Journaling to reflect or set new goals
• Practicing gratitude
• Meditating and tuning into your body
5) 2-Minute Rule It’s easy to let things pile up, like our laundry, dishes, and junk mail that we’ve picked up during the week. The problem with letting things pile up is that we end up spending the weekend cleaning instead of with our friends and family. Social interactions are an important part of self-care, so it’s crucial not to neglect that.
I recommend using the 2-minute rule, which is to complete any task immediately if it takes 2 minutes or less. For example, hanging up your clothes, putting your shoes away, washing the dishes, or wiping down the counters. This simple yet effective rule goes a long way, and you’ll have less to worry about by the time the weekend arrives.
Self-care is an essential part of living a healthy lifestyle. By taking the time to focus on yourself and your needs, you can ensure that you’re staying healthy mentally and physically while managing your busy life. What are some self-care tips you have for those who live a busy lifestyle? Share your thoughts! For more posts relating to wellness, visit the tag here.
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Yes to all of these! I adore getting out on nature walks with the dog, getting out in about the forrest is my happy place and I find it helps to clear my mind and slow life down a little which is nice. thank you for sharing these great ways to practice self care with a busy life.
I couldn’t agree more! Spending time in nature is the best way to practice self-care. I’m looking forward to forest bathing in the summertime. Thank you for reading Jordanne!
These are great ideas on how to practice self-care! I enjoy listening to audiobooks, and it’s always nice to go for a nature walk. Also, I need to start implementing the 2-minute rule!
The 2-minute rule is wonderful, it gives you that extra push to get started. Thank you for reading Karalee!
Such good suggestions. I love the listening to podcast idea, which is something I actually do often, especially when driving.
Lisa
http://www.lovefromlisa.com
That’s fantastic Lisa! It’s a great way to enjoy yourself on commutes. Thank you for reading!
These are all great ideas. Planning in advance could definitely help us.
Planning ahead is always a great idea. Thank you for reading!
These are all excellent ways to practice self care. I practice many of them in particular nature walks or just walks but better if there is a park near by. I want to listen to some pod casts and another tip limit how much you watch of the news….very overwhelming.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Yes, great tip Allie. The news can be incredibly overwhelming. Thank you for reading!
I love all of these and I just went on a nature walk. I probably need to apply the two minute rule and finally get round to cleaning my kitchen a bit.
That’s great Jamie! I hope the 2-minute rule is helpful for cleaning your kitchen. Thank you for reading!
Listening to audiobooks and podcasts are some of my favorite ways to relax! I love the way you explained the 2 minute rule too, I’m definitely going to keep that in mind! Thank you for sharing this! 🙂
melissakacar.com
Audiobooks and podcasts are great! Definitely give the 2-minute rule a try, it’s such an effective method to getting things done. Thank you for reading Melissa!
Honestly, I need to reduce screentime, I use my laptop all the time only when I am asleep. I recently started taking breaks.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/04/modest-spring-floral-dresses-for-women.html
I’m glad you’ve been taking breaks! Reducing screen time is so important, especially when we rely on our devices for work. Thank you for reading Melody!
I’ve been super busy these last few weeks. One thing I’ve been doing that you mentioned is taking walks outside! A thing I want to add to my routine is to meal prep. I think it will keep me eating healthier and more organized. Great post full of good suggestions xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
Walks outside are so refreshing! Good luck with the meal prepping. Thank you for reading Melina!
Great list! Meal prep is a lifesaver and nature walks are a great stress relief for me. Thanks for sharing!
Meal prep is truly a game changer! Thank you for reading Drew!
These are some great suggestions. I have been listening to more podcasts and I love them. We actually listen in the car too! Nature walks I am excited for, hopefully the weather will stay more dry than wet over the next month. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
Podcasts are wonderful, there’s always something to suit your mood. Thank you for reading Lauren!
A very helpful and post with great information! I love the 2 minute rule and will give it a try!
I’m glad to hear that! I’m certain you’ll love it, it’s been such a game changer when it comes to completing tasks. Thank you for reading Jodie!
These are good tips. I agreed with point no.4. Too much screening waste your time. So you need to tell yourself that you have other important things to do besides screening.
Yes! If we can reduce screen time and spend it on healthier habits, it’s much better for our overall wellbeing. Thank you for reading Fadima!
Prepping healthy meals is something we should be doing. Thanks for these suggestions! We also plan on going for walks more now that the weather is better.
Planning meals ahead of time has been so helpful, especially during a busy week. I’m excited for more walks too. Thank you for reading!
I really like the sound of the 2-minute rule; I think I need to use something like this as I know if/when I let little things pile up around the apartment in this way it ends up making me stressed. All these tips are really helpful when busy — thanks for this!
The 2-minute rule is such an effective method that encourages us to act immediately. I hope you find it helpful! Thank you for reading Molly!
The 2 minute rule works very well for me. I wish I had more time to plan, cook, eat, and wash utensils later. But with a busy lifestyle quick hot meals are better.
I’m glad to hear that the 2-minute rule works for you! Hot meals are great for a busy lifestyle, I especially love one pot meals. Thank you for reading Ranjana!
I’ve definitely allowed things to pile up until the weekend. I’m going to give the two minute rule a try because it sounds so easy. Great tips!
That’s great Riyah! It’s so effective because it encourages us to complete the task immediately. Thank you for reading!
I just learned the 2 inute rule and I’m here for it. I will put it to good use. Thanks for sharing this! x
elementsofhappy.com
The 2-minute rule is such an effective tool! Thank you for reading Jeannie!
Reducing screen time is a great small but effective way to look after yourself. I try to do as much as I can that doesn’t involve screens, such as reading x
Reading is a great way to reduce screen time. Thank you for reading Eleanor!
Awesome post, nature is definitely recharging.
Love the 2-minute rule..
Spending time in nature my favorite form of self-care! I’m glad you enjoyed the 2-minute rule. Thank you for reading!
When you’re usually a busy person it’s definitely all about fitting the self care into your day wherever you can! I love the 2 minute rule – so helpful!
Yes, it’s important to make time for self-care otherwise it never becomes something we prioritize. Thank you for reading Jenny!