Today, let’s shine a spotlight on something that often gets pushed to the back burner in the hustle and bustle of everyday life: self-care. When work deadlines are looming and family commitments are piling up, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. But trust me, carving out time for self-care is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining your sanity and thriving in all areas of life. So, grab your journal and let’s explore some strategies for planning self-care, even when life feels like a whirlwind.
We’ve all been there. There are a million upcoming deadlines for work, all your kids have started new sports teams with tons of practices and games on the schedule, and then you can add in a whole of social commitments. What are the first things tossed right off the priority list? All the things we do to take care of ourselves. We eat whatever is quick and within reach, our only steps are from here to the bathroom, journaling and meditation take a back seat and the last place we think about visiting is the gym.
Acknowledge the Importance of Self-Care
First things first, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room: self-care is not selfish. In fact, it’s one of the most selfless things you can do for yourself and those around you. When you take care of your own needs, you show up as the best version of yourself in every aspect of your life. So, let go of any guilt or hesitation and embrace self-care as a non-negotiable priority.
When we shove self-care to the wayside, our ability to perform at a high level for all of the aforementioned commitments dwindles over time. We also start to experience negative emotional and physical impacts of not prioritizing our own care. In the long run, if we don’t pause occasionally to recharge we will likely get less accomplished overall.
Create a Self-Care Plan
Next up, let’s get strategic. Take some time to create a self-care plan that fits into your busy schedule. Break it down into daily, weekly, and monthly rituals that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Use your journal to brainstorm self-care activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation, from morning meditation sessions to weekend nature walks. Get creative and tailor your plan to suit your unique preferences and needs.
I also use my journal to help map out the day or week ahead so that I know when I can make time to incorporate these activities. These things are not going to occur by happenstance if you don’t plan them out. I take the time to mentally walk through what I want my morning routines to look like the night before so that I don’t get sidetracked by making the decision in the moment. I find it helpful to add a very simple habit tracker to a page in my journal so that I can remember the self-care habits I want to participate in and hold myself accountable by checking them off each day.
Practice Mindful Reflection
Incorporate mindful reflection into your self-care routine by journaling regularly. Set aside time each day to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Use prompts such as “What am I grateful for today?” or “What small wins did I celebrate?” to cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment. Reflecting on your day can help you gain clarity, process your feelings, and identify areas for growth.
When time is tight, even bulleting your thoughts about what is going well, what has been a challenge, and what your goals are can be helpful. I have also found it to be a rewarding experience to flip back through these notes months later to see changes and growth that would have otherwise passed by unnoticed. There have been many times that I achieved goals that I forgot I set for myself and reading back through my daily reflections has given me the opportunity to be grateful for accomplishments that I have not been as mindful about as I could have been.
Express Gratitude Daily
Make gratitude a daily practice by incorporating it into your self-care routine. Use your journal to jot down three things you’re grateful for each day, no matter how big or small. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can shift your perspective and bring more joy and positivity into your life. Plus, it’s a powerful reminder of all the blessings you have, even on the toughest days.
Not only does an attitude of gratitude work wonders for your wellbeing, but it can also help you manifest your desires by raising your energetic vibrations. One way to really get your vibes up there is to include why you are grateful for the things on your gratitude list into your journaling. Focusing on why you are grateful for things is a great way to create a gratitude list that includes things that are truly meaningful to you and thinking about the why will help invoke deeper feelings of gratitude within yourself. The higher your vibes, the more likely you are to manifest your desires.
Celebrate Your Progress
As you embark on your self-care journey, celebrate your progress along the way. Use your journal to track your self-care activities and reflect on how they make you feel. Celebrate small wins and milestones, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Remember, self-care is a journey, not a destination, so celebrate every step forward, no matter how small.
How you celebrate is up to you! I love to reward myself with a pedicure, massage or facial. If I am celebrating a smaller win, I may choose to take time to relax in my own space. I know many people that choose to celebrate with a nice meal out or an ice cream at a local shop. These celebrations should be something that feels rewarding to you personally!
Conclusion: You Deserve It!
In conclusion, prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being, especially when life gets hectic. By creating a self-care plan, practicing mindful reflection, and expressing gratitude daily, you can cultivate a life that is filled with joy, vitality, and purpose. So, remember to prioritize your own needs amidst the chaos of work and family life—you deserve it!
Share with us in the comments below how you plan your self-care in the chaos of everyday life and how you celebrate your wins! Can’t wait to learn from all of you!