Can’t seem to carve out time to take care of yourself? Making self-care a priority is more essential than you think if you want to live up to your best potential.
BY: KATIE HAKE RDN, CD
How would you define self-care? It seems pretty simple, yet a little vague: care for one’s self. Some people may think it means bath-bombs, spa time, or chanting in meditation with candles.
And for others, self-care may seem like something that’s only for people who have extra time on their hands. They may even believe they are an exception to this mythical idea of self-care because they’re simply ‘too busy’ wearing so many hats in life.
If you find yourself wearing a badge of honor for how busy you are and can’t find time for you –
It’s time to wake up and just take a step back.
Self-care is for everyone and is absolutely necessary if you want to avoid burnout and be the best version of you. Here are 4 reasons why you need to make it a habit.
1. You need boundaries.
Let’s be real. You are a go-getter and have a hard time saying no. Simply telling others, ‘thanks for thinking of me, let me check my schedule,’ is a simple (not easy) phrase to help you avoid overload. Take a minute to ask yourself if what you’re asked to do actually lines up with your priorities and goals.
2. You must protect your energy.
Your energy, your creativity, your you is your secret sauce, your superpower, and it must be protected! You’ve heard the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’, and it could not be more true. If you’ve been in a place of burnout, you know that it leaves you feeling cranky, fatigued, and uninspired. Despite being busy, you feel unproductive and drained both physically and mentally. That’s not a good place to be if you want to do and be your best.
3. Self-care can be free.
Who says you need to spend a lot of money, when all you need is to carve out the time? Spend an extra 5 minutes in your car before walking in to work. Clear your space and just be in the silence. Take a walk on your lunch break despite having work coming out of your ears; regardless, it will still be there when you return.
Turn your phone on airplane mode during your workout. Bake and eat a couple of your mom’s homemade cookie recipe. It is OK to use food for comfort, as long as it doesn’t lead to guilt and negative self-talk after. And finally, make some time for that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. You know just how happy you will feel after seeing her, while enjoying a delicious latte.
4. We all have time.
Saying you don’t have the time is saying you don’t matter. But you are worth it, and it is absolutely essential that you put taking care of yourself at the top of your to-do list in hot pink pen with highlighter and stars across it. Carve out at least 5 minutes per day to do something for you every single day this week. Try it out, and notice how you feel after. While self-care can be a whole ‘treat yourself‘, luxurious day, remember it doesn’t have to be.
If you practice daily, it simply becomes an intentional part of your life.
Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: SYLVIE TITTEL
Katie Hake, RDN, CD is an Indiana-based Registered Dietitian, national fitness presenter, and owner of Katie Hake Health & Fitness. It is her mission to empower women to overcome their need to measure success by the numbers and find their fierce. For more tips on finding your fierce, visit www.katiehake.com.