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Self-care is definitely a bit of a buzzword, and for good reason. Taking a self-care day is crucial, especially for coaches, consultants, or small business owners. But having the time for that is not always possible.
Instead, I encourage you to consider taking self-care into every day.
It's easy to forget to prioritise your own well-being when everything seems urgent. The influence of hustle culture and certain privileged individuals in business has made it even more challenging. The events of 2020 have added to the complexity, with more people venturing into their own businesses and increasing competition.
While I believe in collaboration over competition, I know that the thought of how many others in your industry are "doing it 'better'" may still feel overwhelming.
Before 2020, it felt like intentional business growth was acceptable, but now it feels like you have to do everything all at once.
Wearing both my business hat and my wellness hat (I'm also a certified Hatha and Kundalini Yoga teacher, teaching two classes per week at my local cafe), I want to share some tried and true self-care tips. These will help you avoid being overwhelmed and burnt out so you can thrive.
Before I begin, let's take a quick look at self-care.
Photo by Harper Sunday on Unsplash
What is self-care?
Taking care of yourself is all about prioritising your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It's important to make time for activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and peace.
Self-care also involves setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain your energy or make you feel overwhelmed. It's about honouring your needs and taking steps to maintain a healthy balance in your life. Remember, your well-being matters, so make self-care a priority.
5 tips for daily self-care
Tip 1 - Say No
You don't have to say "yes" to every opportunity, event, or person. This applies to both your personal and professional life. If 2020 taught us anything, it's to let go of the fear of missing out (FOMO). If you're afraid of missing out on something big, your intuition may be trying to tell you something. On the other hand, if you feel excited and uplifted by the opportunity, your intuition is likely telling you that you have the capacity for it.
Differentiating between fear, anxiety, and excitement can be challenging, especially if you, like me, live with an anxiety disorder. So, it's okay to take some time before responding to an offer. Take a moment to determine if your "yes" comes from a place of truth, guilt, or fear.
I often turn to my tarot cards or flip a coin when making difficult decisions like this. While tarot cards require more interpretation, flipping a coin can help you decide quickly because no matter which side the coin lands on, your intuition will tell you how you feel about the result. Trust it.
Tip 2 - move your body.
Why not reconnect your body and mind through some form of movement practice? Take a stroll, go for a run, practice some yoga, meditate, do some long deep breaths, hop on a skateboard, catch some waves, shred the slopes, or simply dance your heart out. Step away from your desk, let go of any stagnant energy, and allow fresh blood and oxygen to course through your veins. Clear your mind and find your inner balance. I invite you to choose something right now and block that out in your calendar.
Tip 3 - socialise (within reason)
Socialising is crucial for human happiness, but it's important to consider your social energy levels. You don't always have to socialise in large groups for long periods of time or even in person. Meeting up with friends is not a requirement either. Simply sitting in a cafe and working can provide the energy of being around others, which is just as important as catching up with loved ones. If you often work alone or live alone like me, having some form of human interaction is beneficial and can uplift your spirits.
It's important to keep in mind that if you've committed to a social event but find yourself feeling overwhelmed, tired, or stressed as the date approaches (or even on the day itself), it's perfectly okay to cancel. If the event won't bring you joy or re-energise you, there's no need to subject yourself to additional stress and anxiety. Take the time to rest and prioritise your well-being. If the event is with your friends or family, they will understand, even if it doesn't feel like it at the time. You want them to see you when you have the energy to give them your all; it will be a better experience for you and them if you take the time you need to recalibrate your system.
Tip 4 - eat well
Nourishment – I love the sound and meaning of this word as it evokes the exact feeling it is meant to convey. Even if you're someone who has a specific diet or you're an omnivore, ensuring you have a good amount of plant-based nutrition is essential for self-care.
As an adult, you probably already know which foods make you feel great and which ones make you feel crap. We all enjoy indulging in some junk food from time to time, but a meal that is abundant in nutrient-dense whole foods and freshness will work wonders for both your body and mind.
If you're seeking some fantastic plant-based recipes to incorporate into your diet, I highly recommend checking out my favourite selections on Melissa Iglesias's website. Take a look here.
Tip 5 - sleep
Sleep debt is a real thing! And if you're not getting enough sleep (which can be tough if you're stressed, anxious, or burnt out), you'll continue running on a low battery. From my own experience, it can be even more frustrating when you know you need sleep but can't seem to quiet your mind. So, if this sounds like you, remember this: even just lying down, closing your eyes, and listening to an audiobook, music, or a podcast is still beneficial for resting your body, even if you don't fall asleep.
If you've incorporated movement into your day, eat well (with plenty of plants), and been honest with yourself and others about your social energy, all of these factors will contribute to better sleep. Other things that can help are getting outside first thing in the morning for at least 10 minutes to see the sunlight (even if it's cloudy), avoiding caffeine after midday, using low lighting in the evening a few hours before bed, and avoiding screens.
As I mentioned, you can lie down and listen to an audiobook, podcast, or music or read a book or magazine. Find what works best for you. Also, try not to eat too late in the evening, but if you must, have something light so you don't go to bed hungry (I've gone to bed hungry a few times in my life and I reckon its worse than going to bed on a full stomach).
There are certainly alternative ways to practice self-care, but these are the ones that personally resonate with me. Below I share an insight into my daily self-care routine during the colder months.
Photo by Timothy Eberly on Unsplash
My daily winter routine
I start my day as slowly and as relaxed as possible, enjoying a couple of cups of coffee by my window while I indulge in writing a poem or journal entry inspired by a writing prompt. Afterwards, I dive into my work, dedicating a few hours before taking a well-deserved break. During my afternoon break (which is also when I have a dip in energy), I take my pooch for a walk and engage in some physical activity to combat the afternoon energy slump (this isn't always exercise, sometimes I clean the house or do the washing, but I do something physical with my body instead of sitting again).
As the clock strikes 5 or 6 pm, my energy levels rise again, prompting me to resume my work. I pause briefly for a nourishing dinner before diligently wrapping up any remaining tasks in the evening — dimming all my lights, switching on my fairy lights and the winter twig tree I bought myself, and turning on my electric fire with LED flames (it's surprising how real these look!).
While I occasionally indulge in watching YouTube or another streaming platform, I mostly immerse myself in the pages of a book. When bedtime approaches, I unwind by listening to a podcast (usually true crime or ghost stories), an audiobook, or I use the Deep Sleep playlist on brain.fm (referral link).
To break the routine, I make it a point to visit a café at least once a week for a change of scenery while working.
Mondays I don't start my work day until noon, and Fridays, are special for me as I refrain from work all together and instead head to my local mini ramp to skate and enjoy the company of friends. Additionally, I have the benefit of teaching yoga twice a week, finding joy in sharing my practice and enjoying a post-morning class coffee.
While I naturally worked out where my peaks and troughs are throughout my day, you can use an app like Rise to figure this out, particularly if you've already been measuring your sleep patterns with your phone.
To Sum Up...
While it may not always be feasible to set aside an entire day for self-care, incorporating moments of rejuvenation throughout your busy schedule can serve as a wellspring for replenishing the mind, body, and soul. These moments equip us to better navigate the demands of everyday life. Whether it's indulging in a beloved hobby, spending time in nature, or simply unwinding with a good book, finding ways to disconnect and prioritise self-care throughout the day is of utmost importance. Remember, self-care is not a mere act of indulgence but a commitment to prioritising our physical and mental well-being.
