self care
Each day, we’re given 24 hours. While that number is fixed, our responsibilities seem to expand beyond it. Work commitments, family obligations, social engagements, errands—by the end of the day, we often feel like we’ve been running on autopilot, barely having a moment to catch our breath. It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind, but in doing so, there’s one critical thing we tend to overlook: ourselves.
Self-care often ends up at the bottom of the priority list, if it even makes the list at all. However, the time we have each day can and should be managed with a sense of balance—one that includes space for personal well-being. If you aren’t taking time for yourself, you may be sacrificing not only your own health but also your ability to effectively manage everything else.
The Illusion of “No Time”
How many times have you said, “I don’t have time for that,” when it comes to doing something for yourself? We convince ourselves that dedicating time to our own care is a luxury we can’t afford. But consider this: When we don’t prioritise our well-being, we often end up burned out, irritable, and drained. In the long run, this can hurt our productivity and our relationships.
The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours in a day. The key isn’t finding more time—it’s making better use of the time we already have.
Understanding the Power of Priorities
At the heart of our daily schedule is one simple concept: priorities. Everything we do, whether we realise it or not, is based on what we consider most important at any given time. If you consistently place other people’s needs, work deadlines, and to-do lists ahead of your well-being, it’s a sign that self-care is not a priority. This isn’t to say work or obligations aren’t important—they certainly are—but balance is key.
By shifting your mindset to place self-care higher on the priority scale, you can create time where it previously felt non-existent. You might be surprised how a small change, like a 10-minute break for meditation, reading, or stretching, can completely shift your day’s energy and focus.
What Self-Care Really Means
Self-care doesn’t have to mean spending hours at a spa (though that’s great too!). It’s about setting aside time to nourish yourself, both physically and mentally. Here are some simple ways to make it a part of your daily routine:
- Physical Care: Exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet are foundational to feeling your best. Carving out time for a walk or a healthy meal can refresh your mind and body.
- Mental Health: This could be journaling, meditating, or simply taking a few deep breaths during a stressful day. Mental self-care helps you stay grounded during chaos.
- Emotional Care: Whether it’s talking to a friend, enjoying a hobby, or simply allowing yourself to feel your emotions, tending to your emotional health is essential.
By engaging in self-care practices that resonate with you, you’re recharging your internal battery—so when life demands more of you, you have the energy to meet those demands.
Structuring Your Day for Success
Now that we understand the importance of self-care, how do we implement it? Here’s a framework to help you prioritise your own well-being without feeling like you’re neglecting other important responsibilities:
- Schedule It In: Just like meetings or appointments, block off time for yourself on your calendar. Whether it’s 15 minutes in the morning or a longer stretch before bed, treat this time as non-negotiable.
- Start Small: You don’t need to overhaul your entire day. Start with small, manageable self-care habits. Over time, they’ll become a natural part of your routine.
- Identify What Drains You: Take stock of what’s using up most of your energy. Are there tasks that could be delegated or eliminated? Sometimes, cutting back on non-essential activities creates more room for self-care.
- Create Boundaries: Learn to say no when you need to. If you’re constantly overcommitted, you’ll have no room for yourself. Protect your time by setting boundaries with others—and yourself.
The Ripple Effect of Prioritising Self-Care
It might feel like taking time for yourself is selfish, but it’s quite the opposite. When you prioritise self-care, you’re better able to show up for the people and tasks that matter most. You’ll find that you have more patience, energy, and focus to devote to work, family, and personal growth. Self-care creates a ripple effect: by investing in yourself, you’re indirectly improving the quality of everything else in your life.
In Short…
Time is one of the few things we can never get back. How we choose to use it speaks volumes about what we value. By recognising that your well-being deserves as much attention as any other part of your day, you can transform how you approach your time, your responsibilities, and your life.
Prioritising self-care isn’t a selfish act; it’s an essential one. In the fast-paced, often overwhelming world we live in, taking care of yourself isn’t just right—it’s necessary.
Still think you’ve got no time in the day. Check the screen time app on your iPhone (I am sure there is something similar for Android too!) and now tell me you’ve got no time!