Prioritizing Self-Care in 2023
When embarking on a journey to achieve a higher level of physical, emotional, and overall better health, it's important to practice self-care.
Self-care refers to the practices and activities we engage in to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Self-care can include a wide range of activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, engaging in hobbies and interests, practicing mindfulness or meditation, seeking support from friends or professionals when needed, and taking time for relaxation and rest.
Self-care can help individuals to manage stress, improve their mood, and prevent burnout. By prioritizing self-care, individuals can better cope with life's challenges and feel more energized and balanced.
Why is self-care important?
Promotes physical health
Reduces stress
Improves mental health
Increases productivity
Prevents burnout
Self-care is important for overall well-being, but it can be difficult to prioritize when life gets busy. As a woman on the go, I understand the challenges of making time for myself. Here are some tips she recommends for prioritizing self-care in 2023.
Start small: Incorporating self-care into your daily routine doesn't have to be a big time commitment. Start with small activities you enjoy, such as enjoying a cup of tea in the morning, stretching, or reading a chapter of a book for fun. Don't beat yourself up if you don't always succeed at making time for yourself. There are days that all I have time for is turning on a book on tape while I get ready in the morning. But even something that simple can make a difference throughout the day.
Make a schedule: Schedule self-care activities into your day just as you would any other appointment or meeting. When I add my workouts to the calendar, I don't schedule anything else during that time, and it helps ensure that I prioritize my health.
Multi-task: Incorporate self-care activities into other tasks. For example, if you enjoy listening to music or podcasts, turn those on while doing household chores, exercising, or taking a bubble bath.
Say "no": Knowing your limits and setting boundaries is one of the best ways to care for yourself. Don't be afraid to say "no" to people or events that don't serve you. There is no shame in putting yourself first.
Find accountability: Connect with a friend or family member who prioritizes self-care. Check-in with each other regularly to stay motivated and hold each other accountable. It could be a friend from the gym who will meet you before work to get in a sweat session. Or it could be a friend who will meet you on Sundays for yoga and cold-pressed juice.
Put your phone down: Take a break from screens and technology, especially before bed. Spending an hour or more before bedtime disconnecting from your screen can improve sleep and reduce stress.
Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your day, such as meditation or journaling. Take a few moments to connect to your breath if you're having a long or stressful day. Taking several minutes to bring yourself into the present moment can help you stay grounded.
Get outside: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mood. Take a walk in your neighborhood or sit on your back patio with a glass of water and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
When prioritizing self-care, even in small ways when we're on the go, we can improve our overall well-being and feel more balanced and centered in our busy lives.
What are your favorite ways to prioritize yourself? Leave a comment below.