How to Look After Yourself During Busy Periods
Revisit Your ‘Why’. What’s Important to You?
When life gets hectic, it's important to remind yourself why you may need to prioritise self-care and to reflect on what truly matters to you. You may have heard this referred to as “Finding your Why”. Is it your health, family, career, or personal growth? Understanding your core motivations can help you stay focused and committed to your wellbeing, even when time is scarce. As the saying goes, if there’s a will, there’s a way.
Remember that health encompasses more than just physical fitness. While going to the gym and eating nutritious food are important, taking care of your spiritual, social, and mental wellbeing is equally important, as it’s all connected. Self-care is personal, and you get to define what it looks like to you. Often, improvements in one area can positively influence other areas, creating a holistic balance in your life.
Think ‘Bite-Sized’:
Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to be a complete overhaul. That’d be daunting for anyone! Sometimes when we go too hard too fast, this can cause overwhelm and end up with us not doing anything at all. Small steps, on the other hand, can not only be motivating but lead to lasting change.
2 Minutes: If you only have a couple of minutes, try taking deep, calming breaths or listening to a song that lifts your spirits. Kiasma has heaps of brief breathing activities you can do at any time. Log your mood and sleep to see patterns over time.
5 Minutes: With a bit more time, step outside and walk on the grass, do a quick meditation, or jot down three things you're grateful for.
10 Minutes: Use your ten minutes to call a loved one, journal your thoughts, read a Kiasma resource or two, or engage in a brief but meaningful activity.
30 Minutes: If you have half an hour, consider meal planning, doing a physical activity you enjoy, or indulging in a hobby.
Prune:
Look at your daily schedule and identify tasks or activities that you can eliminate or reduce. For example, are you spending too much time on social media or other distractions? Streamlining your day can free up time for self-care activities that are more fulfilling.
Schedule It In:
Treat self-care as an essential part of your schedule. You can use the Kiasma app to set reminders on your phone to take breaks, exercise, meditate, or engage in any habits that promote your wellbeing. Consistency is key to making self-care a habit.
Seek Support and Accountability
Consider working with a Kiasma Health Coach or teaming up with a colleague at work to set goals and hold each other accountable. Having someone to share your journey with can provide motivation and support, making it easier to stick to your self-care routine. Your health coach may have some additional ideas you may not have thought of. Reach out to them for a chat.
Be Compassionate with Yourself
Life can be unpredictable, and there will be times when you can't follow your self-care routine as planned. Instead of feeling frustrated or guilty, practice self-compassion. Be flexible and adaptable, and adjust your schedule or activities as needed. Remember, self-care is a continuous process that requires regular attention and adaptation. The key is to be gentle with yourself and not give up on your self-care altogether.
