Self-Care Tips: How to Practice Self-Care When You’re Busy

Guest Blog by Heather McDaniel

For a short time, the pandemic made us realize how important self-care is. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of Americans realized the importance of self-care, and 69% planned to continue self-care practices in 2021.

Fast forward to 2022. Those self-care intentions went right out the window. It turns out that Americans are relaxed only for a few minutes each day. Now that things are somewhat normal, we’re back to our regular routines. We’re back at the office, attending in-person networking meetings and building our businesses.

For many, self-care often seems out of reach, especially when we hit our busy seasons. Accountants know that self-care isn’t likely to happen between February and April. Real estate agents know that Spring and Summer aren’t times to take a break to get a massage.

The good news is that there are self-care habits that you can practice anytime, no matter when you’re in your busy season.

Read on to discover how to practice self-care when you’re busy.

1. Define What Self-Care Means to You

It turns out that self-care can mean just about anything, and here’s the fun thing about self-care: You get to define what it means for you! It could be going for a walk, meditating, or reading a book. For some people, self-care means going to the gym and getting in a good workout.

Personally, I define self-care as any activity that nurtures the relationship I have with myself. I have a list of activities that I do to nurture that relationship. Here’s a (very) small sample:

• Tell myself what I’m doing right

• Appreciate one quality I have

• Get physical with some strength training

• Reach out to an old friend

• Take a walk in nature

• Give thanks

Doesn’t it feel good to know that self-care doesn’t mean that you have to take an hour out of your busy schedule to go to the gym?

Make a list of things you can do to nurture your relationship with yourself. Keep it with you and look at it throughout the day as a reminder. You can take a moment to pause and give thanks for all that you have and are. Something that small and simple counts as self-care.  

2. Check-In with Yourself

When was the last time you asked yourself, “What do I need today?” Usually, that question shows up as, “What do I need to do today?” Nothing wrong with that, but the question focuses on doing instead of being. We are human BEINGs, after all.

As women, we’re trained to focus on others. We constantly ask others, “What do you need today? How can I help? What can I do for you?” We neglect to check in with ourselves and truly listen to what our own needs are.

This may take some practice. You might not get the answers right away, but keep trying. You’ll get the answers to what you need.

3. Focus on What You Can Do

Do you beat yourself up because you can’t get everything done in a day?

I give you permission to stop that now.

You might not get to strength training, but you can go for a walk around the neighborhood for 15 minutes. 

It takes no time at all to tell yourself 5 things you’re doing right. It just takes a moment to remind yourself how amazing you really are.

Instead of beating yourself up and feeling guilty for what you can’t do, focus on what you CAN do. You’ll surprise yourself when you discover you can do more than you think.

4. Start with Simple Things You Can Do From Anywhere

Self-care doesn’t have to mean a luxury spa day. It’s also something that you don’t have to put off until after your busy season ends. There are simple ways to nurture yourself while you’re taking care of your clients and growing your business.

A five-minute stretch break, a quick walk around the parking lot at your office, and a moment of gratitude are all ways to practice self-care.

Start with one simple thing and aim to do it once or twice a day. You might find it helpful to have a Post-It note at your desk with that simple self-care item as a reminder.

5. Remember That Self-Care Takes Practice

Self-care is something you practice. That means you probably won’t get it right the first time. You might have a last-minute meeting come up and have to scrap those plans to go to the park.

Part of self-care is forgiveness. Let’s face it; we spend way too much time beating ourselves up for nothing. So, let’s change that and learn to let things go a little bit. Give yourself the space to play and try different things. Give yourself the grace to make mistakes.

Think of self-care as a process instead of a to-do list. Be patient with yourself as you start to put yourself first. You’re probably not used to it. It may take several attempts and a lot of experimentation to develop meaningful self-care practices over time. And how you practice self-care will change and evolve as you do.

6. Ask for Help and Support

We’re taught that entrepreneurs are supposed to bootstrap, hustle, and work really hard to reach their goals. Oh, and we’re supposed to do that all on our own.

Let’s just do away with that mindset, shall we?

Asking for help is what we’re supposed to do as human beings. We’re supposed to connect and live in community and support each other. Fortunately, you’re already part of a fantastic network with Women to Women. Reach out to another member and let them know what you’re trying to do. Ask them for support, whether it’s a reminder or you need a little more accountability.

7. Remember to Eat

We’ve all had those days. You’re running from one meeting to the next with little time to spare to eat. You might go through the entire day without having a meal. You might have a few minutes to stop at a drive-thru or get something quick and easy at a convenience store.

What you put into your body during your busy season matters. You need the energy and endurance to make it through. Coffee alone won’t do it.

Set reminders to grab a snack or have a meal. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Believe it or not, a 1% drop in hydration levels impacts performance.

Put These Self-Care Tips into Practice

Did you enjoy these self-care tips? You can start putting these to use right now.

Remember, you get to define what self-care means for you. You can fit many of the self-care ideas into your busy schedule.

Now that you know how to practice self-care when you’re busy, take the next step. I’m offering a brand new program called Fitness Foundation Academy. It’s an 8-week online fitness and nutrition program that gives busy women the support and accountability they need to implement some of the self-care practices to feel stronger, happier, and more confident.

Want to know more? Head over to the Invincible Women Fitness Academy to learn more about the program.

Heather McDaniel
Fitness & Nutrition Coach
Invincible Women Fitness Academy
heather@iwfa.fit