Self-Care for Busy People

In our busy and changing world it often feels like there’s not enough time, especially when it comes to taking care of ourselves.

Whether you’re taking care of someone you’re worried about, or just rushing from one task to another, the last thing you may think about is having some ‘me’ time. 

Some people worry that self-care is selfish, or are even sceptical about it. Like many words in the well-being industry, strategies for holistic health might be misunderstood and labelled as ‘fads’. But self-care is health care; we know that in order to be there for others, we have to take care of ourselves.

What is Self-Care?

Although many people think of it as a spa day or a pedicure, self-care is about participating in daily restorative acts that help you get back to centre, especially if you’re going through a difficult time, or helping someone who is. It’s also in the little things:

• Taking a warm bath
• Changing your bedding
• Having an early night
• Reading a favourite book or magazine

It all counts, especially on the ‘bad’ days.

Here are some ideas:

• Set healthy boundaries: with yourself and family/friends. Making space in your diary every day, even if it’s just for five minutes, can help you rest and recharge.
• Take walks in nature, or just get some fresh air standing by the back door. Do what feels manageable, without feeling overwhelmed. 
• Plan things for yourself that help bring you a little sparkle. Self-Care is in the little things: planning your favourite meal. Changing your bedding. Putting fresh towels out.
• Be gentle with the things you say to yourself. Self-care includes self-compassion, knowing that we’re all human and we all mess up now and then. Be gentle on yourself if you do. 
• Have a medication review: if you’re taking prescribed medication for your health make sure you don’t run out over longer breaks like Bank Holidays, Easter and Christmas. Make any calls needed to your healthcare providers, so that you know their opening hours.
• Have a list of numbers of people you can call if you’re struggling – talk to your doctor if you’re struggling, or Samaritans are on 116 123, 24/7 or text SHOUT to 85248. You might also find these links helpful.
• Know your ‘walk-away points’ e.g. decide how you’ll know when it’s time to leave. Think about your resilience and how healthy (or unhealthy) it is to stay in situations that feel uncomfortable. Know your early warning signs of anxiety so you can take positive action when needed. 
• Get comfortable saying ‘no’, and not explaining yourself. You can say things like “Thank you, that doesn’t work for me”. 
• Practice a form of relaxation before going into crowded, busy or noisy places. Try focusing on your breathing and allowing the breath to relax your body. Notice the coolness of breath as you breathe in, and the warmness of breath as you breathe out if that helps.  You may find the guided meditation below helpful.
• Remember, often good enough is enough; today doesn’t have to be perfect.

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Delphi is the author of Answers In The Dark: Grief, Sleep and How Dreams Can Help You Heal, out now on Amazon and Hive

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© Delphi Ellis originally posted 2018, updated 2023