I’m not sure who gave us the impression that life slows down in winter and gives us a chance to really zone in on those new year’s resolutions and intentions, but they were terribly off base. It seems that each week in this new year has been filled with fun events, long overdue catch-ups, and insightful networking.
A BUSY AND FULFILLING SEASON
Of course, a packed calendar isn’t a bad thing! I’ve said before that I find busy seasons to be the most fulfilling. They’re when I get the most done. It always seems the more that’s on my to-do list, and the more I need to squeeze into a day, the more I’m able to power through and accomplish.
However, a busy season also makes it all the more important to take time for yourself. You can’t be on your A-game if you feeling exhausted and drained. Here are a few of the ways I find time time for self-care during a busy season.
PERFECT YOUR MORNING AND NIGHTTIME ROUTINES
I recently wrote an article for one of my client’s blogs on Why Having a Morning Routine is a Must When You’re an Entrepreneur. But, whether or not you’re an entrepreneur, a morning routine is the best time to grab a few minutes for yourself. Start waking up 30 minutes earlier and use that time to savor a cup of coffee while you read something besides your email. Do a few simple sun salutations or some stretching.
At night, start your evening routine before you realize, “OMG I should have been in bed an hour ago!” Make a cup of sleepytime tea (add in a scoop of collagen!) well before you plan on getting in bed. Start winding down, close the laptop, perhaps read a light book, and leave ample time for your nighttime skincare routine.
TREAT SCHEDULED “ME-TIME” AS YOU WOULD A MEETING
The best way to make sure you have time for yourself in your schedule? Treat it as you would any obligation! Put it in your calendar like a meeting. You are going to restorative yoga at 11 AM on Saturday. You are staying in with a lavender bath and a stack of home decor magazines on Friday night. You are going to spend Sunday afternoon lounging in the cozy chair at the coffee shop down the street. Don’t let errands or friends or anything else get in the way. This is your time, so guard it as closely as you would someone else’s!
CREATE A BEAUTY ROUTINE THAT’S ALL ABOUT SELF-CARE
You can’t talk about making time for yourself without mentioning beauty and self-care, right!? I’m all about taking moments to take care of yourself throughout the day from jade rolling in the morning, perhaps doing a face mask, and then starting each day with a shower (yes, this needs to be said when I work from home!). It’s all about making sure I take those 25ish minutes to begin the day by slowing down and feeling my best.
Then, in the evening, I make sure to wash my face with my pulsing cleanser and apply the 3 layers of my nighttime beauty regimen. On days when I have more time, I’ll exfoliate, do an at-home pedicure, whatever feels like the self-care I need that day. I mean, who can argue with taking time for yourself when you’ve locked the bathroom door and put on your fluffiest robe?
MAKE TIME TO BE STILL THROUGH MEDITATION OR YOGA
Earlier in this post, I mentioned a restorative yoga class, and I’m sticking with yoga and meditation as being an incredible way to take time for yourself. Being still is hard. But, it’s one of the best ways to learn to quiet your mind and to recharge. It’s difficult not to let your thoughts wander while you’re in a restorative pigeon pose, but it’s an important exercise in learning how to prioritize time to yourself.
STRAIGHTEN UP BEFORE YOU GO TO BED
Okay, this last one doesn’t actually have to do with making time for yourself except that taking 5 minutes before bed to straighten up your home, put dishes away, and fold laundry lets you start the next day with a clear head and a fresh to-do list. And that is what really lets your take time for yourself.
