Snack-sized ways to engage in self-care
We all know that self-care is so important. But as a working mom and wife with two young children and a slew of personal and professional commitments, I often struggle to prioritize self-care—especially when I never know how much time I’ll have to myself. So to ensure I squeeze in that “me time” on the regular, I have become a pro at snack-sized self-care moments. (And just doing all things with major time efficiency!)
To show up as the very best version of myself for me, my family, friends, and colleagues, I know it’s critical for me to regularly engage in self-care. And it’s not just me who’s learned the value of self-care.
Just a few years ago, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, self-care has been in the spotlight and is now quite a buzzword. Because the pandemic put such an emphasis on self-care, self-care is here to stay as a way to achieve our healthiest, happiest selves.
How to take care (quickly!) so you’re the best version of you
If you don’t have a ton of time, here’s a list of self-care quickies to inspire you to take care every single day.
-
Replace mindless scrolling with more nourishing self-care. Too much scrolling can quickly eat away at any self-care time that you may have.
-
Do a meditation. The Headspace app offers an incredible range of meditations and mindfulness exercises in a variety of lengths.
-
Simply go on a walk and get out in nature. Soak up that sunshine!
-
Take a nap (I never thought I would be able to sit, close my eyes, and fall asleep immediately like my grandma. But at 38-years-old, here I am).
-
Stretch. A quick 10-minute stretch energizes and calms at the same time. There are a number of awesome apps like StretchIt to help you stretch and get you to optimal flexibility.
-
Set the tone for relaxation: music, dimmed lights, and an essential oil blend diffusing that really sets the mood for your me time.
-
Try prompt journaling. If you’re not a writer, journaling can feel like a daunting task. But a prompt journal makes things easy! From a wellness tracking journal to a creative writing journal, a few minutes of journaling can help you feel accomplished. (Journaling makes me feel really mature.)
-
Make a healthy-ish treat in record time. Try a mug cake, some fruit dipped in Nutella, a new mocktail or cocktail, or a bowl of freshly popped popcorn.
-
Do a quick manicure with press-on nails. Treat your cuticles then top off with easy-to-apply press-on nails.
-
Exfoliate your face with Vita’ Solo’s microdermabrasion treatment then sit back and relax with a hydrating sheet mask. Give your toes some love with an exfoliating scrub, finished with these fabulous foot masks that work as socks.
Be certain to take care, babes.
XO, Machel