“Ok, your turn!” I cheerily exclaim while wrestling my squirmy toddler to the ground for a diaper change first thing in the morning, her 8-month-old brother watching us with amusement as he happily chews on a dog toy…

Needless to say, things only get more chaotic from there! Between chasing babies, toddlers, and puppies all day, I've learned that it takes some creativity to fit in self-care.

And we’ve talked about self-care in the sense of taking time to do things that make you feel refreshed, even if only for a couple of minutes. But today I want to talk about some practical tips that you can use, especially when you are busy!

Before I dive in, I want to reiterate that self-care can and SHOULD look different for everyone! Just because I find an activity refreshing does not necessarily mean you will. It’s all about finding what makes you feel refreshed and able to take on the challenges in front of you! 

Here are 8 creative ideas to incorporate self-care into your busy lifestyle!

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  1. Say no, thank you!
    • It’s easy to over-commit without even realizing you’re doing it. We want to be able to do it all and do it all well. But it’s ok to say no once in awhile– and you shouldn’t feel bad about it!
    • Over-committing yourself is the easiest way to feel overwhelmed in a hurry. Take some time to examine your commitments (or your kids’ commitments). If you feel like you never have a spare moment, it’s probably because you are doing too much.
    • See what things you can let go of and next time someone approaches you to join a new committee or host an activity, give yourself permission to say no!
  2. Take a bath
    • Ok, I know that not everyone likes taking a bath. If you don’t like it, scroll on by this one.
    • For me, taking a bath is something I love and don’t get to do it as often as I would like! So when I do get some time, I really go all out. I pour in the epsom salts, light a {nontoxic} candle, grab a book, or just take time to close my eyes and let the stress melt away- even if it’s only for a little bit! 
  3. Jump around!
    • I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t have time to hit the gym these days. We go for walks to the park and things like that, but some days you’ve gotta dance!
    • Turn on some music and start an impromptu dance party! Not only will it raise your heart rate, but it will also help burn off some of that stress.
    • Make it a family affair and get the kids involved too- they will love it! (Love dancing and have a little baby? Look up “baby wearing dance class” on Youtube… you’re welcome!)
  4. Clean up
    • This one I go back and forth on and have decided that you really need to analyze your mood to decide whether this will help or hurt your stress levels. Sometimes you need to just ignore that pile of laundry while you unwind and take a bath.
    • But other times, the clutter can be the source of your stress! Clutter can impact our mental well being more than we realize and can lead to additional stress and anxiety.
    • So here is what you can do- pick an area and set a timer. Straighten up as much as you can in 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish and you will feel more peaceful too. 
  5. Treat yo self
    • You’re busy- trust me, I get it. If you’re like me and a spa day just isn’t going to happen, then bring a little spa to yourself.
    • Next time you are at the sink, give your hands a sugar scrub treatment. Your hands will feel refreshed and the essential oils can help give your mood a boost as well!
  6. Hobby it up
    • Hobbies- remember those things? You used to do them before you got consumed with never-ending busyness. But it’s time to get back into them.
    • Don’t have a hobby? Then try something new! If you’re in a busy season, time may not be on your side. So try to incorporate them into things you are already doing.
    • Grab a book or your knitting needles instead of scrolling through Facebook in the waiting room or school pick up line. Or teach your kids to do something you love so you can enjoy the activity together!
  7. Slow your scroll
    • Thanks to the wonders of technology, we are constantly available and we read hundreds of notifications a day. This can lead to feeling more stressed and anxious.
    • If this sounds like you, try a scrolling break. Instead of looking at your phone in idol moments, try going for a walk, looking out the window, or even just closing your eyes.
    • Give yourself a mental break even if it’s only for a couple of short minutes. 
  8. Take time to pray
    • Prayer is an incredibly powerful tool to bring grace into our lives and deepen our relationship with God. It can also help relieve our anxieties, especially in the face of uncertainty.
    • There are so many different ways to pray, so you really can find time to fit it in even when you are super busy!
      • As Saint John Chrysostom reminds us, “It is possible to offer frequent and fervent prayer even at the market place or strolling alone. It is possible also in your place of business, while buying and selling, or even while cooking.”
    • If you're stuck in a prayer rut, check out these 7 ways to praise to jumpstart things a bit!

So there you have it, 8 simple ways to incorporate self-care into your busy life right now! If you liked these tips, be sure you're signed up for my email list where you will be the first to receive new updates, tips and tricks, freebies, and more!

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