How many times have we read an article on self-care and thought, “yea, but I just don’t have the time!”. Guess what? You can probably find a whole minute or two to try something to help you. I know that not all of us can find time for yoga that doesn’t involve cutting into our sleep. However, there are tiny things that no one talks about that can be done. Here are a few of my tips on things you can do now, while you figure out how to get some extra you-time.
Self-Care Tip 1: Take A Minute To Breathe
A lot of us who run from morning until evening have a habit of keeping our bodies tense. We aren’t breathing fully, we are tense, and everything is tight. You need to take a moment to take a breathe. Literally. It can be when you pull into the driveway, while on the toilet, or when taking your shower. I like the 3-3-3 breathing technique. You draw in a breath for three seconds, hold it for three seconds, and release it for three seconds. I try to do it three times in a row. It takes less than 30 seconds to do this and you can get creative finding time to do this. A friend does it when she has to wait in a doctor’s office or the line at the grocery store. Another friend does it during the intro of Game Of Thrones. It helps you relax and slow your heart rate. Make it a game to see how many times you can fit in some breathing!
Self-Care Tip 2: Pay Attention To Your Food
I don’t care if you are eating a breakfast burrito in the car, a salad at your work desk, or even sneaking some junk food in the bathroom (we all have done that one!), take just a few minutes to notice what you are eating. What it feels like in your hand, the texture on your tongue, the taste that fills your mouth, and even feeling it travel down your throat. Anything that takes you into the moment with your food is good. It’s what is nourishing your body and you get to be in that moment. You will love that bit of food just a little bit more!
Self-Care Tip 3: Turn Off The Tech For 30 Seconds
We are glued to the phone, laptop, and television. We are always interacting. Do yourself a favor and step away from it for 30 seconds. You don’t have to turn it off, you can simply turn the notifications and ringer off for the 30 seconds. You can sit in the silence and just be. This could be where you practice your breathing. Trust me, no one is going to freak out if you take a 30-second break. You might even find yourself taking longer breaks more often.
Self-Care Tip 4: See Your Surroundings
Sometimes, we are so busy going that we don’t notice what is around us. Stop and really look! If you are near a window on a lunch break, take notice of the clouds and what shapes they make. In a doctor’s office? Look at the wall art! Sitting in traffic that is going nowhere? Take note of all the cars around you. What colors are they? Are the tags local? Who is in the vehicle?
Being in the moment is the best self-care there is. It allows you to remember that you are a human being and not focused on the next thing you have to do.
Read More:
Best Ways To Relax Your Body And Mind
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