The Importance of Self-Care: Practical Ways to Make Time for Yourself
When was the last time you did something just for you? Not for your partner, not for your kids or family, not for your job—but for yourself? If it’s hard to remember, you’re not alone. For many women, self-care is the first thing to go when life gets busy. We push our own needs to the bottom of the list, telling ourselves that there will be time for it later, after everything else is done.
But here’s the truth: there’s always something else that needs to be done. The never-ending to-do list never gets shorter, and if you wait until you have "time" for self-care, you’ll be waiting forever. The reality is, taking care of yourself isn’t an indulgence—it’s a necessity. Without it, you risk burning out, feeling resentful, and losing touch with your sense of self and what makes you shine your brightest!
So, how do you make time for self-care in a life that feels so full? It starts with changing your mindset and recognising that your well-being is just as important as everything else on your plate.
Why Self-Care Feels So Hard
For many women, self-care feels like an impossible luxury. We feel guilty for taking time away from our responsibilities or we convince ourselves that we’re being selfish for prioritising our needs. But this mindset only leads to exhaustion and resentment. Over time, it’s easy to fall into burnout if we don’t take care of ourselves. To learn more about why we often struggle to put ourselves first, read our article on why women struggle with prioritising their well-being.
Simple Ways to Prioritise Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are a few practical ways to make time for yourself, even in the busiest of schedules:
Start small: Even just 10 minutes of self-care each day can make a difference. Whether it’s reading a book, sitting in the sunshine enjoying nature, dancing to music, going for a short walk, or enjoying a cup of tea in peace, these small moments matter. If you need help rediscovering what brings you joy, explore our tips on reconnecting with joy.
Set healthy boundaries: Protecting your time and energy is key to making space for self-care. Saying “no” to unnecessary commitments can free up time for yourself. Learn more about how setting boundaries can make a big difference in your well-being.
Incorporate mindfulness: Practising mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce stress, even during a busy day. Discover simple mindfulness techniques you can integrate into your routine.
By making self-care a priority, you’ll not only feel better physically and mentally, but you’ll also have more energy and patience to give to others. If you’re struggling to put yourself first, book a time to chat with Chat It Out and explore personalised strategies for self-care.
