Self-care is a huge topic right now, as it should be. I am a strong believer that you can't be useful to others if you do not take care of your self first. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is self preservation. The problem is most of us feel like we don't have time to care for ourselves in lieu of work, family, and other obligations and responsibilities. Here is how to make time for self-care when you don't have time.
5 Ways to Make Time for Self-Care (when you don't have time)
Wake up Earlier
Waking up earlier gives you actual additional time in the day. I'm not saying wake up an hour earlier, but giving yourself 20 - 30 extra minutes in the morning all to yourself to stretch, sip coffee uninterrupted, journal etc. allows you to start the day focused on yourself before everyone else who needs you begins to pull at your attention (children, chores, husband, work e-mails, etc).
Actually Take Your Lunch Break
Research shows only 1 in 5 workers actually step away from their work for their lunch break. The other 4 in 5 are scarfing down their lunch at their desk while they work or not eating at all. I am very guilty of this. I can't remember the last time I ate my lunch away from my desk. TAKE YOUR BREAK. That time is built into the day so that you get a brain rest and eat to refuel yourself. Leave your desk, go outside or go to the break room and eat your lunch, and do something not work related.
Take a Day Off
Utilize your days off - vacation days, sick days, or otherwise- to give yourself time for yourself. You don't want to burn out. Take a whole day away from work and do something you enjoy - go shopping, make an elaborate meal, watch Netflix, nap, whatever makes you happy.
Find Enjoyment in Required Tasks
We're adults, we have responsibilities, and there are things we just have to do. Find opportunities to bring more enjoyment into things you have to do. One of the ways I do this is play music and dance around while I'm folding laundry or cleaning the house. Adding music to tasks is always an easy way to make them more enjoyable. Or if you have a favorite podcast or audio book listen to those!
Extend Your Shower
Most of us are taking utility showers - soap up, rinse off, get out. Give yourself an additional 1 - 5 minutes to just enjoy the shower steam, use a body scrub, or massage your scalp.