I have to put my hands up and say that in the past, I also fell for the notion that modern women are far too busy to take time for themselves, particularly in the context of prioritising their own health and wellbeing. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of feeling overwhelmed and overworked because you’re ‘too busy’. From juggling professional commitments to managing personal responsibilities, finding time for yourself as a middle aged women often takes a backseat. However, finding any bit of time for self care is crucial for maintaining your physical, mental and emotional well being. That’s why in this blog, I’m offering you practical strategies for squeezing a bit of healthy “you time” into your busy schedule — and read to the end to bag a FREE GIFT!!!

But before I dive into specific strategies, it’s important to recognise why self care really matters. No matter what you might see on TikTok, self care doesn’t really have anything to do with indulgence. Yes, many people think of self care as putting on false nails or getting a spray tan, but these are only ‘ sticking plasters that cover a wound that needs healing. We need to feel good about ourselves from the inside out, which means that you have to really focus on getting yourself into a state of ‘optimum health‘, both mentally and physically. This will then enable you to achieve your ideal size and body shape, as well as be the best physical and mental version of yourself. So, self care is really about nurturing your mind, body and spirit, so that you can show up as your best self in all areas of your life. This means that when we neglect to take care of ourselves properly, we risk burning out, increasing our stress levels and decreasing our overall health and wellbeing. Therefore, by making your self care a priority, you are investing in your long-term happiness and physical resilience.

Assessing Your To-Dos

The first step in incorporating more self care into your life is to have a proper look at your current schedule. Take a moment to examine how you spend your time each day. Are there pockets of time that could be reschedule for your self care activities? Are there tasks or commitments that can be delegated or eliminated to free up more time for yourself? By identifying areas where you can make adjustments, you can create space for self care without adding to your existing workload, because there’s one big misconception about self care — that it requires large blocks of time. In reality, self care can take many forms, including brief moments of rejuvenation throughout the day, such as taking a few deep breaths, enjoying a cup of herbal tea or even taking a short 10-minute walk outside during your lunch break. When you embrace the concept of micro-self care by integrating small rituals into your daily routine, you can recharge and reset without totally disrupting your schedule.

And because self care looks different for everyone, it’s important to prioritise activities that truly nourish your mind, body, and soul. Make a list of all the activities that you do that bring you joy — whether it’s practicing yoga, reading a book, cooking a healthy meal or simply spending time with your loved ones. Aim to incorporate at least one of these activities into your daily or weekly routine.

Unwind Naturally

There are many who argue that technology made our lives more convenient in many ways, although it can also be said that it is a source of distraction and overwhelm for millions of people (especially women) around the world. One of the biggest obstacles to self care I have witnessed is women’s inability to set boundaries and just say no to additional commitments. It’s important to recognise that your time and energy are valuable resources, so it’s okay to prioritise your wellbeing before anything else — and this includes setting clear boundaries with yourself on how you use your technology. For instance, you can combat insomnia in days by doing something like setting boundaries around your screen time. As an example, you could designate specific times during your day for checking email or limit the time you scroll through social media. You could also consider using a mindfulness app or meditation podcast to help you unwind and relax your nervous system more. By harnessing the power of technology in a purposeful way, you can enhance your well being rather than detract from it.

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

When you surround yourself with people who are supportive of your self care goals, then this can make a world of difference when it comes to prioritising your needs first.. Share your self care goals with friends, family members or colleagues who understand the importance of taking time for themselves and will encourage you to do the same. You can also consider finding an accountability buddy who is doing the same thing, so that you can encourage and motivate each other in prioritising your self care routines. By cultivating a supportive environment, you’ll feel empowered to make your well being a top priority. However, you definitely won’t want to share the goals with anyone who you know won’t be supportive of your efforts (no matter how badly you want them to), because their critiques can set you two, three or four steps back — so don’t do it!!!

Reflect and Adjust

Learning what works for you personally is an integral part of your ongoing self care journey, which will at some points require flexibility and adaptation. This means that every couple of months, you should take time to reflect on what’s working well and what could be improved in your self care routine. Be gentle with yourself, though, and allow yourself room for experimentation. So, if certain activities no longer serve you (for example, an evening Zumba class is no longer fun), don’t hesitate to adjust your approach and find something more suitable in this moment. By staying attuned to your needs and preferences, you’ll create a self care routine that feels authentic and sustainable.

So, now you know that finding time for self care if you’re leading a busy life is not only possible, but also essential for your overall wellbeing, how do you plan to prioritise those moments of rejuvenation? Even if it’s simply using a mindfulness app to control your breathing for five minutes a day, implementing small and practical strategies will allow you to cultivate a greater sense of balance, resilience and fulfilment in your daily life.

And please remember that self care is an act of love that allows you to show up as your best self in all areas of your life. So if you’ve been feeling like you’re too busy to take better care of yourself, then why not call/text me on 07748 298 728 or CLICK HERE to grab one of the FREE ‘BUT I’M TOO BUSY’ 20-min chats, where we can discuss how you can learn to prioritise your self care, as well as your health and fitness goals, and then I’ll give you some practical tips to take away that will help you to make more sustainable lifestyle changes — and all for no obligation!!!

Allow me to be your hope and I’ll give you the opportunity to embrace the beauty of self care, empower yourself with confidence and reclaim your body back — and all without faddy dieting!!!

Love, Gaynor x