Simple Ideas for Self Care for the Busy Woman

If you’re like every other busy woman I know, you’re always looking for simple, easy ideas for self care. When you’re already overcommitted and overwhelmed, there’s no need to complicate things. The great thing about self care is that you don’t need a wide open schedule or tons of cash to give your mind and bod some TLC. 

As you may have noticed, separate from May being Self Care Month, I am very passionate about this subject. Life is busy regardless of if you’re single, married, a momma, a CEO or you stay at home — and as women, we are so programmed to take care of everyone else’s needs first, that we often don’t have the bandwidth to even think about what we need to truly take care of ourselves. 

Self care has to become non-negotiable, and it is NOT selfish. It’s necessary for you to be the best person, partner, mother, entrepreneur you can be. Practicing self care regularly allows you to give the world the best of you, instead of simply what’s left of you.  

I think it’s best to do a little bit every day, with small little injections of joy into your busy daily life — rather than waiting for “someday” when you can finally take half a day off to relax at a spa.  So I’ve put together a list of simple ideas for self care you can practice on the daily to give yourself a real breather, regardless of whether you have 5 minutes or 5 hours. 

You’ve Got 5-10 Minutes:

• Dry Brushing: This exercise helps slough away dead skin and the brushing motion stimulates the nerve endings, jumpstarting your nervous system. In turn, this boosts circulation and helps drain toxins from your body.  Plus, it feels divine! I recommend dry body brushing first thing in the morning, right before you shower; it can actually set you up for a perfect day. Here is a quick tutorial. By doing something solely for yourself first thing in the morning, you can develop a beautiful ripple effect throughout your day!

• Face Mask: Whether it’s clay, sheet or chilled gel, your pores will thank you for the extra hydration and cleansing.

• Guided Meditation: There are so many options available, from YouTube to apps like Calm or Headspace, so find the one that speaks to you.  

• Hot Shower with Essential Oil: You can simply add a few drops to the water stream and breathe it in. I also love hanging eucalyptus in the shower; the steam activates the plant’s fragrance, which helps clear nasal congestion and inflammation. And a bonus, it’s inexpensive.  

• Rock Out To Your Favorite Song: There’s always time in the day for an impromptu dance break. So stop, drop and shake your groove thing!

You’ve Got 10-20 Minutes:

• Warm Towel Scrub: This is a beautiful way to really be super loving to your body!! Get all nuded up in front of the mirror, and use very warm to hot water to wet a soft washcloth. You can even add some essential oils if that’s your jam.  Start at your feet and work your way up your legs in a circular motion towards your heart, similar to dry brushing. Do the same motion up your arms and over your abdomen. Throughout this beautiful self care practice, say aloud the mantra “My body is beautiful, strong and healthy” (because it is!). And thank your amazing body for all it does for you!

• Foam Rolling: This is one of my favorite ideas for self care because it promotes blood flow and can help reduce tension in your muscles. It’s basically like a mini-massage session!

• 15 Minute Yoga Routine: Lunch break yoga is easier than you think. You just need your mat and your smartphone. Check out this YouTube playlist from Yoga with Adriene with routines under 20 minutes. 

• Journaling: Get all the emotions from the day out of your mind and onto paper. Free writing can help you solve problems, shift your perspective and feel deeper gratitude. 

• Read: Make a cup of tea and read a few pages of your favorite book or a daily devotional (yes, there are non-religious ones too).

You’ve Got 30-60 Minutes:

With a little extra time, you can really indulge in some pampering!

• Take a Ritual Bath: We discussed this sacred and relaxing practice last week, so check out my starter tips here. 

• Walk in Nature: Use the extra time to connect with Mother Earth and meditate within the stillness of a local peaceful spot. 

• Get a Mani/Pedi: Get your paws all prettied up. 

• Make a Massage Appointment: A lil scrub and rub never hurt anyone!

• Check One Off the Bucket List: Why not try something new that you’ve been daydreaming about, like a new fitness class or beauty treatment. Here’s my experience trying out a local Urban Sweat Lodge. 

Now that you have these simple ideas for self care, print this list out to remind you every day that self care can fit into ANY schedule. 

Waiting for the perfect time never works in your favor. If you’re waiting for everything to perfectly align to go get your workout on, or make something healthy, or do something nice for yourself – then it’s never going to happen. Things don’t have to be perfect in order to make a difference in your life.

In fact, I think it’s doing a little bit every day that actually adds up to the big change in the end. 

My challenge for you this week is to schedule in some time EVERY DAY to take real care of yourself. Then let me know how the experience is going by posting in the Badass Beauty Club on Facebook. 

Do the best you can with where you’re at, whether that means you have 5 minutes or 50 minutes. Remember, the more you make those minutes count toward feeling good inside and out – the more empowered you’ll feel.

LOVE + bliss!