Taking a few moments for yourself can really boost your mood and leave you feeling lighter.
How many times a week do you think to yourself, “I just haven’t got time”?
As women, we’re often so busy juggling work, kids, partners, friends and housework, that adding “self-care” to the list seems impossible. But taking care of ourselves – whether physically, mentally or emotionally – is vital for our wellbeing, and there are ways to ensure we’re prioritising it, even amidst the busiest of schedules.
Taking care of ourselves – whether physically, mentally or emotionally – is vital for our wellbeing. Look after others, but don’t leave yourself behind.
What if you could do something that filled up your cup and boosted your wellbeing in less than five minutes? These bite-sized hacks will help you harness your inner health and find vitality in every day. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who feels there isn’t enough time in the day! Remember, look after others, but don’t leave yourself behind.
1. Start The Day Right
Grab a glass of warm water and squeeze half a lemon into it (you can add a splash of raw apple cider vinegar if you have some, too). This is perfect to hydrate you first thing in the morning and ensures you get those digestive juices flowing for a healthy gut.
2. Play Your Favourite Song
If you’re a mum, forget the Wiggles for five minutes and put on a song you love. Moving and dancing releases endorphins, and belting out your favourite tune boosts your mood immediately. I love doing this with or without the kids – especially when I’m doing chores!
3. Tick Something Small Off Your To-do List
Sometimes, even the simplest tasks can be daunting, but try doing something you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s a quick change of the sheets on your bed, the hand-washing that’s been sitting in the laundry for weeks, or just putting a few things away where they belong – achieving even a menial task can be satisfying. Jobs are never-ending, but getting something done makes you feel good and less burdened.
4. Be Grateful
The quickest way to shift your mindset is by practising gratitude. Take a few moments to sit (yes, sit) and write three things you are grateful for. Even better, make this a daily habit and notice how it can improve your whole wellbeing.
5. Go Green
Kick start your day by fuelling up on a nutritious smoothie is a great way to feel good, while also boosting your intake of leafy greens. It takes less than a minute to
throw together a smoothie, yet the benefits are huge. My go-to recipe is a handful of spinach, half a banana, a kiwifruit, almond milk, ice and yoghurt.
6. Just Breathe
Breathing is one of the most simple forms of self-care, yet it’s something we often overlook. When you tune into your breath, you switch from your sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). Try to focus on your breath for 30 seconds; fill your belly with deep breaths in and out, taking five seconds for each exhale and inhale. Notice how calm you feel. I do this when I’m feeling stressed or anxious, and the bonus is that you can do it anywhere, any time!
7. Be Where You Are
How often are we distracted by the loud noise of life? Phones buzzing, kids wanting, laundry calling – we are surrounded by so many things demanding our attention. But for a moment, pause and just be where you are. If you’re with your child, your friend or lover, look them in the eye, really see them and be with them.
The same goes if you’re outside: start noticing the nature around you. Or when you’re drinking a hot coffee, really take it in and savour life’s little moments of joy.
