By practicing self-care, we give ourselves a chance to step away and breathe, thus avoiding burnout. Because, face it, it’s not just physical energy and stamina that are threatened by doing too much for too long; it’s also focus and mental acuity. Read about how one woman started prioritizing self-care in motherhood.
By practicing self-care, we give ourselves a chance to step away and breathe, thus avoiding burnout. Because, face it, it’s not just physical energy and stamina that are threatened by doing too much for too long; it’s also focus and mental acuity.
Just what does it mean to take care of yourself?
- Make time for important things in your daily routine, like eating well and exercising.
- Take time to process negative feelings, like anxiety or stress. Don’t rush through them or ignore them altogether. Acknowledging your feelings can slow you down and help you think more rationally and can stop your emotions from looming even larger.
- Write it down. Keeping a journal—whether it be a gratitude journal to remind you of the good things in your life or a written account of your feelings—can help you cope with negative events, researchers find.
- Learn how to say no. It can be tough, but setting limits on your time can help you deal with feelings of anxiety, stress and irritability from taking on too much.
- Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself. Whatever you love to do, make sure you do it. Block out time in your calendar, and stick to that promise.