In my work as a life coach, I often discuss self-care with my clients. Almost everyone benefits from incorporating more self-care into their routine, whether just a little bit or a significant amount. Self-care can mean different things to different people, but it might be the solution to rediscovering yourself when you’re feeling lost.
When I ask clients about their self-care habits, I want to understand how much energy and effort they invest in looking after their needs, standing up for themselves, and finding time to relax. Unfortunately, if we don’t prioritize these things, they often don’t happen at all.
Most people, including myself, struggle to find time for regular self-care. For instance, I frequently tell myself that I’ll meditate after finishing work and chores, only to find it’s already bedtime by then. Or I might take on too much, helping others even when I don’t have the capacity, instead of being honest and saying, “I can’t commit to that right now.”
So why is this so challenging? We all understand the benefits of meeting our own needs and thriving. The problem often lies not in knowing what to do, but in applying that knowledge. How do we motivate ourselves to practice self-care instead of just pushing through our days?
One key to motivating change is finding an emotional reason to commit to it. This varies from person to person, but there’s usually some shared ground that can inspire us. Many of us take care of or support others, whether it’s children, aging parents, partners, or close friends. To continue being there for those we love, we need to take care of ourselves.
By practicing self-care, we become better caregivers, employees, athletes, artists, and more. Ignoring the positive impact our self-care has on others can lead to self-sacrifice and burnout, possibly resulting in resentment and even health issues.
The foundation of self-care is meeting our basic needs first: safety and security, sleep, hydration, and nutrition. If you don’t need to worry about where you’ll sleep or your personal safety, it’s an opportunity to feel grateful. We have choices about how much we prioritize these needs.
We can choose to burn the candle at both ends, skip meals, eat inconsistently, and be less active than we should. Even if we don’t notice the consequences immediately, they accumulate over time and affect those who rely on us.
When we get enough sleep, establish a sleep-friendly routine, and create a conducive environment, we thrive. Eating nutritious food that we enjoy, staying hydrated, and minimizing dehydrating drinks also help us thrive.
Despite knowing the benefits of proper self-care, many of us struggle to maintain it while managing busy lives. The irony is that to keep up with our busy schedules — supporting our families, socializing, and more — we must take care of ourselves.
Start with small changes. If your biggest issue is sleep, set a slightly earlier bedtime. If it’s eating well, dedicate 15 minutes a few times a week for meal prep. If it’s exercise, try parking further from your destination to get more walking in.
Each small change creates room for more improvements, gradually leading to a good balance. The benefits of these small adjustments are significant. Quality sleep, for instance, enhances memory and patience, which improves relationships, work performance, and creativity.
Next time you consider your self-care routine (or lack thereof), think about how it benefits those around you. By staying energized, well-rested, and healthy, you become more effective in all your roles.
Use the compassion you have for others as motivation to take good care of yourself.