Yep, life is busy. Responsibilities are everywhere you turn. Appointments, meetings, zoom calls, functions, errands, do your workout, eat healthy (and cook that meal yourself!), drink your water, don’t be so stressed, put down that phone, get better sleep, get some sun (but not too much!), the list of things we think we need to do could literally go on and on. The pressure to check off all the items on your daily to-do list is very real. So how on earth does anyone expect you to find time to practice a little self-care? We will make time for the things we prioritize. Maybe we just need to work on believing that our own physical and mental health is worth prioritizing. Giving your all in whatever you do is laudable…to a point. But burning the candle at both ends will eventually leave you burned out and unable to handle your responsibilities well, if at all. 

You’d never dream of missing your kid’s soccer game? Wonderful. Now commit to yourself at that same level. You don’t have to “earn” rest. You genuinely need to recharge and rejuvenate so that you can continue to show up for your family, for your job, for your friends. But that all begins and ends with showing up for yourself. Find an hour this week, and do something that recharges you. Just you. Here are a few ideas; see what resonates with you.

1. 
   Float

If you’re looking for serious relaxation, then stop right here and go book a 60 minute float. It’s such a truly unique mental experience. And if you think you'd have trouble sitting still for 5 minutes straight, much less an entire hour, think again. That’s part of the magic of floating – it puts your brain into such a calm state that time almost becomes irrelevant. Next thing you know, the hour is somehow up, and you feel more relaxed than you thought possible (and you were still for so long!).

1. 
   Massage

The O.G. of relaxation techniques, massage has been around for thousands of years for good reason. Book yourself a massage and let someone pamper you for an hour. You’ll leave feeling physically and mentally relaxed. Or, if you’re already familiar with the standard types of massage, try a version that’s new to you. Get a barefoot massage. Maybe you’re into yoga? Give Thai massage a try.

1. 
   Infrared Sauna

This is a great one because it’s only 20 minutes of your day. Seriously, it’s just 20 minutes! And all you have to do is sit there and breathe. The room is dim and cozy; the music is soothing. You’re nice and warm. Boost your mood and melt away stress without any effort. Plus, it’s also fantastic for your skin, your lungs, your immune system, your sleep, and all sorts of other body systems that generally don’t get enough love.

1. 
   You Decide

Self-care is a lot of things; it can be anything, really. What grounds you? What makes you feel aligned? What brings you peace? Is it a walk in nature? Is it setting boundaries? Is it something spiritual? Is it time spent nurturing your own goals and values? Whether it’s meditation or petting your dog; whether it’s a long jog or doodling on a napkin, do it. Give yourself permission to do something just because you enjoy doing it. Don’t worry if it’s outwardly productive. If it brings you joy, lean into it without judgement.

It’s worth repeating: you do not have to earn rest. You don’t have to reach the point of frazzled exhaustion before you allow yourself a bit of downtime. Taking care of yourself IS taking care of others. You taking time for yourself makes you more capable of handling all the responsibilities that life has given you. Yes, the people around you need you. Yes, you need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of everyone that is counting on you. But you also need to take care of yourself simply because you are a human being and you deserve care, compassion and rest.