A couple years ago I found myself feeling like I was being pulled in every direction at once. I was running two businesses, had two small children and a household to manage. My time seemed to belong to everyone else but me. The thought of a luxurious spa day made me laugh, and then cry. My patience was short, and my ability to navigate daily tasks started slipping away.
I had to take back some control over my time, and take care of myself. I decided to make myself a priority by focusing on one small task one day, then repeating it the next day.
Now, these weren’t going for a facial, or having brunch with my favourite people. Think smaller. Brushing your teeth before you make it downstairs for the first cup of coffee. Washing your face, and smelling the beautiful aroma.
It really was the tiny shifts that made the biggest difference.
Let’s face it—self-care is often the first thing to fall off the list when life gets hectic. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care doesn’t have to mean a spa day or hours of free time. It’s about finding small ways to show yourself kindness and refill your tank.
Here are a few simple ideas that make self-care doable, no matter how busy life gets.
Quick Wins for Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Even 10-15 minutes can make a difference. For me, taking a moment to recognize the changing sky at sunrise, reading a few pages of a book, or taking a moment to stretch can turn a stressful day around.
Another favorite? A mindful cup of hot tea or coffee while looking out my window for a few moments. If you’ve read my earlier post about savoring a mindful beverage, you’ll know how grounding this can be. It’s a small act that reminds me to slow down and take a breath.
Boundaries Are Self-Care
This one took me a while to learn, but saying “no” is one of the best forms of self-care. Every time you say yes to something that drains you, you’re saying no to something that could nourish you.
Start small. Maybe it’s saying no to staying late at work or turning down a social event that doesn’t feel right. It’s not about being selfish—it’s about protecting your time and space for what matters most.
Why Self-Care Matters: Taking care of yourself isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. The more you nurture yourself, the more energy you have to give to others and the things you love. Count this as your permission to say yes to you.
Try This Today: Pick one small act of self-care you can do right now. Light a candle, take a deep breath, or simply close your eyes for a minute and rest.
