2022 is finally here, and for many of us, it is a hope for a better possibly more normal year. Even if this is your hope for the year you need to be ready for the fact that it may be just as crazy and stressful for you, especially if you work in certain fields. So to start off this new year I feel like we need to take a moment and think about how we can work in self-care to our weekly or daily routine.
Many people are morning people and for those of you that are you can take this opportunity to give yourself a few moments of time to focus on yourself. Some good ways to start your day off more focused, centered, and ready for action can include the following:
- Wake up 15 minutes early so you have time to relax and enjoy some coffee/tea or maybe write briefly in a journal
- Exercise to start your day off. My husband enjoys getting up a few hours before work so he can enjoy some coffee go for a run and still have time to get ready for work
- Take a short morning walk
- Meditate or Yoga
- Listen to your favorite music to help you get pumped up for the day
I don’t always get to wake up early and relax before starting my day because I work late at night and the turnaround can be very short. I do, however, try to get up early a few days a week and go to the gym either with my husband or son. It is really nice to start my day off going to the gym with my husband especially since our schedules are opposite one another, so even though I don’t get as much sleep I do get to spend time with him which makes the day better already.
For me, I must find my downtime when I can before going to work in the afternoon. I try my best to give myself at least 30min before I have to get ready for work to eat and either read or watch a little tv. It is at these times that the kids are also eating or playing outside. I try to make it the same time every day so that they know I will be relaxing for a little while before running off to work. Every so often when our schedule allows I will also try to sneak in a little nap, even if it is only 20 minutes.
If you are like me and can not always rise early then maybe you need to spend your downtime in the afternoon or evening. The choices at this time of day can be very similar to your morning routine but can also include things that you can spend more time doing.
- Read a good book
- Take a long shower or bath
- Write in a journal or blog
- Crochet
- Call and talk with a friend
- Take an evening walk and enjoy the sunset
- Get your workout in now
- Meditate
- Drink a nice cup of tea
Today I want you to take a few minutes to think when you can add something into your day and post below what you are going to try and add-in. Then I would love to hear how this next week goes and what you have been able to add to your daily routine to help give you some time to focus on yourself.
