3 Ways Self-Care Moments Can Dramatically Improve Your Happiness and Well-Being

Are you feeling run down and just plain exhausted from the daily demands of life? I get it. With so much going on, it can be hard to take a step back and prioritize ourselves. But I'm here to tell you, my friend, that incorporating self-care into your routine can make all the difference.

I know how challenging it can be to find time for self-care. But the truth is, taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we can do for our overall happiness and well-being. That's why I want to share my journey and the self-care techniques that have transformed my life.

From my heart to yours, I promise that these little tweaks have made a big impact on my happiness and energy levels. Whether you're a busy mom, a hard-working professional, or just someone looking to take a moment for yourself, these tips will help you find peace amid life's chaos. So, let's take a deep breath and dive into the world of self-care together, shall we?

Take Advantage of In-Between Moments

You know, life can get pretty hectic, can't it? With work, family, and all the other demands on our time, it can be tough to find a moment to take care of ourselves. But I'm here to tell you that you can make the most of those in-between moments, no matter how busy your schedule is.

What do I mean by in-between moments? Those little pockets of time throughout the day when you're waiting in line, grabbing a coffee, or just taking a break at work. Instead of reaching for your phone or getting caught up in your thoughts, try turning these moments into opportunities for self-care. Take a deep breath, stretch, or practice a quick meditation.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. You're busy, and you don't have time for all this. But here's the thing: these little acts of self-care can significantly impact how you feel.

When I stopped reaching for my phone and utilizing this idle time, my stress levels drop, my overall mood improved, and I had more energy. I felt more in control of my life.

Sometimes life can feel like groundhogs day as if we have no say in how our life plays out. But this simple habit shift helps take back that sense of control over your time.

So, my friend, let's skip the scroll and start making the most of those in-between moments. Self-care doesn't have to be anything big or complicated. Just a few deep breaths, an extra glass of water, or think of three things you are grateful for in your day. I promise it'll make all the difference.

Real Life Example

You know that feeling when life is moving so fast you feel like you can't keep up? That's how I felt when I was in my master's program, working, and had two little toddlers at the time. It was a lot, and I was constantly exhausted and stressed.

But then I realized I couldn't grind all day and expect to show up like a good parent and partner at night for my family. I needed to find ways to care for myself during the day, to slow down and take a deep breath.

That's when I started using my in-between moments for self-care. I would close my eyes and focus on breathing; it was like hitting the reset button on my mind. This simple act helped me calm down, reduce my stress, and feel more energized.

I know it can be hard to slow down and focus on your breath, but trust me, it's worth it. I started small, doing five rounds of deep breathing and concentrating on my inhales and exhales.

Eventually, I could control my thoughts enough to take two to four-minute breaks and breathe without such concentration. Don't be afraid to start small and make self-care a priority in your daily life. Most of the time, we are not only learning new habits, but we are breaking old ones.

Self-Care Ideas During In-between Moments

• Practice deep breathing or meditation
• Listen to calming music or a guided meditation
• Do some light stretching or yoga poses
• Light a scented candle
• Write in a journal or reflect on your thoughts and feelings
• Visualize a happy or peaceful place
• Read a few pages of a book or an inspiring article
• Take a short walk or get some fresh air
• Drink a glass of water or herbal tea
• Call a friend or loved one and catch up

Set Aside 15 or 30-Minute Blocks of Time for Self-Care

You know, it's amazing how just a few minutes of self-care can make such a big difference in your day. But what if I told you that you could take your self-care game to the next level by intentionally setting aside blocks of time for it?

Scheduling 15 or 30 minutes specifically for self-care can guarantee you take the time to care for yourself and recharge. Whether reading a book, doing yoga, meditating, or simply relaxing, the key is to do something that brings you joy and peace.

As a busy mom, I understand how tough it can be to make time for self-care. But trust me, setting aside dedicated blocks of time just for yourself is a game-changer. You can take 15 minutes before your day starts or a 30-minute break during your workday.

Think about what activities bring you joy and help you recharge. It could be taking a bath, journaling, or simply sitting in silence. Plan to do that activity for 15 or 30 minutes daily and set the alarm on your phone as a reminder. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, and you'll have more energy and feel happier throughout the day.

Setting aside this time for self-care has been life-changing for me. I love to use this time to walk outside, which helps me feel energized and fulfilled. This time allows me to connect with myself, reflect on my day, and focus on what's important. It's like a mini-vacation for my mind and soul, and it helps me feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of my day.

Self-Care Ideas That Take 15-30 Minutes

• Read a book or magazine
• Listen to music or a podcast
• Do a craft, such as knitting or drawing
• Write in a journal or write down your thoughts and feelings
• Light Calming Lavender or Rosemary and Mint and take a relaxing bath or shower
• Light our Spearmint Eucalyptus scented candle and do a yoga or exercise routine
• Cook or bake a healthy meal
• Light our Watermint and Clementine scented candle and meditate or practice mindfulness
• Get a massage or pamper yourself with a face mask
• Take a nap or rest and relax

Incorporate Self-Care Into Your Daily Routine 

Finally, the last thing I did on my self-care journey was incorporate self-care into my daily routine. I know what you are thinking, 'I don't have any extra time in my day; how am I supposed to add another thing to my plate?'

I know that's what you think because I used to believe that narrative as well. But I was wasting a lot of time doing things that didn't serve my mental, emotional, or physical health.

Instead of getting up and stretching, I would watch an extra episode of my Netflix show, and now I watch the episode while I stretch. Or before bed, I would scroll on my phone reading news headlines (HORRIBLE idea, by the way, if you want a good night's rest), and now I make a cup of sleepy-time tea and read a chapter in my book.

Now it's your turn. Look at how your day is laid out and pick two pockets where you can incorporate a self-care activity that lasts 15-30 minutes.

This could be as simple as taking a relaxing bath before bed, doing some light stretching in the morning, or taking a walk in nature. The key is to find activities you enjoy, make you feel good, and make them a part of your daily routine.

For me, weaving self-care into my already busy day transformed my energy levels and how I felt about my life. I like to start my day with a glass of water and some light stretching, which helps me get ready for the day ahead.

Making Self-Care a Daily Habit

• Make self-care a priority and schedule it into your day
• Set reminders to practice self-care throughout the day
• Create a self-care routine and stick to it
• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people
• Try new self-care activities and find what works for you
• Be kind and compassionate to yourself and practice self-love
• Set realistic and achievable self-care goals
• Avoid over-committing and learn to say no when needed
• Practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life
• Take breaks when needed, and don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself.

Be Patient with Yourself

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is all about finding what works for you. You don't have to make drastic changes to your life to prioritize self-care. You can start small, like making a cup of tea or just standing out in the sun for five minutes. It is important to make self-care a priority and stick with it. Consistency is critical to making self-care a part of your daily routine.

In addition to making self-care a priority, setting realistic goals is essential. Don't try to do too much too soon. Start with small, achievable goals that are easy to stick to, then gradually increase the amount of time you dedicate to self-care. This way, you can make self-care a part of your daily routine without feeling overwhelmed.

For example, if you have a full plate like raising kids and have an ailing parent, and you work, etc. Start with two 5-10 minute pockets of time sprinkled in your day just for you. While you wait to pick up your parent from an appointment, pop your air pod in and listen to a five-minute mindfulness meditation from Insight Timer (free app).

Another important aspect of self-care is to surround yourself with supportive people. Having a support system of friends and family members who understand the importance of self-care can help keep you motivated and on track. They can also provide encouragement and support when you need it most.

Finally, it's important to be kind to yourself. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't see results immediately. Self-care is a journey, not a destination; it takes time to see the benefits of incorporating self-care into your daily routine.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself is crucial for happiness and well-being. You can feel happier, healthier, and more fulfilled by taking advantage of in-between moments, setting aside 15 or 30-minute blocks of time for self-care, and incorporating self-care into your daily routine. So, make yourself a priority, and start incorporating self-care into your daily routine today!