As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup, take care of yourself first. It’s easy to forget this when you have so many things on your plate. Whether it be work-related or home-related, we all get overwhelmed from time to time and just need some personal time and care. Here are several habits that can assist with putting you first.
1. Sure, we all wake up with all the to-do’s on the brain first thing in the morning, but it is better to start the day by taking time for yourself. Instead of rolling over and grabbing your phone to answer those emails, take a moment to wake up. Plan your day and make realistic goals for yourself. Think about how you are going to be the best version of yourself. 10-15 minutes of visualization and self-encouragement can change the way your day starts every day. Practice doing this to start the day with you in mind, instead of those emails that can usually wait.
2. Call your mom. Now, I know this sounds silly, but chatting it up with family for a short amount of time can help you feel more grounded. Call your parents or loved ones that you don’t get to interact with as much as you’d like. Confiding in people who are closest to you can help put your mind at ease and they will support you. Sometimes being homesick is a part of the problem and science says that talking to your mom reduces stress. So make time for a personal phone call today and feel the pressure melt away.
3. Make time in your day for not working. This might sound crazy, considering the back-to-back schedule between work and personal strains, but you have to make it a priority. Referencing our first tip, before you go to work is a great time to not work. Have a nice breakfast and read the paper or hit the gym to assist in obtaining your personal goals. Same goes for the evenings, make it a point to not work after 7pm or after dinner. This way you get to spend time with your family and focus on things besides work. Have a nice meal with your loved ones or go grab some ice cream. Either way, you will be thankful you stepped away from the computer to do something you enjoy.
4. Last, but not least, reward yourself. Sometimes rewards aren’t in the books because we can’t afford it, but even something simple like a healthy smoothie or your favorite candy bar might be just the fix you need. Retail therapy is a good way to forget your troubles and reward yourself for all your hard work. Make a salon appointment or plan that massage you’ve been wanting. Doing something for yourself can remind you that you do deserve it and often “refill your gas tank”. Plan a short trip for the weekend and get out of town for a couple days. You will come back feeling renewed and ready to battle the tasks of the new week.
These are a few simple ways to take care of yourself. You have to put you first or everything you invest your time in will suffer. The buck stops with you, so be sure to keep a level head, de-stress when you can, and be ready to conquer whatever is thrown your way.