How are you…Really? 5 Self Care Tips for Busy Women

By Kristin Keen

World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize mental well-being. For busy WIF members like us, juggling career, personal and/or family responsibilities, and a slew of other demands, focusing on physical and mental health often takes a backseat. However, we can all agree that finding small ways to integrate self-care into daily life is key to long-term health. Here are five self-care tips that you can try today.

1. Prioritize Mindfulness: Aim to devote at least 10 minutes each day to mindfulness exercises. This can include deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk, among other activities that bring you a sense of peace. These moments of calm—as brief as they may be—can help reduce stress and improve focus. Embrace mindfulness as a tool to center yourself amidst chaos.

2. Set Boundaries: As difficult as it can seem, embrace the power of saying “no” and establish boundaries to protect your time and energy. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and negatively impact your mental health. Prioritize tasks, delegate when possible, and allocate time for personal pursuits and relaxation.

3. Nurture Your Body: Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These practices boost mood, reduce anxiety, and increase resilience. This is particularly important as our immune systems are under attack even more this time of year.

4. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network. Share your challenges and feelings with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Having a safe space to express yourself can provide valuable perspective and emotional relief.

5. Embrace Work-Life Integration: Instead of striving for a work-life balance, aim for integration. Because, let’s admit it, “balance” is not possible. Blend your professional and personal life in a way that suits your needs. This might mean flexible hours, utilizing technology to stay connected, or adding blocks of 15-30 minutes into your daily calendar to take a break.

Prioritizing self-care can have a profound impact not only on your mental health but also on your overall happiness and productivity. Don’t wait until the new year; make a commitment now to implement self-care into your daily routine. Taking care of your mental health is an investment in yourself and your future. You can’t pour from an empty cup.