Self-Care for Busy People: 5 Simple Ways to Fit Self-Care into Your Hectic Routine

Laura Rose
Apr 8
3 min read

A white and black watch on a woman's wrist

If you’re always busy trying to juggle work, family, commitments, all the things, finding time for self-care can seem impossible. But looking after yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for your wellbeing. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a day at the spa to practice self-care (although that’d be nice, right?). Here are five quick and simple ways to add self-care to your hectic daily routine.

1. Start Your Day the Calm Way

Mornings can feel like chaos, but getting those couple of minutes to yourself when you wake up can do wonders to help set you in the right mindset for your dat. Try setting your alarm 5 minutes earlier than normal to do something calming – a quick breathing meditation, stretching, making a cup of tea in peace. Take a few moments to prepare yourself for the rest of your day.

2. Mini Breaks

I’m not talking about a weekend away, but rather mini breaks you can build into your day. Having a mini break can help you focus better, so feel free to spend a minute or two standing, stretching, walking around, or just focusing on your breathing. Two minutes away from the screen and being in your body can help you feel refreshed.

3. Mindful Munching

How often have you had a meal (or a snack) and eaten it without really tasting it? I can be so hungry or busy working while having lunch or dinner that I don’t really notice what I’m eating. Food isn’t just fuel; it’s something to be enjoyed and savoured. Taking the time to eat your food allows you to focus and, hopefully, enjoy the meal in front of you. Sit down, chew slowly, notice those flavours and textures. Take time to notice if you still feel hungry or if you feel full. Sometimes, we can be so busy that we don’t notice what our bodies are telling us. It’s time to get in touch again.

4. Make Time to Move

We all know how important exercise if for our health, but what if you don’t have the time to go to the gym? Well, there are ways to fit it into your schedule in short bursts: getting off the bus one stop earlier and walking the rest of the way, doing a quick 10-minute chair yoga session before work, taking the stairs instead of the lift, and plenty of other ways. Exercise doesn’t have to mean lifting weights or running or biking for hours, just a nice bit of gentle movement can have a good effect.

5. Prioritize Sleep

Are you like me, sat in bed scrolling on your phone instead of turning the lights off and getting that well-deserved sleep? Yes, I’m far from perfect, and sleep has been a nemesis of mine for years now, but I do try, honest! Sleep is usually the first thing to go out of the window when I’m stressed or busy, but when we don’t rest, we can’t function properly. Make sleep a priority by setting yourself a bedtime consistently. See if you can build something relaxing into your usual routine for winding down, like a relaxation exercise once you’re in bed, or reading a book instead of staring at a screen. Small changes build up to big effects.

Final Thoughts

Self-care doesn’t have to be long or expensive, it can be the small changes we make for the better every day. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential so that you can be your best self in all parts of your life.