Hey, friends! I hope you’re having a great week.
Today I’m so excited to dive into another round of “Ask the Readers!” I hope you’re ready to share your words of wisdom. 🙌🙌🙌
This past week, I received an email from one of my fantastic VIP members, “N,” and she was looking for more strategies for practicing self-care.
As she wrote: “I want to learn a little more about self-care…because I am not so good at that.”
Strategies for Practicing Self Care
Of course, it’s no secret that I’m a big advocate for self-care, and I strongly believe in practicing it every day. What’s more, I think by talking about the importance of self-care, we help remove the feelings of guilt that often accompany taking care of ourselves. (You can read more about my self-care method here!)
I know that many of you also strive to incorporate self-care into your daily life, so I wanted to open the floor to you! What can tips can you share with N about self-care?
- What does self-care mean to you?
- How do you practice self-care?
- What are some of your favorite self-care activities?
- How do you make time for self-care?
- What are any challenges you face with incorporating self-care in your life?
Share all of your self-care tips, strategies, and suggestions below!
Also, if you have any questions that you’d like me to share on the next “Ask the Readers!” segment, please reach out!
Send me an email at paula [at] imbusybeingawesome.com
Mention me in a tweet @busybeingpaula
Hit me up on Facebook @imbusybeingawesome
Tag me on Instagram @imbusybeingawesome
Or, simply ask your question below! I look forward to hearing from you.
p.s. are you looking for more self-care strategies? Check out my springtime self-care tips here, and then download my list of 20 favorite self-care activities for the spring.
Autumn - Simply Amazing Living says
May 27, 2018 at 1:14 amGreat read. I have to remind myself sometimes to take care of self first.
Paula says
May 27, 2018 at 3:34 pmThanks, Autumn. It’s certainly an easy thing to overlook.
sunshineandmunchkins says
May 26, 2018 at 10:51 pmI grew up in a divorced home and so my mom was doing pretty much everything for everyone. Because of this, she didn’t spend much time giving herself the care she needed to fill her well. I had a conversation with her a few years ago about the fact that she needed to take time out for herself and she said, “But isn’t that selfish?” I told her it wasn’t and that it was actually healthy. I absolutely agree that we need to practice self care and try to do a little something for myself each day so I can be a better wife and mother.
Paula says
May 27, 2018 at 3:37 pmWhat an incredible story! I’m so glad you took time to stress the importance of self-care to your mom. It sounds like she gave of herself all the time and certainly deserved a recharge. And you’re absolutely right – we need to break through the stigma of viewing self-care as selfish because it’s SO KEY to a healthy, fulfilled life.
Sweet Coralice says
May 25, 2018 at 9:28 pmMe personally, I love being in my kitchen. Left alone to play around with ideas without being interrupted and be able to have my cheesy 70’s music blasting, lol. I love anything crafting related, too so that is something I consider “me time”.
Paula says
May 27, 2018 at 3:43 pmThat’s wonderful! I can completely relate: baking and crafting are two of my favorite “me time” activities, too 🙂 There’s just something about creating with my hands that I find both fulfilling and relaxing.
Jenn says
May 25, 2018 at 2:31 pmSelf Care is really important! You’ve got to take care yourself before you can take care others. Great post!
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:18 pmYes, absolutely 🙂 You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Emily says
May 25, 2018 at 1:41 pmMy favorite thing for self care is to make sure that I have time to do the thing that makes me feel the happiest. Making sure I have time for me, which helps to reduce stress!
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 2:03 pmYes, absolutely! It is SO important to take time for you 🙂
Sandy says
May 25, 2018 at 12:30 amI work and blog which means each day are 18hours of doing so its so easy for me to lose sight of self-care! Need to be better about it
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:19 amYes! It’s so easy to push self-care aside. I hope everyone’s great self-care suggestions will be helpful for you!
marciemcheung says
May 24, 2018 at 10:07 pmI consider self-care anything beyond basic needs that make you feel like a person. I don’t count eating, taking a shower, or other things they try to tell Moms are a “luxury.” True self care, to me, means taking time to meditate, do yoga, read a book, focus on a project or anything that feeds a passion.
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:22 amYes! I LOVE that. You’re absolutely right; basic needs are not self-care. Thank you for reminding us of that important point 🙂 And I love that you brought up the importance of enjoying our passions. I agree 100%!
Tami says
May 24, 2018 at 2:53 pmI have really been working on this! I have to schedule it or it won’t happen!
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:23 amGreat tip, Tami. Scheduling it in helps ensure we get include it each day 🙂
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific says
May 24, 2018 at 11:35 amI find it really hard to get some time off, between housework, a full-time job and a blog there’s not much time left! However, I try to go on a shopping spree every once in a while to make up for it 😉
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:27 amWoohoo! Treat ‘yo self! 🙌🙌🙌
melissapillone says
May 24, 2018 at 10:53 amSelf care is so important! How can you take care of others if you are not taking care of yourself?
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:27 amYes, exactly! My favorite reminder is: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Erin says
May 24, 2018 at 10:27 amTo me, self care means taking time to do things that benefit you health, wellness, and personal development. Some activities that I do are daily meditation sessions, exercise a few times per week, and relaxing baths a few times per week. I also make it a point to try to see friends or go out without kids at least once every two weeks. It’s hard to make time for self care, especially when you’re a mom. I have two small kids (3 years old and 10 months) so it’s especially important to carve out that time for myself to preserve my sanity.
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:29 amAbsolutely, Erin! It’s especially important for busy moms to take care of themselves. I love that you have so many great ways to practice self-care – they are such great suggestions 🙂
LittleMissMama (@LittleMissMama_) says
May 24, 2018 at 9:36 amI love that you’re such an advocate of selfcare. I need to work on this, I defintaly dont do this daily. Making changes however. EXCITED about the future.
Paula says
May 25, 2018 at 7:30 amI’m so glad to hear that you’re working toward incorporating it into your life more often. That’s FANTASTIC! 🙌🙌🙌
Tif says
May 24, 2018 at 6:43 amI also love self care but Don’t do enough of it! I view self care as two things- being able to do something you love. Like blogging, it may be work but I love it. Or secondly doing something that doesn’t make you wrap your brain around it. In this case I love reading a book!
Paula says
May 24, 2018 at 7:02 amI love those suggestions, Tif! And I think it’s fantastic that you have different “types” of self-care for different times of the day/week etc.
Hanna Smith says
May 24, 2018 at 6:40 amSelf care is so important! Sometimes its as simple as just taking a second to stand outside and breathe!
Paula says
May 24, 2018 at 7:03 amYes! Fresh air and slowing down are so important 🙌🙌🙌
Crystal says
May 23, 2018 at 5:51 pmThe best way I take care of my self is have some quiet time to just BREATHE! As women, it is great to spend some time and enjoy silence to bring our minds back to center.
Paula says
May 24, 2018 at 7:04 amI completely agree. Spending time in the quiet is so valuable 🙂
Shelley says
May 23, 2018 at 3:19 pmSelf care means different things for me on different days — sometimes it’s sitting in quiet for at least 20 minutes with a cup of tea. It can also be a mini break of 15 min to read my novel. Sometimes it’s going for a swim late at night when I can have the pool to myself.
Paula says
May 23, 2018 at 4:24 pmThose are such great strategies, Shelley! And I love how you have different strategies to turn to for different days 🙂
Karlson says
May 23, 2018 at 2:05 pmSelf care could be so different for so many! But for me it’s making sure to incorporate time just for me each day! Which is the hardest with a little one at times!!
Paula says
May 23, 2018 at 4:23 pmI bet! It must be very difficult to squeeze it in at times. I’m so glad that you make sure to do a little bit each day, however. It is so key!
Melissa says
May 23, 2018 at 1:45 pmTo me it just means taking time for yourself and time to be in the moment
Paula says
May 23, 2018 at 4:21 pmYes, 100%, Melissa. I love that 🙂
Jackie says
May 23, 2018 at 1:11 pmOne of my fave self-care activities is my skincare routine!
Paula says
May 23, 2018 at 4:20 pmYes! I love that idea, Jackie 🙂
Christine Weis says
May 23, 2018 at 12:35 pmI am not good at self care. As a mom of two young boys, a wife and a teacher, there is always a laundry list of things to do. I am also a worker bee by nature and I tend to work more than play. I need to learn how to take time for ME but I’m afraid I never will. 🙁
Paula says
May 23, 2018 at 4:58 pmI understand, Christine. It can be very difficult to find the time – and not feel guilty when you do! Check out my tips for practicing self-care every day. You might find them helpful <3