Taking Time for Yourself

​Taking time out for yourself is a very important part of taking care of you. Going long periods of time with no breaks to just breathe and be by yourself can take a huge toll on the mind and body. Increased risk of stress, anxiety, burnout, fatigue, compromised immunity, heart problems, weight fluctuations, and more are all possible side effects of not taking breaks from life when you need them. Below are some ways you can set time aside for yourself…
 
In The Shower Or Bath
Believe it or not, even a quick shower can be a great opportunity to snag some much needed relaxation time. Take as much time as you can, and use the time to reflect on the day, or how you’d like the day to go. This is a great way to center your focus on positivity, and set the stage for an improved mental state for the rest of the day. You can also have a bubble bath if you have the time, and that’s your thing! Utilizing some calming essential oils such as lavender or chamomile during a bath is a wonderful way to unwind.
 
Before Bed
Spend some time before bed journaling, reading a book, watching a calming nature documentary, or anything that makes you feel calm and relaxed. When you set time aside for yourself before bed, it allows you to process your day and prepare for a more restful night’s sleep.
 
Take A Road Trip
Whether it’s just a few miles away, or in a whole other state, a road trip away from all the stresses of everyday life can be an awesome way to take some time for yourself. Take a weekend, or use up some vacation time you’ve saved and go somewhere new! Try new foods, see new places, experience as many new things as you can, and have FUN.
 
These are just a few examples of how you can get creative and start setting time aside for yourself as much as possible. Depending on your schedule and lifestyle, each of these things can differ in execution, but the most important thing to remember is to DO IT! Having some time to recenter yourself, and refresh your mind can work wonders on your stress levels; and it can also improve your overall health if you have certain conditions triggered by stress.