The Power of Prioritizing Self-Care: A 5 Step Guide for Busy Professionals
In the fast-paced world where hustle culture tends to be the norm, the demands on professionals seem to be constantly escalating. With the never-ending to-do lists, back-to-back meetings, and the pressure to do it all, it's easy to forget to fill your cup. However, amidst the chaos, you can find peace in knowing that self care can be the antidote for a stressful life. Allow the following tips to be your guide to the balanced holistic lifestyle you deserve.
Redefine Self Care as an Essential Priority: You deserve self care, you deserve, self care, you deserve self care As a busy professional, it's crucial to understand that self-care is a necessity. Redefine self-care as something that needs to be prioritized just as much as everything else on your plate. In the end, you’ll be able to perform better in all aspects of your life- social, career, and personal life, when you’re carving out time for yourself. Prioritizing self-care isn't selfish; it’s a way to recharge, prevent burnout, and keep performing at your best.
Mindful Time Management: Sometimes, the hardest part of self care is making the time. Even if it’s writing your journal entry in your notes app during your morning commute on the A train, doing your affirmations while doing your skin care routine, opting for one healthy meal a day, or just taking 5 minutes to breathe, your body and mind will thank you. Just remember, self care should be simple, you don’t need every yoga accessory on the market, you don’t even need the mat. Like Aderiene from Yoga with Aderiene says, “the hardest part is showing up.” And I know you got this!
Set Boundaries & Learn to Say No: A good mantra to live by is “if it’s not a HELL YEA, it should be a HELL No.” You don’t need to go to every plan you’re invited to, and remember FOMO is only temporary. You might even feel better if you stay in and choose to get cozy with your favorite book or show and cup of tea in hand, instead of stumbling home at 2am dead tired with a non-existent social battery. Remember, there’s always next time and your real friends will support you in taking care of yourself and your needs. Over committing yourself is the easiest way to burn out.
Make Healthy a Habit: Small changes can make a significant impact and jumpstart a healthy routine. When you make healthy choices consistently, over time staying healthy will become easy. Make it your identity to put yourself first, eat mindfully (food is fuel), and prioritize your mental and physical well being. Just like how going to your 9-5 is second nature to you, if you make healthy a habit, prioritizing self care will be your new default
Embrace Mindfulness Through Do Not Disturb: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay present, reducing stress and enhancing decision-making. Even in the midst of a hectic day, take a moment to breathe deeply and center yourself. Consider incorporating mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises into your routine. Sometimes being mindful can look like putting your phone on do not disturb. It can be easy to get sucked into social media for hours and hours, valuable time that could be dedicated to your self care. Shut off your phone for a few hours a day to carve out time for staying calm and living in the moment.
At The Berry Collective, we recognize the power that self care holds and the extent that investing in ourselves promotes and sustains wellness long term. You don’t have to let stress be the norm, we’re here for you! Remember, you deserve not to just live, but thrive!
-Michelle
