For me, self-care rituals have taken priority. Why? Coz, often, I’ve noticed that when things ease up a bit, an unexpected stress creeps in—worrying about why I’m not stressed. It’s a peculiar kind of reverse psychology, or maybe just plain anxiety, questioning why something isn’t urgent or demanding my attention. I believe many of us, especially women and mothers, experience this. It’s time to unlearn this habit. As women, we often find ourselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities in various aspects of life. It’s crucial for us to shift our focus to self-care. And by self-care, I do not mean Choclates, movies, wine, face masks, or even an occasional night out…. We NEED moments to pause, honor our emotions, prioritize mental well-being, and cultivate emotional resilience. Whether it’s taking a break for a physical workout to get those endorphins kicking or any other rejuvenating activity, it’s essential to invest time in nurturing our minds and bodies on a regular basis.

It’s the little things in life that matter the most, especially when it comes to taking it easy. How we begin our day, the kind words we speak to ourselves while getting ready, and how we protect our peace by choosing who we allow into our world—all these elements contribute to our well-being. The connections we make and the care we give ourselves, no matter how small, adds up.

Here are a few things that help me prioritize self-care on a daily basis:

1. Quick Meditation: Take just 5-10 minutes to practice deep breathing or a short meditation. It can help to center your mind and reduce stress

2. Mini Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day. Use this time to step outside, stretch, or simply enjoy a moment of quiet

3. Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to delegate chores or tasks to other family members. Sharing responsibilities lightens the load

4. Express Gratitude: Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It can shift your focus to positive aspects of your life

5. Read a Short Book or Article: Find a brief article or a short story to read during breaks. It’s a simple way to escape for a moment

6. Self-Care Box: Create a self-care box with items that bring you joy—whether it’s a favorite snack, scented candles, or a small inspiring quote

7. Listen to Music or Podcasts: While doing household chores or commuting, listen to your favorite music or an interesting podcast

8. Sneak in Exercise: Find quick and effective exercises that can be done in short bursts, like a 10-minute workout or a brief walk around the block

9. Connect with Friends: Schedule a short phone call with a friend for a quick catch-up. Social connections, even brief ones, can be rejuvenating

10. Set Realistic Goals: Don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations. Set achievable goals for the day to reduce stress

Remember, self-care is about finding moments of joy and relaxation within your busy schedule. Adapt these ideas to fit your lifestyle and make self-care a priority, even in small doses.

A mother: forever giving, forever caring, forever putting others first, leaving little time for the one who is the heartbeat of the home—herself.