In recent years, the idea of “self-care” has gained significant attention. It encourages individuals to prioritize their needs—whether that’s through exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies—to foster a more balanced and empowered life. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential, as we all know that we can’t give our best when we’re running on empty.
However, as busy parents, it often feels impossible to carve out time for ourselves. Many of us find ourselves thinking, “How am I supposed to practice self-care when I can’t even step away for a moment alone?” I totally understand your frustration. While I often struggle with self-care myself, I’ve discovered a valuable technique that has made it feasible for me to prioritize my well-being as a full-time working mom.
Enter “Micro-Shifting”
Gary Thompson, an editor at a major publishing house, recently shared insights on this concept in an article for a health and wellness site. Micro-shifting is about committing small, manageable moments each day to focus on self-care. It’s not about the duration; even just a minute or two can make a difference if done regularly. It’s all about showing up for yourself, not achieving perfection.
You might be wondering, “I still don’t have the time for that.” But listen to how Thompson puts it: “We all have 1,440 minutes available to us each day. What if you dedicated just 1 percent of that—around 15 minutes—focused on changing your life? You can still use the other 99 percent of your day for your regular responsibilities like work, chores, and caring for your family.” How clever is that?
My Personal Experience with Micro-Shifting
Let me share how micro-shifting has transformed my life. I have two non-negotiable self-care practices that help me manage my anxiety: meditation and exercise. Having dealt with anxiety for years, these practices are crucial for my well-being. Without them, I risk spiraling into anxiety, which affects not just me but my family too.
For meditation, I’ve been using a mobile app for about seven years. I always search for features that include five-minute meditations since research suggests even brief sessions can yield significant benefits. In the past, I would meditate during my children’s naps or while nursing my baby. Now that they’re older, I carve out five minutes before diving into my work, and it feels like a luxury to do it without interruption (hang in there, moms of little ones; you’ll see this moment too).
Exercise follows a similar pattern. I rarely manage more than 20 minutes a day, but I prioritize it for the mental clarity and endorphins it provides. When my children were younger, I would take walks with them in a stroller or do quick yoga sessions while they napped. Sometimes, when I couldn’t find a full 20 minutes, I’d break my practice into shorter segments.
Thompson, who is now a published author, wrote his first book by committing to just 15 minutes of writing each day for a year. “Much of what I wrote was subpar,” he admits, “but that didn’t matter. I was building my skills by being consistent.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s about consistency and recognizing that perfection isn’t necessary. You—and your unique, valuable life—are worth the effort. So, why not take that leap? Whether you want to meditate, pick up a new instrument, or squeeze in a brief run, go for it! You might be surprised to find that you have enough minutes in your day to invest in yourself. You absolutely deserve it.
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Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of self-care for busy moms and introduces the concept of micro-shifting, which involves dedicating small amounts of time each day to self-care practices like meditation and exercise. The author shares personal experiences and encourages consistency over perfection, highlighting that even a few minutes can make a significant difference in well-being.
Keyphrase: self-care for busy moms
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