In recent years, the term “self-care” has gained significant popularity. This notion emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to address your own needs—be it through exercise, meditation, creative pursuits, or hobbies that bring you joy. Engaging in self-care is not an act of selfishness; rather, it’s essential to recognize that we can’t give our all to others when we are running on empty. To nurture those around us, we must first take care of ourselves.
However, as busy parents, the practicality of self-care often feels out of reach. You might be thinking, “How on earth am I supposed to practice self-care? I can’t even go to the bathroom without someone watching!” Trust me, I get it. Even though I struggle with self-care at times, I’ve discovered a little technique that has made it feasible for me to prioritize my well-being as a full-time working mom.
Introducing Micro-Shifting
Let me introduce you to the concept of “micro-shifting.” In an insightful article for Mind Body Green, author Lisa Hargrove elaborates on this approach, which involves carving out brief, dedicated moments in your daily routine for self-care. It’s not about the duration; even a minute or two can be beneficial if done consistently. The key lies in showing up for yourself rather than striving for perfection.
You might wonder, “Where do I find the time for that?” Hargrove offers a compelling perspective: “We all have 1,440 minutes in a single day. What if you dedicated just 1 percent of that—about 15 minutes—to consciously improve your life? You can still use the rest of your day for responsibilities like work, family, and other commitments.”
This idea is quite remarkable, isn’t it? Here’s how I’ve applied micro-shifting in my life. There are two essential self-care practices I prioritize every day to help manage my anxiety: meditation and exercise. As someone who has battled anxiety for years, these activities are crucial for my well-being. Without them, I risk slipping into a cycle of anxiety that affects not just me, but my entire family.
My Self-Care Practices
I use a meditation app on my phone, which I’ve relied on for several years. One feature I always look for is the option for five-minute meditations. Science supports the notion that even a brief meditation can have significant benefits. When my children were younger, I would meditate during their nap times or while nursing my baby. Now that they are in school, I typically meditate right before I start my workday. It may only be five minutes, but it feels like a precious luxury without a child clinging to me (moms of toddlers, this moment will come, I assure you).
My approach to exercise mirrors this strategy. I often find it challenging to commit more than 20 minutes each day. I don’t aim for weight loss; I exercise to clear my mind and enjoy the endorphin boost that keeps me balanced. When my kids were little, I would take them on daily walks, either carrying them or using a stroller. Occasionally, when I couldn’t fit in a 20-minute session, I would divide my yoga practice into shorter segments.
Lisa Hargrove, a busy working parent herself, emphasizes the power of consistency. She wrote her first book by dedicating just 15 minutes to writing every day for an entire year. “Most of what I wrote was mediocre,” she admits. “But ultimately, the quantity helped me build my skills.”
Embrace the Shift
It’s all about consistency, recognizing that perfection is unnecessary, and acknowledging that you and your life are worthy of care. So, what’s stopping you? Whether it’s finding time for meditation, picking up a new hobby, or fitting in a quick workout, prioritize what nourishes your spirit.
Once you make that shift, you may be surprised to discover that you have enough time for yourself after all. You absolutely deserve it.
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In summary, integrating self-care into your busy routine is possible with micro-shifting. By dedicating small, consistent moments to yourself, you can foster a healthier relationship with your mind and body while still fulfilling your responsibilities as a parent.