How to integrate self-care into your schedule

You know it is in your best interest to set aside some time to care for yourself.

You know that self-care is an important part of life, yet how do you schedule this time when life has other plans? Even though you may read about the importance of caring for yourself first, so that you can care for those you love, it can be a daunting task. No matter how hard you try, people, projects, and life get in the way.

But here are some key tips to help you not only carve out self-care time but be more successful in making self-care a habit.

  1. Start with the why. Why is it important to you? When you don’t take time for yourself you can experience sleep deprivation, anxiety, be less productive, lack of self-worth, and create health issues. No one wants to be sick or feel less-than. This should be your why.

  2. Make it a priority. It benefits you and everyone around you.

  3. It all starts with small steps. Start by setting a timer for 5 minutes to simply be still, close your eyes, and breathe. Small step, but huge rewards.

  4. Figure out the different ways you can ‘DO’ self-care. There are many – go to the beach, massage, meditation, energy work, breath work, exercise, sleep, etc.

  5. Don’t beat yourself up if your self-care goes to the wayside. Simply pick it up again the next day and keep moving forward. Each time you practice for even a short span of time, you are building this into your way of life.

  6. Pad your calendar with 15 minutes of time twice a day to read an inspirational book, go for a walk, meditate, calm your breath, draw, play with your animal, whatever gives you joy. You will find that you enjoy this time so much that you will add even more time to your calendar just for this perfect space of time.

  7. Don’t do it alone. Have a self-care day with a friend or spouse where you plan to be together in quality time at least once a week. This will help you both catch up and keep each other accountable.

When you take the time to be with yourself and do things that make you feel whole is when your life really starts to expand.

  • You become more productive.

  • You exude confidence.

  • You have more energy, and your immune system becomes stronger.

  • You manage your day better.

  • Your ”what if” fears become much less evident and seem to melt away.

  • Your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues expand and become more fulfilling.

  • You look at life differently.

  • You experience less drama in your life.

Everything becomes clearer and you become the person everyone wants to be around. You become the person everyone looks up to and admires. Why? Because you are taking time for yourself and staying the course. All it takes is one small step.

Here’s to more self-care days just for you.

Carolyn Osborn

Discover a Natural Well-Being and Oneness within the Body, Mind and Spirit, that awaits you and your animal.

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P.S. Animals are often our closest companions. We invite you to use something unique we have just published; this very practical tool to help you discover if your animal has a message for you, or needs help. Take our Quiz: How Well Do You Know Your Pet’s Alerts? it’s free. Learn more, and click to get it here.

Other resources for you:

Our newest program is featured right on our website homepage or in our sessions menu: Chiron Mirror Sessions • Energy Healing between You and Your Animal. It is designed to help you discover a natural well-being and oneness within the body, mind and spirit that awaits you and your animal— when you are guided to release unwanted behaviors and unconscious memories and patterns of suppressed vitality and difficult energy blocks that may trigger dis-ease or imbalances if left unattended.

See or learn more about our sessions and packages for people or animals here and view our equine and performance sessions or packages here.