Prioritizing Self-Care? Where to Start

SMALL.

When starting a new habit, it's always a good idea to start small. Why? It doesn't get overwhelming and it's the best way to phase the new habit into your life.

Consider a new workout plan. Do you start bicep curls with 50 pound dumbbells? Usually not... You start smaller and over time build up to higher weight. Starting small and building gives yourself the time to grow, instead of shocking your body and mind into biting off more than it can chew.

How does that apply to Self-Care? Start in smaller time increments. Start with something you know how to do. Start with something you enjoy doing. From there, add time, learn a new self-care skill, practice self-care that is more intensive.

Tips on Where to Start:

1. Schedule It. Add 10-30 minutes to your daily routine for self-care. I recommend scheduling it into a slot of time that'll be easy to maintain.

2. Make it Enjoyable. When you're starting out, make your self-care something you enjoy. I love baths, so it's my go-to self-care practice. It doesn't feel like a chore, it feels like something I get to do and I want to prioritize it.

3. Plan It. If you find yourself struggling with the type of self-care to practice, plan it out. Write out what you'll do each day for self-care so that you don't even need to think about it when it comes up in your schedule.