Little Moments of Self-Care

We often think that self-care has to be big – taking a long, luxurious bath, spending a day reading a book, or taking a trip.  All of those things are great, but they aren’t the only forms of self-care.  In fact, some of the most important self-care occurs in little moments throughout our days.

It’s really easy to put off self-care when you feel like it has to be a big deal or something that will take a lot of your time.  When your days are rushed and long, it can feel impossible to do those big things like getting a massage, going for a hike, or spending an hour at a yoga class.  It’s also usually times like that when we most need to step up our self-care game.  That’s where the little moments come in.

If I have a jam-packed day at work and I find myself feeling overwhelmed, rushed, or anxious, I take time to step outside and take a few deep breaths.  I sometimes walk down the street and back if I can make the time. I’ve been known to dance in my office, in the hallway, and with coworkers.  I’ve even been known to take an extra 30 seconds in the bathroom when I’m washing my hands - I take time to notice what the water feels like running over my skin and how the soap smells.  The important thing is to make use of the time you do have to do some things that help connect you back to your body.  I particularly enjoy using Five Senses Grounding whenever I find myself struggling to stay present in meetings or unable to focus on the tasks I need to accomplish.

It really helps to identify the things that you find soothing and that help you reconnect.  I recommend trying different things when you have a few minutes in your day to determine what works best for you.  It helps to practice when you don’t need to use these skills so you’ll be better able to access them when you do need them.  Make sure you choose things that bring your joy or peace since that’s what we’re hoping they’ll bring to you in those little moments when you need them.

If you find yourself struggling a lot and are wondering if it might be time to look into therapy, check out this post about how to find the right therapist for you.  If you’re looking for a therapist in Nashville and are interested in treatment for anxiety or depression, check out the rest of my site to see if you feel like I might be a good fit for you.  I regularly update my home page with my availability so you know right away if I am accepting new clients.