How I Prioritize Self-Care in a Busy Life (Without Losing My Mind!)

Let’s be real: life gets busy. Between work, family, errands, and attempting to have a social life, finding time for self-care can feel like trying to find a unicorn. 🦄 But here’s the thing—I’ve learned that making time for myself isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. And guess what? You can totally do it too, even with a jam-packed schedule. So, if you’re wondering how to prioritize self-care when life is a whirlwind, here’s how I do it (and you can too!).

1. The Magic of Micro-Moments

We’ve all heard the advice: “You need at least an hour for self-care each day!” But let’s be honest—who has a free hour just floating around? Instead, I rely on micro-moments. These are tiny pockets of time—like 5-10 minutes—that I sneak in throughout the day. Waiting in line at the store? That’s a chance to take a few deep breaths or scroll through my favorite TikTok account (self-care doesn’t have to be fancy!). The key is to use those little moments to recharge.

2. Schedule It Like It’s a VIP Meeting

One of my secrets? I treat self-care like it’s a super important appointment. Just like you'd never skip a meeting with your boss (because, hello, paycheck), you should not skip “me-time.” Whether it’s a quick face mask, a bubble bath, or simply reading a chapter of a book, I actually schedule these moments into my calendar. If it’s written down, I’m way more likely to make it happen.

3. Say "No" Without Guilt (Seriously, It’s OK!)

Confession: I used to be a people-pleaser. But guess what? Saying "no" has become a self-care superpower. When my schedule is already overflowing, I’ve learned that it’s okay to turn down that extra project or skip an event. I remind myself that saying “no” to others sometimes means saying “yes” to myself. Guilt-free boundaries? Yes, please!

4. Create a "Self-Care Menu"

Ever get so overwhelmed that you don’t even know where to start with self-care? Same! That’s why I created a self-care menu. I literally made a list of quick activities that make me feel good (like a 10-minute stretch, lighting my favorite candle, or listening to a podcast) so that when I’m frazzled, I don’t have to think too hard. I just pick something from the menu and dive in!

5. Outsource Where You Can

This was a game-changer. For the longest time, I thought I had to do it all—cook every meal, clean the house, run all the errands, and still somehow be a self-care queen. Spoiler alert: you don’t. I’ve started outsourcing the things that stress me out, like ordering meal kits or hiring someone to clean once a month. It frees up time for things that actually make me feel good (aka binge-watching my fave show guilt-free!).

6. Turn the Mundane Into "Me-Time"

Yes, even the most boring tasks can become self-care moments if you get a little creative. For example, when I do laundry, I blast my favorite podcast or audiobook. When I’m stuck in traffic, I turn it into a mini spa session by using a calming essential oil rollerball (don’t worry, eyes on the road!). It’s all about transforming the ordinary into something that feels good.

7. Unplug to Recharge

One of the biggest self-care moves I’ve made? Unplugging from screens for a little while each day. Whether it’s during dinner or the last 30 minutes before bed, I give myself permission to disconnect from emails, social media, and all the digital noise. It’s like hitting a mental refresh button and it works wonders!

8. Reward Yourself with the Little Things

Here’s a pro-tip: self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. I reward myself with little luxuries, like a fancy coffee, a new scented candle, or even just an extra-long shower. It’s the small things that make a big difference, and when I make a habit of rewarding myself, I feel more balanced and less stressed.

Prioritize Yourself, Even When Life Gets Busy

So, how do I prioritize self-care in my busy life? By getting creative, setting boundaries, and making sure “me-time” is non-negotiable—even if it’s just for a few minutes. Because at the end of the day, you can’t pour from an empty cup (and trust me, mine used to be bone dry). So, take these tips, put yourself at the top of your to-do list, and see how much better you feel when you give yourself the love you deserve!