During stressful times, you have probably thought to yourself, 鈥淚 should take more time for some self-care,鈥� only to find yourself saying in the same breath, 鈥淏ut who has time for that?鈥� You are not alone. While making yourself a priority and finding time to relax and unwind is important, it can sometimes feel like another chore among a never-ending list of tasks.
Work by Ashely Davis Bush is challenging this traditional view of macro self-care in our busy lives and encouraging us to develop micro self-care practices. This is where we continue to engage in our everyday duties in more intentional, present and pleasing ways.
For example, you can practice sending a mindful text by pausing for three breaths after writing the text, reviewing and then hitting send. You can also listen to relaxing music in the background while studying or at work.
Every time you refill your cup, use it as an opportunity to see the glass half full and find the positive in your situation. Create a waking practice and feel the warmth and comfort of your sheets as you lay in bed before rising and repeating your favorite inspirational quote to yourself. On your ride home, crank your favorite song and jam out, refreshing yourself for whatever life鈥檚 fast pace brings next.