10 simple ways to incorporate self-care into your busy schedule

Many busy professionals go straight from work to caring for someone else and often don’t have even a moment to decompress or regroup before they do so. It can be frantic and busy– and also isolating. It probably feels a bit counterintuitive to even think about self-care when you hardly have time to take a breath between work and caregiving duties, but it’s really important. In fact, the National Institute on Aging says that self-care is the most important thing a caregiver can do. When you’re caring for others, you need replenishment and rest so that you can be at your best for the ones you love.

Still, the last thing you need is another to-do. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top 10 self-care tips you can do to take care of yourself even when your schedule is totally packed. It’s important that you recognize and address the common barriers so that you can be the best you can be.

We are confident that by investing a few minutes in yourself and practicing our self-care tips, you will reap the rewards of more energy, focus, and joy so that you can care for your loved one with grace, compassion, and patience.

Tip 1: Write a list of self-care activities that help you to feel replenished

Everyone is different. While one person may feel rejuvenated after a six-mile run, another may need to just sit in a quiet place in nature, and another may crave a long conversation with a friend. Think about the things that help you to relax and rejuvenate, and write them down. Hang the list on your fridge or save it as a note on your phone so you can quickly look at it for reference when you have some time.

To get you started, here are some simple self-care tips we came up with:

• Read a book
• Listen to a podcast
• Stretch
• Go on a walk
• Listen to music
• Make a hot cup of coffee or tea and just relax
• Spend time with an animal
• Talk to a friend on the phone
• Go on a drive
• Do yoga or pilates
• Take an exercise class
• Go swimming
• Bake something
• Guided meditation
• Volunteering

Tip 2: Add self-care to your calendar

We get it—your calendar is likely booked back-to-back. Adding self-care to your calendar may feel like just another thing, but look at it as an investment in yourself. It’s also one of the most important self-care tips on this list. See if you can find a few 30-minute windows to go on a walk or take a yoga class, or see if you can arrive 15 minutes early to an appointment and listen to an audiobook. Even ten minutes can make a huge difference in how you feel.

The important thing is that you have to show up to your appointment with yourself. Make a commitment to self-care like you would to a meeting or appointment.

Tip 3: Let go of the idea of a “right way to care for yourself”

Self-care can start to feel like just another task when you feel you have to do it a certain way. Instead, just consider what you need at that moment and do it. If you’re so tired that all you want to do is sit on the couch and eat peanut butter from the jar, then go for it! Likewise, if you need more time for self-care and need to set aside an entire day (or even weekend) to get what you need, don’t be afraid to do so. Remember, the better you care for yourself, the better you will be able to care for others. 

Tip 4: Set up a self-care routine

It can be helpful to set up routines in order to get in the habit of taking care of yourself. For example, some people like to start off the day with a quiet time where they sip coffee and read or meditate and just relax. Others need daily exercise to feel refreshed and ready for the world. Whatever it is, get yourself in the habit by making self-care part of your daily routine.

Tip 5: Be willing to ask for and accept help

There are times that you just can’t do it all. In those times, be willing to ask for and accept help. For example, if you have a huge work project and just can’t manage it with several appointments for a loved one, it’s okay to ask someone else to manage the appointments. It’s also okay to ask someone else to do your caregiving so that you can spend time resting and relaxing. You do a lot, and part of self-care is ensuring you have the help you need.

Tip 6: Use your vacation days for self care

Your vacation days aren’t just for vacation! Sure, it would be great to head to the tropics whenever you need a little break, but that’s not feasible. If you need time to care for yourself, don’t hesitate to take PTO to get the rest and relaxation you need. Even a day or two to sleep, relax, and regroup can make a huge difference in how you are able to care for those around you.

Tip 7: Care for yourself, too

Often, caregivers take amazing care of others but forget to care for themselves. Just think about the mom who packs amazing lunches for her kids and then eats a handful of crackers for lunch herself. Or employees caring for aging parents who make sure they get to every appointment but forget to schedule their own check-ups.

When your life gets busy, putting yourself on the back burner is easy. Don’t do this. Ensure you’re eating regular, healthy meals and drinking lots of water. Go to your own check-ups and get your recommended screenings. Exercise and get plenty of sleep. All of these things will help you to be healthier and happier and better able to care for those you love.

Tip 8: Practice gratitude

You have much to be grateful for– a busy schedule is a full life. Spend time every day being grateful for the things you have, the people you love, and the opportunity to care for them. Practicing this key self-care tip can help to calm your mind and reset your spirit.

Tip 9: Take Microbreaks

There’s a lot of research that says that small breaks—even as short as one minute—can be really impactful in helping your brain reset. If you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed about your busy schedule, allow yourself a microbreak. Spend a few minutes just sitting and taking deep breaths or listening to calming music, and allow your mind to rest.

Tip 10: Seek Professional Help

Life is hard, and sometimes, you need help. If your duties seem overwhelming, don’t be afraid to reach out to a therapist. There are also a variety of free resources, including online videos, tutorials, and blog posts on self-care tips.

A Grayce Care Partner can offer support and advice as you seek ways to incorporate self-care. They can connect you to additional resources, like therapists or self-care communities to ensure that you get the care you need to be at your best.

Why These Self-Care Tips Matter

At the end of the day, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. These top 10 self-care tips are simple, practical ways to protect your energy, your mental health, and your overall well-being, even during the busiest seasons of life. By taking small, intentional steps to care for yourself, you’ll find that you have more to give—not just to others, but to yourself. Remember, when you prioritize your own care, everyone benefits.