20 Ways to Find 20 Minutes for Self-Care

by Brenna Liebold

>> Take Me Straight to the Freebie <<

Do you ever tell yourself that you ​don't have time for self-care? How many days in a row do you go without honoring and investing in your personal value by tending to your physical, emotional, and social health? Honestly, I used to make my to-do list my highest priority, and I never put myself on that list. I felt guilty when I diverted time from over-working to exercise, paint my nails, get a hair cut, pack a healthy lunch, meditate or journal, listen to my favorite music, or maintain a suitable work wardrobe.

The Greatest Barrier to a Fulfilling Life

Today's busy lifestyle creates an unrealistic expectation of 100% productivity. This need to "get stuff done" creates a very stubborn pattern of habits that leads straight to burnout if not recognized early enough. Burnout empties your well of enthusiasm for life, creativity, and energy to thrive beyond basic survival.

A mind that never rests scatters its thoughts everywhere but the present moment. Before long, taking a break causes restlessness or general unease, so you avoid it. Your mind and body slowly wear out, eventually succumbing to illness and disease.

Escalating health issues eventually force you to halt everything. If you never invested in the coping skills that forge emotional well-being, you'll now face a flood of inescapable disappointment, guilt, and anxiety. Building a strong set of resiliency habits prevents the stress crash or, at the very least, helps cushion your fall and enables you to bounce back more quickly.

Don't Bother Making the Time, Go Ahead and Take It

On the up side, self-care activities provide the necessary fuel to generate energy, positive mood, optimal physical health, and overall satisfaction with life. 

​If you recognize the need to take better care of yourself but carving out extra time in your day feels impossible, see the list below for everyday time savers.

Go for it, and Make Today a Great Day

 Dedicate the extra 20 minutes you recover from the list of ideas to self-care activities. Emphasize resiliency habits, those that develop grit. Assemble your custom repertoire of such skills with my stress-proofing PDF kit, free for Stress Less Weekly email subscribers.  As a special bonus, you'll also get access to the whole Creative Relaxation Library.

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