10 self-care tips for life in the fast lane

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us lead busy lives that leave little time for self-care, despite it being crucial for our wellbeing – which is why we thought we’d put together 10 self-care tips for life in the fast lane.

Why it matters

It might seem obvious that it’s important to take care of yourself, but in case you’re a ‘facts’ sort of person, let’s look at why it’s critical.

Research has shown that practicing self-care can improve mental health, increase resilience, and enhance overall wellbeing.

One study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that self-care practices, such as mindfulness, exercise, and self-compassion, were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression among college students (Tavolacci et al., 2018).

Another study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that self-care practices, such as engaging in hobbies, socialising, and spending time in nature, were associated with increased resilience among mental health professionals (Koskinen et al., 2016).

Additionally, self-care practices can help prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that self-care practices, such as taking breaks and getting enough sleep, were associated with decreased burnout and increased job satisfaction among healthcare workers (Sargent et al., 2016).

10 self-care tips for busy people

Ok, “get to the tips!”, right?

Don’t forget to check out Story of My Life Journal, which provides support across a number of these areas:

1. Prioritise sleep: One of the most important self-care practices is getting enough sleep. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you unwind and fall asleep faster.
2. Schedule “me time”: Block off some time in your schedule for yourself each day. Use this time to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing mindfulness.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that can help reduce stress and increase focus. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment.
4. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve your physical health. Even if you only have a few minutes, try to fit in some form of physical activity each day.
5. Eat healthy: Eating a healthy diet is essential for overall wellbeing. Try to incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein into your diet.
6. Take breaks: It can be tempting to work through your lunch break or skip breaks altogether, but taking breaks can actually increase productivity and reduce stress. Take a few minutes every hour to stretch, take a walk, or simply rest your eyes.
7. Connect with others: Social connection is crucial for our mental health. Make time to connect with friends and family, even if it’s just a quick phone call or text message.
8. Practice gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing happiness and reducing stress. Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you’re grateful for.
9. Set boundaries: It’s important to set boundaries and say “no” to things that don’t serve you. Learn to prioritise your own needs and say “yes” to the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
10. Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, don’t be afraid to seek support. Talk to a friend or family member, or consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor.

References

Koskinen, L., Ahola, K., & Vaananen, A. (2016). Relationship between individual factors and self-care among mental health professionals: A cross-sectional survey. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 23(8), 506-516.

Sargent, L., Terry, D. J., & Zhou, X. (2016). The role of work-related rumination in the relationship between job stressors and employee well-being. Journal of Applied Psychology, 101(10), 1413–1426.

Tavolacci, M. P., Ladner, J., Grigioni, S., Richard, L., Villet, H., Dechelotte, P., & Prevalence Study Group. (2018). Prevalence and association of perceived stress, substance use and behavioral addictions: A cross-sectional study among university students in France, 2009–2011. Journal of Health Psychology, 23(2), 153-160.