How to Fit in Self-Care When You’re Caring for Others
Becoming a Transition to Success (TTS) Trainer or Instructor is the fuel of our social transformational movement and key to changing our nation’s understanding and response to poverty. TTS Trainers and Instructors can also earn extra income while pursuing a personal passion. While becoming a Trainer/Instructor can be beneficial, it will inevitably add more items to your already lengthy to-do list. Juggling your career, social obligations, family life, and a side gig may not leave much time for self-care. However, it's important to put effort into self-care or you risk burn out.
Read on for a quick guide to fitting in self-care in your demanding lifestyle.
How to Fit in Self-Care When You’re Caring for Others
By Sheila Johnson
Take the tedium out of healthy eating with meal prep
At the end of a busy day, you may not have much energy left for cooking. Spare yourself the stress by meal prepping: preparing large batches of nutritious food in advance that you can then simply reheat. Meal prepping saves time and money, and can even help you better manage your portion sizes. Gathering Dreams offers a list of 25 meal prep ideas to get you started, from Greek couscous salad to chickpea curry.
Combine socializing and fitness with group workouts
Regular physical activity nurtures good mental and physical health and can stave off diseases from diabetes to depression. However, when you're busy with a side gig, you may find it tough to fit in exercise. Make it easier by combining working out with socializing. Group fitness classes are one option and help hold you accountable. You can also take classes with employees, coworkers, or other entrepreneurs, combining networking and fitness.
Create a sleep-friendly space to get the rest you need
As a rule, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Ensure you get the rest you need by creating a sleep-friendly bedroom. This will help you drift off faster at night so that you don't waste valuable hours tossing and turning in bed. To create a snooze-worthy space, use blackout curtains to eliminate light and get a white noise machine to nix noise. It's also helpful to turn the temperature down, as it's easier to sleep in cooler rooms.
Take a break to get outdoors and unplug
Spending time outdoors can be a valuable way to unplug and take a break from your daily obligations. You'll have the opportunity to step away from your digital devices, soak up the beautiful scenery, and focus on nothing but yourself. If you're not an outdoorsy person, do some research into the benefits nature can have on you — especially if you spend a lot of time indoors due to your job. As Zenbusiness points out, perfecting that work-life balance is important, as it can have an effect on every aspect of your life. So, spending a little time outside every day could be exactly what the doctor ordered!
Map your Dreams…. It’s not just for clients!
Take the time to dream. What are your hopes? What do you want for youself and for your family. Be your own Coach. Taking care of yourself means believing in what could be.
Volunteer
Volunteerism is key best practice in TTS because we know volunteerism improves health, educational, emotional and economic outcomes. Volunteering is another great way to shift your focus from your and obligations and gain a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around you. By contributing to your community, you will help build up others while gaining a sense of personal worth and satisfaction.
Get a peer mentor
The time together is all about your hopes and dreams and how to get there. The ability to ask for help and support from others is key to your health and well-being.
Give yourself 15 minutes of "me time" every day
Self-care doesn't always have to mean taking big steps like participating in volunteer work or going on outdoor adventures. Sometimes, self-care is as simple as reading a book or going for a walk. Carve out 15 minutes of time every day to do something that is purely for your own pleasure. Get Mom Balanced provides a list of easy activities, like listening to music, practicing mindfulness meditation, or coloring.
When starting something new, it can be tempting to devote all your energy to your new venture. Remember it's important to make time for self-care. The above guide provides some actionable tips you can use.
Sheila Johnson is a wellness expert and founder of Well Sheila. You can visit her website at www.wellsheila.net.