When Did We Get So Busy & Then Forgot To Look After Ourselves

Ever feel like you are looking after everyone and everything, but somehow you are always last on your own list?

You get up, get on with the day, answer the messages, sort the meals, go to work, look after the family, remember the appointments and tackle the never ending list of things that need doing.

Before you know it, it is bedtime, you are absolutely shattered, and the things you wanted to do for yourself haven't happened Again!

Somewhere along the way, looking after ourselves can become something we do if there is time left overnd let's be honest, when does that ever happen?

The little things we put off

It's funny how easily we can convince ourselves that the things we enjoy can wait -

That book you have been meaning to read? Happens Later.

That early night? Tomorrow.

Taking a little time to moisturise properly, sort out your nails or do something that makes you feel good? When everything else is done.

But the truth is, there is always going to be something else to do. Another job, another message, another thing that needs your attention.

If we wait until everything is finished before we look after ourselves, we might be waiting a very long time!

Self care doesn't have to be a big production

When we hear the words self care, it's easy to picture expensive products, elaborate skincare routines, luxury holidays or an entire afternoon spent being pampered.

While those things can be lovely, self care can be much simpler than that. It might be enjoying your morning coffee while it's still hot for once, taking a proper lunch break, going for a walk and enjoying the fresh air, putting your phone down for half an hour or getting into bed a little earlier.

It could be painting your nails in a colour that makes you smile, giving your hands some extra care or taking five minutes to moisturise your skin instead of rushing through everything.

These little moments might not seem like much, but they can be a reminder that you matter too.

Looking after your appearance isn't vanity

Let's talk about beauty for a moment.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, enjoy a facial, have your nails done or feel a little more put together.

Sometimes, having your hair looking good, your nails freshly painted or your skin feeling comfortable gives you that little boost when you need it.

It doesn't mean you are trying to impress anyone else. Sometimes you simply enjoy the feeling of doing something for yourself.

Equally, there will be days when you don't have the time, energy or inclination to bother and that is absolutely fine too!

The important thing is remembering that you deserve to feel good about yourself at every stage of life, not just when everything else is going perfectly.

You don't have to earn your rest

This is something many of us could probably do with hearing a little more often.

You don't have to finish every job, tick every box or make everyone else happy before you are allowed to sit down.

Rest isn't a reward for being productive enough.

You are allowed to have an evening on the sofa without feeling guilty. You are allowed to say no to plans when you need some breathing space. You are allowed to spend time doing something you enjoy, even when there are still dishes in the sink.

Those dishes will probably still be there tomorrow anyway! 😂

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is give yourself a chance to recharge.

Start small and make it realistic

You don't need to transform your entire routine overnight. In fact, adding another ten things to your to do list probably defeats the point!

Instead, choose one small thing you can realistically do for yourself this week.

Perhaps you could:

• Give yourself five minutes: Apply your favourite hand cream, enjoy a quiet cup of tea or take a few slow breaths.

• Make your evening a little calmer: Put your phone away, have a warm shower or settle down with something you enjoy.

• Look after your skin: Keep your routine simple and consistent rather than feeling you need to buy every new product.

• Move a little: Stretch, take a gentle walk or get away from your desk for a few minutes.

• Make time for something you love: Read, see a friend, enjoy a hobby or book something you've been looking forward to.

Choose something that feels good for you, rather than something you think you should be doing.

If one day doesn't go to plan? Don't worry. You can start again tomorrow.

A little reminder as we settle into autumn

As the evenings get darker and the colder weather encourages us to slow down, autumn can be a lovely opportunity to check in with ourselves.

Are you constantly rushing? Have you been putting off things that make you happy? When was the last time you did something simply because you wanted to?

You don't need to have everything figured out, and you certainly don't need to become a completely different person.

Just remember that you are part of the life you are so busy looking after.

You deserve some of the time, care and kindness you give to everyone else.

So this week, give yourself permission to do one little thing for you and if that means getting into your pyjamas, grabbing a blanket, putting the telly on and doing absolutely nothing for a while, I think that sounds like a rather lovely place to start.

Over to you: What's one little thing that helps you feel more like yourself when life gets hectic?

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones we all need reminding of.