7 SIMPLE WAYS TO INCORPORATE SELF-CARE INTO YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE

Self-care is a vital component of living a healthy, fulfilling life. Yet, it's often the first thing we let go of when our schedules become packed with work and other obligations. Many people view self-care as a luxury, something they don't have time for or can't afford. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even physical illness. In this article, we'll explore 10 simple ways to incorporate self-care into your busy schedule, so you can prioritize your well-being and live a more balanced life. ## 1. Start your day with faith Starting your day with faith is a simple but powerful way to incorporate self-care into your busy schedule. When you begin your day with faith, you're setting the tone for the rest of your day. By taking just a few minutes to connect with God and reflect on His Word, you're inviting Him to be a part of your day and inviting His presence and guidance in all that you do. This can help you stay centered and focused, even when you're facing a lot of stress or uncertainty. In addition to the spiritual benefits, starting your day with faith can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that people who practice daily prayer or meditation have lower levels of stress and anxiety, and are more able to cope with the challenges of everyday life. By taking time each morning to focus on your faith, you're giving yourself a moment of peace and reflection that can help you approach your day with a greater sense of calm and clarity. Using tools like the [Faith Forward app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/faith-forward/id1661516199) can make it even easier to start your day with faith. With daily devotionals tailored to your unique needs and interests, the app can help you stay engaged and inspired in your faith journey. It's a convenient way to make faith a regular part of your routine, and can help you feel more connected to God and to your own spiritual growth. > "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." - Psalm 5:3 ## 2. Make time for exercise Making time for exercise is a crucial aspect of self-care with many benefits for both physical and mental health. Regular physical activity has been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, enhancing cognitive function, improving mood, and reducing anxiety. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, natural chemicals that can boost mood and alleviate stress and anxiety. Furthermore, one of the most significant benefits of exercise is its impact on cardiovascular health. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and improve heart function. To make time for exercise in a busy schedule, it's important to find enjoyable activities that fit one's lifestyle, whether it's going for a run, taking a yoga class, or going for a swim. By prioritizing exercise, one can invest in their physical and mental well-being and live a happier, healthier life. ## 3. Create a relaxing environment Creating a relaxing environment is an essential part of self-care that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and tranquility. A relaxing environment can mean different things to different people, but it generally involves creating a space that feels peaceful, comfortable, and rejuvenating. This might involve decluttering your space, adding elements like plants or artwork that bring you joy, or simply setting aside a few minutes each day to sit quietly and breathe. By taking the time to create a relaxing environment, you're sending a powerful message to yourself that you value your own well-being and that you're committed to creating a space that supports your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. > "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul" - Psalm 23:2-3 ## 4. Eat well and mindfully Eating well and mindfully is an important aspect of self-care that honors the temple of the Holy Spirit that is our body. It's a way of nurturing ourselves and demonstrating our gratitude for God's gift of life. By choosing foods that nourish our bodies and avoiding those that don't, we're taking an active role in our own health and well-being. Additionally, mindful eating practices like savoring each bite and paying attention to our hunger and fullness cues can help us form a healthier relationship with food and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the abundance in our lives. By prioritizing healthy eating habits, we're honoring our bodies as sacred vessels and setting ourselves up for a happier, healthier life. ## 5. Schedule regular breaks As Christians, we are called to honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy, setting aside time for rest and renewal. Scheduling regular breaks throughout the day is a practical way to honor this call and prioritize self-care in our busy lives. Taking short, frequent breaks to walk outside and connect with God's creation, or to rest our minds and bodies in quiet meditation, can help us recharge our energy levels and approach our work with renewed focus and clarity. By incorporating regular breaks into our daily routine, we are not only caring for ourselves but also living out our commitment to following God's commandments and living a life that is grounded in faith and mindful of our spiritual and physical well-being. ## 6. Practice gratitude We are called to give thanks in all circumstances, and gratitude can be a powerful tool in helping us stay focused on God's blessings, even in the midst of trials or difficulties. Studies have shown that cultivating a regular practice of gratitude can help reduce stress, increase feelings of happiness and well-being, and improve relationships. Finding ways to fit gratitude into a busy schedule can be a challenge, but there are many simple and practical ways to do so. Some options might include starting a gratitude journal and taking a few minutes each day to write down things you are thankful for, setting aside time each day to offer a prayer of thanksgiving, or making a conscious effort to express gratitude to the people in your life. By prioritizing gratitude in our daily lives, we are living out our faith and cultivating a spirit of thankfulness and contentment that can help us navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and grace. As Christians, gratitude is not just a personal practice, but also a powerful act of worship and witness. When we practice gratitude, we are testifying to God's goodness and faithfulness, and demonstrating to others the power of living a life grounded in faith and gratitude. By prioritizing gratitude in our daily lives, we are not only caring for ourselves but also living out our commitment to following Christ and sharing His love with the world around us. ## 7. Get enough sleep Getting enough sleep is an essential aspect of self-care that can help support physical and mental health. As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies, and getting enough sleep is an important part of that commitment. Some tips for better sleep habits might include creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding stimulating activities like technology use before bed, and setting a regular sleep schedule. Additionally, it can be helpful to create a comfortable sleep environment, with a supportive mattress and comfortable bedding, and to avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. By prioritizing sleep, we're investing in our health and well-being, and honoring God's call to steward our bodies as His sacred vessels. > "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves." - Psalm 127:2 Incorporating self-care into our busy schedules is not just a luxury but a necessity. We are called to honor God with our bodies and our lives, and that includes caring for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By making intentional choices to prioritize self-care, we are taking an active role in our own health and happiness, and demonstrating our gratitude for the gifts that God has given us. As we close this article, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the ways in which you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine. Consider which of the seven simple ways we've discussed might resonate with you and make a commitment to putting them into practice. Whether it's starting your day with faith, making time for exercise, or scheduling regular breaks, taking time to care for yourself can make a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. As a final exercise, I invite you to spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to guide you in your journey towards greater self-care. Thank Him for the blessings in your life and for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of our peace and well-being. And, commit to making self-care a regular part of your life, trusting in God's provision and guidance every step of the way.