
It’s Not Your Fault—But Here’s What Can Help.
Self-care advice often feels like it’s written for people with zero responsibilities.
You know the type: Take a long bubble bath. Meditate for an hour. Plan a whole self-care day!
But what if your life looks more like this:
You’ve got kids (or pets) climbing all over you.
Your to-do list is longer than your patience.
You’re running on caffeine, running out of time, and running yourself into the ground.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
The truth is, self-care isn’t easy for most people, especially when life feels like one giant juggling act. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to look perfect to work.
If bubble baths and spa days feel out of reach, here are three simple self-care strategies you can actually fit into a real-life, busy schedule.
1. Start Small—5 Minutes is Enough
Self-care doesn’t have to be an hour-long yoga class or a gourmet green smoothie. It can start with just five minutes of doing something that’s just for you.
That might mean:
Sitting quietly with your coffee.
Stretching out your stiff shoulders.
Writing down one thing you’re grateful for.
Think of it this way: A tiny flame can still light up a dark room. Even five minutes can shift your day.
Try This:
Make a list of quick, feel-good activities you enjoy. (Think: reading a few pages of a book, taking deep breaths, or listening to a favorite song.)
Pick one and do it every day for two weeks. Then, build from there.
2. Delete, Delegate, and Do Less
When your plate is overflowing, it’s time to scrape some things off.
Ask yourself:
What can I delete? (Maybe you don’t need to say yes to every meeting.)
What can I delegate? (Kids can pack lunches. Partners can fold laundry. Trust me, they can.)
What can I do less of? (An A- effort is still a win—don’t aim for perfection.)
Self-care sometimes means saying “no” so you can say “yes” to yourself.
Try This:
Look at your schedule for the week. Cross off one thing that doesn’t actually need to get done.
Bonus: Let someone else take over a task—even if they don’t do it your way.
3. Forget “Should” and Focus on “Could”
A lot of guilt comes from the endless “shoulds” running through our heads:
I should have a perfectly clean house.
I should work late like my coworkers.
I shouldn’t let the kids watch TV.
But what if you challenged those “shoulds”?
Ask yourself:
Does this really matter?
Would it help if I let it go?
What could I do instead that supports my health and happiness?
Sometimes, self-care is as simple as saying, “I could take the shortcut, and that’s okay.”
Try This:
Notice the “shoulds” in your thoughts today.
Replace one with something that serves you better. For example, instead of “I should make dinner from scratch,” try, “I could grab a rotisserie chicken and call it done.”
Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
Real-life self-care isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding small, doable ways to take care of yourself—even when life is busy.
Start with a few minutes, set some boundaries, and let go of the “shoulds.”
You might just find that taking care of yourself is a lot more doable—and a lot more rewarding—than you thought.
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