How do you make time for self-care?

How Do You Make Time for Self-Care?

I used to think self-care was something you had to make time for. A quiet afternoon, a long bath, a weekend away, or some perfect little routine where nobody needed anything from you.

But life doesn’t always cooperate with that.

I’ve learned that sometimes self-care is much smaller. It’s saying no without writing a three-page apology in your head. It’s resting when you’re tired instead of feeling guilty about everything you “should” be doing. It’s stepping away from people or situations that drain you, even when you love them.

Sometimes it’s sitting quietly with a cup of coffee. Going outside for a few minutes. Turning your phone off. Having a good cry. Laughing at something completely ridiculous. Or simply admitting, “I don’t have much to give today.”

And I think one of the hardest forms of self-care is learning that you don’t have to earn it.

You don’t have to finish the laundry first.
You don’t have to make everyone else happy first.
You don’t have to reach the point of exhaustion before you’re allowed to rest.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s paying attention to the person who has to carry you through every single day of your life.

These days, I try not to ask, “Do I have time for self-care?”

I ask, “What do I need today?”

Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s laughter. Sometimes it’s company, and sometimes it’s being left completely alone.

And sometimes it’s chocolate.

I consider that medicinal. 😂❤️

With love
©️Suzy Bourget
suzybourgetauthor.ca