As a general rule, I’m against multi-tasking. It’s really impossible to think about more than one thing so you just end up quickly switching from one task to another, which is both ineffective and exhausting. The exception to the rule, however, is when it comes to self-care. I’d LOVE to be able to just lock myself into a room for an hour or two every day to JUST focus on my own sanity, but that’s a fantasy that’s going to have to wait for another day. I’m a work-from-home mom juggling career and family 24 hours a day, and I’ve just had to come to terms with the fact that there will always be an important deadline, another pile of laundry and dishes to be put away, and someone who needs my attention. Like a lot of women, I’m not great at putting my needs before those of others (especially my 3-year-old, who can never get enough of my attention). So here’s what I’ve learned to do: I work really hard to incorporate things that help me stay calm, present, and focused on whatever it is I’m doing. I make an effort to sneak in self-care wherever I can to remind myself that I’m actually an important person who deserves to be taken care of, too. It’s pretty empowering that I don’t have to depend on anyone else to give me the care I need—I can take care of everything I need to do and take care of myself, too, thank you!

Photo by lauren.taylor

Without further ado, here are my favorite ways to sneak in as much self-care as I can during a busy day.

Take slow, full, deep breaths as often as possible.

Drink lots of water—infuse it with cucumber, lemon, or orange for a special treat.

Sip on a soothing, herbal tea the whole day. I love peppermint because it’s energizing. (Some days I sip water, other days I sip tea—both keep me hydrated and help me stay focused on my overall health)

Diffuse an essential oil that you love. I love lavender to keep me calm and frankincense for focus.

Listen to music that makes you happy, calms your nerves, or inspires you to get up and dance.

Prepare a delicious, healthy lunch just for you (Repeat after me: I won’t eat peanut butter and jelly every day just because that’s all my preschooler wants to eat.)

Put fresh flowers in bud vases at your desk, the kitchen sink, bathroom counters, and anywhere else you spend a lot of your time.

Every time you see a quote or image that inspires you, post it up on a bulletin board near your desk to remind you of what you’re working toward.

Schedule short breaks throughout your day to get outside and take a walk in the sunshine, do a quick Down Dog or Handstand, or just check in with yourself. Just a little bit goes a long way.

Last but not least I do my best to be a mindful mama. Sometimes I’m really bad at this one.. But I try. When I’m playing with my daughter, reading to her, rocking her to sleep, making her meals, etc., I try to be completely mindful and present in the moment. The more present I can be, the more connected we both feel. It also makes me realize just how grateful I am to be able to share these moments with her, even in the most trying times.

How do you sneak a little self-care into your day?