As women, we’re naturally nurturing and don’t even think twice about caring for those around us before our ourselves.

We’ll give every part of ourselves to keep the house clean (or at least picked up), give attention and show love to our partner and children, take on extra responsibilities at work or volunteer in the community.

But what happens when we’re constantly taking care of everything outside of ourselves? We become overwhelmed, overworked, burned out and frazzled. We begin to lose sense of self.

When was the last time you gave yourself attention or showed yourself some love?

We tend to make self-care the last priority because our schedules are already overflowing. Who has the time or energy for a massage, a workout, a date night or snuggling up with a book?

And then there’s the guilt. Most of us will break down from exhaustion before caring for ourselves because we feel so guilty caring for our own needs.

One of my favorite quotes is, “I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” – Audre Lorde. It’s so powerful when we begin to think about self-care as part of our survival. 

When I began making self-care a daily practice, my entire life changed. I have more energy, I’m more inspired, I’m happier, I’m healthier, I’m kinder to my partner, I’m more motivated and so much more.

We think of self-care as being this time-consuming and expensive thing that will take so much extra energy. But when you shift your mindset about self-care, creating a daily practice will become easier.

Self-care is as simple as waking up 15 minutes before the rest of your family and enjoying a few minutes alone sipping your coffee.

Self-care is hiding in the bathroom for five minutes breathing with your eyes closed or listening to a short meditation on your phone.

Self-care is feeding your body a nourishing meal or snack.

Self-care is using your favorite body scrub for a few extra seconds in the shower.

Self-care is calling or texting a friend to connect with someone important to you.

Self-care is kissing and hugging your partner when they return home from work.

Self-care is wearing clothes that make you feel confident and beautiful.

Self-care is lounging on the couch under a fuzzy blanket with a glass of wine after the kids go to bed.

Take a moment to visualize yourself doing one or two of these acts of self-care each day. How would you feel? How would it change your day?