10 Creative Ways to Indulge in Regular Self-Care

In a typical week, you organize and oversee your kid's busy lives, including school projects, sports practices, doctor, and hair appointments. You shop, cook, do laundry, take the dog to the groomer, manage your office workload, and still squeeze in last-minute errands for your spouse without giving it a second thought. Somehow, you accomplish everything on your to-do list, and then some, except for one essential thing—taking time out to focus on your own needs.

Finding the time to refuel your tank is vital for any human being but particularly for caregivers, including super-busy parents who serve others 24/7.

Finding the time to refuel your tank is vital for any human being but particularly for caregivers, including super-busy parents who serve others 24/7. It goes a long way in managing stress and living your best life. And yet, practicing regular self-care isn't an easy concept for many parents to embrace.

One reason many parents don't reenergize is that we scurry from one task to the next without living in the moment. Parenting guru Dr. Laura Markham strategizes tuning into our thoughts as often as possible throughout the day.

Simply being present with yourself is an essential form of  'attention' that we all need. We get hooked on the adrenaline of rushing. But you'll be better at your job if you get into the habit of being more present. And if you're home with children, it's essential.

Dr. Laura Markham

Here are ten ways to make self-care a mindful priority in your busy life.

1. Practice the HALT method  

Self-care means knowing who you are and recognizing your limits. It means recognizing when you are doing more than you're used to handling and figuring out how to slow down.

When you're starting to feel yourself getting burned out and overwhelmed, follow this helpful acronym—HALT. Stop and ask yourself whether you're feeling:

• Hungry
• Angry
• Lonely
• Tired

By taking a breather and paying attention to why you might be feeling crazed, you'll be able to address the culprit immediately rather than letting it fester until you eventually blowing up. For example, if it's now 2 p.m. and you haven't had anything but coffee since the kids left for school, sit yourself down (yes, you deserve to sit while you eat!) and have a healthy sandwich...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips