How to nourish yourself through learning and self-care

As a busy person with a special goal in mind, you may believe you don’t have time for nurturing the personal side of your life. It’s often the case that, when something does need to be sacrificed, people choose to sacrifice their own well-being and happiness because they believe they can cope without it.

You may see me-time as selfish, a luxury that benefits you alone. In fact, self-care and nurturing can benefit everyone around you.

Here’s how to improve your self-care so you and others benefit:

Be strict with your time

When you’re ambitious, you can find it very hard to switch off professionally. Sometimes you may work late into the night in the belief that the extra hours will push you further forward faster. In fact, the opposite can be true. Working long hours without proper breaks can affect your focus, energy and productivity.

Consider it: do you procrastinate, even a little? Do you try to fit in a call with your mum while balancing the company cheque book? Are you forever multitasking, but don’t seem to wind the jobs up? This is where me time comes in.

Every day, you need time to do exactly what you want to do. This could be reading a book, writing a journal or even shopping online. It’s up to you, but it is your time and your time alone.

You won’t notice it while you’re enjoying the me time, but you may find that when you get back to work, your brain is refreshed and ready to go.

Be strict with technology

In a connected world, it seems harmless to answer an email while you’re reading a book or running a bath, but these little work interruptions can affect your mental well-being, along with the relationships around you. You may have a lot of support from family and friends, but even they may appreciate it if you set a time limit on your technology.

There are very few people who expect you to be available during unsociable hours. Most understand that you have a life you must lead too. Many will respect that you have a firm handle on work-life balance and understand how important it is to have something more than work.

Set goals and reward yourself

Do you restrict your own self-indulgence because of a belief that you don’t deserve it? For instance, if you’ve had an unproductive day, do you punish yourself and work late, even though you may be exhausted?

If these habits are too hard to shake and you do feel selfish for taking time out for yourself, use it as a motivator instead. For instance, tell yourself that after you’ve contacted 10 people, you’ve earned yourself 10 minutes of me time that day. Finishing a section of a report for work earns you a deep, hot bubble bath. Set yourself goals and don’t wait for anyone else to reward you.

Start caring for yourself today, and everyone around you may reap the rewards. A life coach can also provide support with personal development and building healthier habits in different areas of life.