# Prioritizing Self-Care Even When Life Gets Stressful

Chapter 1: Understanding the Importance of Self-Care

In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing self-care can often take a backseat, leading to increased stress levels.

Self-Care is Essential for Your Wellbeing

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Why Do We Neglect Self-Care?

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed to the point where I’ve abandoned my morning self-care rituals, such as yoga, meditation, journaling, and reading. Typically, I wake up at 5:00 AM during the school year to fit everything in before my daughter needs to get ready for school. However, over the summer, I found myself rising later and later. While I attempt to maintain some elements of my routine, I haven’t exercised in weeks and have even skipped meditation—activities that generally help me feel more focused and balanced. As a result, my stress levels have only increased!

I’ve noticed this pattern before; I halted my self-care practices during significant life changes, like when our home was flooded by Hurricane Harvey, during renovations, and even throughout the pandemic—times when self-care was crucial!

Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s not just me; many friends and clients express that they can’t seem to find time for self-care. They often feel too busy, yearning for more sleep or wishing to engage in hobbies or vacations with friends.

Make Self-Care Your Top Priority

Are we truly at our best in our jobs when we’re feeling stressed? Are we present for our families when we’re utterly drained? Can we contribute meaningfully to our communities or make our friends feel valued? Clearly not!

To show up as our best selves for the things we cherish, we must prioritize our well-being.

Acknowledging the Challenge: "I Know, But How?"

I can hear your thoughts echoing: you’ve heard this advice countless times, yet you feel lost about where to begin. The idea of starting can feel daunting, especially when you’re already feeling stressed—it seems like just another item on an endless to-do list.

Start by prioritizing sleep. Sleep is a crucial aspect of self-care. Despite knowing this, we often stay up late or wake up early to squeeze in more tasks. Imagine how much more energy you’d have if you were well-rested—could you accomplish your to-do list in less time? Likely!

Next, focus on your nutrition. You don’t need to embark on an exhausting diet that adds to your stress. Instead, aim to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Aim for about 5–7 servings daily. For example, add berries to your oatmeal, enjoy a smoothie for breakfast, or snack on veggies with hummus at lunch. A large salad before dinner or some roasted asparagus as a side can make a difference!

After addressing sleep and nutrition, it’s time to infuse joy into your life. Go out for dinner with friends, dive into a passion project, or explore a new hobby. Read a book for enjoyment, stroll through nature, or create a dream board. The options are limitless, as long as they bring you happiness and lightness.

You can gradually incorporate stress-relieving habits into your routine. Read something motivational each morning, engage in prayer or meditation, listen to uplifting podcasts during your commute, or practice yoga or running to clear your mind.

Relief from Stress is Just One Habit Away

If you find yourself too stressed for self-care, remember that relief is often just one new habit away. While I’ve shared several suggestions, you can start by incorporating just one. Once you experience a sense of relief, add another habit, and then another. Over time, you will cultivate a life filled with joy and purpose.

This article serves as a reminder for both you and me: self-care is an ongoing journey that involves developing and adhering to habits that lead you closer to your ideal life. When stress derails you, as it has for me on multiple occasions, pick yourself back up and return to the practices that uplift you. The greater the stress, the more essential self-care becomes.