Why We're Obsessed with Self-Care Yet Don't Make Time for It & The Art of practicing Aesthetic Wellness
Are you a mom? A CEO? A busy professional? Maybe both? Maybe you are a spouse, or parents, or maybe you are all of the above?
Well, if you are any of these, or maybe none of these but a busy or hard-working person… it’s easy to become overwhelmed and feel like there’s never enough time in the day.
You might find yourself constantly running from one task to the next, with little time to relax or enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In our culture, self-care has become something of an obsession, yet we struggle to make time for it in our daily lives.
Let me tell you, we get it. Sometimes (or like all the time....) it feels as though life is literally on fast forward, and if we could just hit the pause button, if we could just stop for one second, if we could just take inventory in our lives to understand what we are doing, where we are going, and how we can live a fuller and more healthy life focusing on things that matter the most to us, man….that sounds like the life, right? Well we get it, and it is actually one of the reason we created The Oasis at Rose Hill. In todays world, we are all SO busy. Self-Care has become this buzzword, but in reality do any of us actually do it? In this article, I'll explore the reasons behind this paradox and offer one action you can take today to make time for yourself.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is essential to our overall wellbeing. By taking time to care for ourselves, we can reduce stress, improve our mental health, and enhance our relationships with others. In fact, studies have shown that self-care can increase our productivity, creativity, and sense of purpose. Despite these benefits, many of us struggle to prioritize self-care in our daily routines.
According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 75% of adults reported experiencing moderate to high levels of stress in the past month. In response to this stress, more and more people are focusing on self-care. In fact, the global wellness industry was valued at $4.5 trillion in 2018, according to the Global Wellness Institute. However, despite the increased focus on self-care, a survey conducted by the American Time Use Survey found that the average American spends only about 17 minutes a day on self-care activities such as exercise and relaxation, while over 40% reported feeling like they don’t have enough time for themselves. These statistics highlight the importance of prioritizing self-care and making time for ourselves in our busy lives.
Why We Struggle to Make Time for Self-Care
Our culture places a high value on productivity, achievement, and success. We’re told that we should always be striving for more, doing more, and achieving more. As a result, we often neglect our own needs in favor of work, family, or other obligations. We may even feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, as if we’re being selfish or lazy.
In addition, technology has made it easier than ever to be “always on.” We’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates, making it difficult to disconnect and recharge. We may even feel like we’re missing out on something if we’re not constantly plugged in.
Making time for self-care doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Here's one action you can take today to prioritize your own needs and help you practice self-care consistently:
Schedule a "Me Time" Appointment:
Just as you would schedule a meeting or doctor’s appointment, schedule a daily or weekly appointment with yourself. Use this time to do something you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, going for a walk, or simply sitting in silence. This time should be non-negotiable, just as you wouldn’t cancel an important meeting or appointment. Put it on your calendar! Make it official!!!
Here are some additional tips to help make this "Me Time" appointment a regular habit:
Set boundaries: Let others know that this time is important to you and should not be interrupted, except in case of an emergency.
Start small: If you’re new to self-care, start with just 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.
Get creative: Self-care doesn’t have to be boring or routine. Experiment with different activities until you find what works best for you.
Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to self-care. Try to schedule your “Me Time” appointment at the same time each day or week, so it becomes a regular part of your routine.
Remember, self-care is about taking intentional action to care for yourself, even in small ways.
By scheduling “Me Time” appointments and incorporating short self-care activities into your daily routine, you can prioritize your own needs and support your overall wellbeing.