There never seems to be enough hours in the day. It can often feel like you are constantly running around playing taxi driver to children, grandchildren, or relatives for multiple appointments… And that’s all on top of working and trying to run a home.

You want to be there and support everyone, but you are exhausted and overwhelmed.

Being able to take time out for yourself seems like a pipe dream, even though you know you should. Some days you are lucky if you manage to go to the bathroom in peace! 

Does this sound like you?

Here are my 5 top tips for finding time to put your own wellbeing first – even on the busiest of days:

Selfcare comes in many different forms, it doesn’t need to take long. By incorporating some small changes into your daily routine, you can ensure that you have time to refill your own cup sufficiently. 

These tips I spoke about in my free masterclass. If you missed it, then here they are, or you can watch the replay.

1 — Understand how you are spending your time currently

Write down how you spend each hour of just one day, down to the nearest 5 minutes. Notice how much time you spend on things that don’t help your wellbeing such as scrolling social media, flicking through the TV channels because you are too exhausted to focus on one thing or just procrastinating.

2 — Think little and often

If it seems impossible to imagine having an hour a month for yourself then start with finding times when you have even just one minute. A quick breathing exercise or body scan meditation whilst stood in a queue at the bank can make a huge difference to your daily stress levels. Find several minutes like this in a day and it soon adds up.

3 — Set your boundaries

Let those around you know that you need to take time for you – they aren’t mind readers and you may be surprised at their response. Explain how you feel and how it would help you and they will either take the load off you or stop making so many demands on your time themselves. It will benefit them too in the long run.

4 — Make a date with yourself

Pick a time, choose what you want to do just for you and mark it in your diary. Make it non-negociable like an important hospital appointment.

5 — Know your why

Once you understand and can truly see and feel how it would be for you and your family if you spent just a little more time on yourself, you will be more likely to make it happen!

Keep showing up with the energy and capacity you want, and start feeling more like yourself!