In recent years, the notion of “self-care” has gained significant traction. This concept revolves around the essential practice of dedicating time to one’s own needs—be it through exercise, meditation, or engaging in creative hobbies. The underlying message is clear: nurturing yourself isn’t an act of selfishness but a prerequisite for being able to care for others effectively. After all, you can’t fill others’ cups when your own is empty.
However, for many busy parents, the idea of incorporating self-care into their hectic schedules can feel daunting. The thought often arises: “How on earth am I supposed to find time for myself? I can barely manage basic tasks without interruptions.”
I completely resonate with these sentiments. Personally, I’ve struggled with self-care while juggling the demands of being a full-time mom. However, I discovered a valuable technique called “micro-shifting” that has made self-care achievable, even amidst the chaos of daily life.
As outlined by Alex Harper, a prominent author and editor, micro-shifting is about carving out brief, dedicated moments in your day for self-care activities. It’s not about the duration; even short snippets of time, like a minute or two, can be impactful if done consistently. The focus is on showing up for yourself rather than achieving perfection.
You may be thinking, “I still don’t have time for that!” But consider this: Harper points out that each of us has 1,440 minutes in a day. If you were to dedicate just 1 percent of that—around 15 minutes—to self-care, imagine the positive impact it could have on your life. You still have the remaining 99 percent of your day to manage your other responsibilities.
This concept is indeed eye-opening! Let me share how micro-shifting has benefited me. There are crucial self-care practices I prioritize each day to help manage my anxiety: meditation and exercise. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for years, these practices are essential. Without them, I risk spiraling into anxiety, which affects not just me but my family as well.
I use a meditation app that offers sessions as short as five minutes—research indicates that even brief meditations can be incredibly beneficial. During the years when my children were very young, I would meditate during their nap times or while nursing. Now that they are older and in school, I sneak in my meditation before diving into my workday. Those moments of solitude feel like a luxury!
Exercise is another key aspect of my self-care routine. I typically manage to squeeze in about 20 minutes of activity each day—not for weight loss, but for mental clarity and the much-needed endorphin boost. When my kids were toddlers, I took them on walks in a stroller or did quick yoga sessions while they napped. Occasionally, if I couldn’t fit in 20 uninterrupted minutes, I would break my workouts into shorter segments.
Harper shares that he wrote his first book by committing to just 15 minutes of writing each day for a year while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood. He notes, “Most of what I wrote was garbage, but that didn’t matter. I was building my writing muscles through consistency.”
Ultimately, it’s about making a commitment to yourself, understanding that perfection is unnecessary, and recognizing that your life is valuable. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you want to meditate, pick up a new instrument like the flute, or engage in a quick run, pursue whatever nourishes your spirit.
By making these small shifts, you might be surprised to find that you do have enough time in your day to prioritize yourself. You deserve it.
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In summary, micro-shifting offers busy moms a practical approach to self-care that is both manageable and rewarding. By dedicating just a few moments each day to attend to your own needs, you can cultivate a healthier, more balanced life.
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