The Essential Equation: Balancing Self-Care and Daily Life

Making Self-Care a Daily Priority

The most common objection to self-care is, “Where do I find the time?” The answer is simple: you make self-care part of your day, just like anything else. While this sounds easy, it’s can be difficult to implement if you don’t take the time to focus on it.

Let’s explore practical ways to fit self-care into your routine.

Understanding Your Time

There are 24 hours in a day, 168 hours in a week, and 52 weeks in a year. If you’re fortunate enough to get 8 hours of sleep each night, that amounts to 56 hours per week dedicated to rest. If you are getting that much, congratulations! You’re already practicing self-care—sleep and rest are essential components, even if we sometimes overlook them.

That leaves 112 waking hours each week. To make this more manageable, let’s focus on the 16 hours you’re awake each day. Even if you only sleep 5-6 hours per night, we are still dedicating 8 hours as dedicated to rest, so don’t argue—rest matters.

Here are some super easy and practical way to make sure you’re getting your self-care in throughout the day.  And you definitely don’t have to do them all.  Take what you like and save the rest for later.

Self-Care at Work

Of those 16 hours, many people spend 8 at work. Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom, your day is filled with tasks, errands, and schedules while kids are in school.

Let’s talk about self-care AT WORK.

• Hydration: Keep a favorite cup nearby and drink water regularly. If you don’t have one, treat yourself to a cup you love.

• Healthy Lunches: Preparation is key. If you can’t prepare food, at least plan where you’ll get lunch on days you can sneak away for a break.

• Pleasant Workspace: Surround yourself with photos and trinkets of people, places, and things you love. Remember why you work.

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Self-Care During Non-Work Hours

Let’s talk about those other 8 hours, when you are not working.

In these hours, you’re expected to eat breakfast, exercise, care for your household, prepare and eat dinner, maintain your home, and coordinate everyone’s schedules. This can feel overwhelming, so let’s break it down.

{I originally did this wok with the help of a Tony Robbins coach which really helped me appreciate the value of my time.}

Morning Routine

MORNING

• Spend 20 minutes connecting with God and yourself before your day begins.

• {I enjoy waking up before my children to meditate and connect, sometimes working out with the Moms Into Fitness app. Both activities help set the tone for my day.}

After Work Routine

AFTER WORK

After work and/or picking up kids or running errands, you typically have 5–6 hours left. These hours include dinner, homework, housework, baths and hygiene, bedtime routines, and relaxation. If you have kids, you will have to adjust this routine for extracurricular activities.

Integrating self-care into the evening is often the hardest. If you can claim an hour to yourself after everyone else goes to bed, take it! If not, here are some strategies to make the most of your night:

• Plan dinners for at least 3 weeknights. Planning is a form of self-care—take it as a “little treat” for your future self.

• Subscribe to podcasts you can listen to while your kids are at sport practices or dance classes. Filling your mind, body, and spirit with positivity is always recommended.

• While your child is practicing, start your own “practice”—use this time for yourself!

The Importance of Connection

Find connection.

• If you’re single, seek hobbies or groups that meet your needs. It may feel awkward at first, but push yourself to go. Remember, you’ve adapted to new situations before.

• If you’re the mom driving kids to practices, use the trips for meaningful conversations. Ask open-ended questions and listen. Also, connect with other parents while watching practices.

• If your job leaves you feeling “peopled-out,” connect with your God or higher power in the evening.

Sample Daily Schedule with Self-Care Opportunities

• 5:00 am – Wake up and meditate*

• 5:30 am – 15–30 minute workout or walk*

• 6:00 am – Shower and dress for the day*

• 6:45 am – Breakfast

• 7:30 am – Leave for work and/or school

• 8:30 am – Begin work

• 11:30 am – Lunch break & gratitude check-in (be grateful for food)*

• 5:00 pm – Finish work, pick up kids, etc.

• 6:00 pm – Dinner

• 7:00 pm – Relax with family or run kids to practice while doing your “practice”*

• 8:00 pm – Get kids ready for bed

• 8:30 pm – Your bedtime and skincare routine*

• 9:00 pm – Get ready and into bed for sleep*

*The asterisk shows where you can inject self-care into your day.

This isn’t everyone’s typical schedule, but it’s a reasonable template. Adjust as needed for your life.

Adapting Self-Care to Your Life

If waking up early isn’t feasible because your teenagers are up late, move meditation to the end of your day. If your lunch break is spent with clients or kids, carve out some time for yourself - even in the bathroom. It may sound silly, but every little moment counts.

Taking small moments to connect with yourself builds gradually into something meaningful and beautiful.

Final Self Care Thoughts

At the end of the day, aim to create a beautiful day for yourself, whatever that looks like. Hopefully, these suggestions inspire you to care for yourself in small ways that fit your schedule.

If you made it to the end of this post, congratulations. I can already feel your glow coming through.