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Can you recall the last time you stopped to focus on you? When you did something just for yourself? Call it what you want, self care or focusing on yourself. It is important. I have yet to meet someone that hasn’t put themselves on the back burner at one time or another. Maybe you became a new mommy or daddy, you are a caretaker for a parent or loved one or you just experienced a major transition in your life, the examples are endless. That is why I have come up with this quick and easy list on how to focus on you!
10 Tips To Focus On You In 10 Minutes or Less
If you are reading this, I am guessing you are one of those people or you know someone that needs some helpful tips. In fact, I am also one of those people! I preach and encourage it with my clients, colleagues, friends and family, yet I still struggle. You wouldn’t believe how many trainings I have had on the importance of self care. However, putting it into practice is a different story! Right?!?
Are you someone that puts everyone else’s needs first? Do you have a hard time making yourself a priority? When you continue to put others ahead of yourself it will soon be obvious that you are running on empty! You know that saying, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Well, it’s true. I say, it’s time to fill up that cup!
The reality is, it isn’t necessary to be gone half a day or even a couple hours. Yes, those long breaks are great and useful from time to time. However, I am talking about little breaks. Just take 10 minutes out of your day to focus on you.
I have had countless conversations about this topic. Here are the top 2 reasons people don’t make themself a priority, “I don’t have the time” and “I feel guilty.” Do either of these sound familiar to you?
I Don’t Have The Time
When people say they don’t have time, it’s usually because they believe they need to go for a day at the spa, go for a long hike, take a day or night for themself. Don’t get me wrong, all of those things are wonderful but not necessarily attainable for everyone.
My simple response to people when they say they don’t have time… Do you have 10 minutes to spare during your day? I have yet to find someone say they can’t find 10 minutes sometime during the day. If you think you don’t have 10 minutes, please take this challenge. Sit down and write down all things you did throughout the day. I guarantee you can find 10 minutes.
We can all carve out 10 minutes from our day to do something just for you. I’m not talking about completing a task on your to do list, either! I’ve had people come back and tell me they went through the mail that was piling up on their desk or they went through 1 drawer in their dresser. I understand how good that can feel to check something off the extremely long, never ending TO DO LIST. However, these 10 minutes are meant to focus on you! Do something or do nothing that will nurture or rejuvenate your soul.
I Feel Guilty Focusing On Myself
Guilt is another issue that comes up. That dreaded guilt, “how can I take time away from my family” or “I have a huge list of things to do before I can focus on myself.” This comes up a lot, especially for new mommies or caregivers. However, it happens for anyone for a various of reason. You can read more from me on mommy guilt and how to manage it here.
When you are taking only 10 minutes from your day you won’t feel that guilt. In fact, you will feel reinvigorated and ready to take on the day!
You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup
The truth is you don’t need much time to fill up your cup. I have a created a list of 10 tips to focus on you. I challenge you to give yourself 10 minutes of undivided attention. You will soon be amazed at what can be done and how much better you can feel.
Again, start small, take 1 idea every couple of days, then move to it becoming part of your daily routine. I have clients that ended up adding this to their morning and/or evening routine.
10 tips that take 10 minutes or less
- Get up 10 minutes before anyone else, drink a cup of coffee or tea in your favorite mug by yourself.
- Do 10 minutes of meditation/guided imagery.
- Listen or watch a motivating TED Talks or other podcast.
- Listen to music that makes you happy – sit and listen or get up and dance!
- Indulge in a favorite treat- for me, that includes a cup of coffee and piece of decadent chocolate
- Sit outside – enjoy the fresh air, look at the stars, listen to the rain, watch the clouds or soak up the sun.
- Read positive affirmations/Quotes – create a board on pinterest of all your favorite positive or funny quotes. Take time and look over that board.
- Take some deep breaths-relax body from head to toe
- Journal – There are journals that have prompts to help you with gratitude, being positive and can be done in 5-10 minutes
- 10 minute yoga stretches/pilates workout
Remember, these 10 minutes are just for YOU! At the end, check in with yourself. How do you feel? Are you calmer, a little less stressed? I promise you will see what a difference 10 minutes can make!
I’d love to hear if you’ve tried any of these or if you have any others that work for you.
