Self-Care Ideas for Busy Women: 6 Simple Ways to Unwind

This post was most recently updated on September 13th, 2023

[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

Hey there, amazing women! Whether you’re a mom, a blogger, a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or simply a woman with a lot on her plate, I get it—you’ve got a full schedule and a to-do list that never seems to end. Balancing it all while working from home can be challenging, right? Well, if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, stressed out, and in dire need of some quality “me time,” you’ve come to the right place.

So, I’ve been giving these self-care ideas a shot in my daily routine. I’m all about doing a little something for myself every day – like 30 minutes in the morning, another chunk in the afternoon, and a final dose before hitting the sack. And guess what? It’s been pretty awesome, to be honest!

In this age of instant access to everything, there’s a downside we often overlook. Back in the day, getting information was tough, but now, it’s like an information overdose, and the feeling of being overwhelmed? It’s nuts!

Self-care ideas for busy women

I’ve been on the work-from-home train for three solid years, and believe me, it used to jack up my stress levels. Instead of the usual 9-to-5 grind, it felt like I was working 24/7. But there are days when I realize I need to take a step back and recharge. Being a solo entrepreneur can be extra draining because you’re your own cheerleader.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve managed to keep my stress levels in check and feel way more relaxed, without that constant overwhelm. I’ve actually been feeling pretty darn good about myself and ready to tackle whatever life throws my way. That’s why I’ve put together these self-care ideas for busy women out there looking to cut down on stress.

Set a mindful intention

After completing my morning routine, and start preparing to work, I set a mindful intention. For example, if I’m going to work on my translation project, I ask myself why I’m doing it. What is the impulse that drives it?

Setting this up serves two things: it keeps you focused on your “why” and guides your approach to the task at hand. After making it a routine for months, my mind automatically eases into the task.

Plan your day/week/month

You might be bored reading about ‘planning your day’ on my blog. But hear me out – planning has been a game-changer in organizing my life and putting my mind at ease. This is one of the top self-care ideas for busy women because it simplifies your day

The truth is, we have too many things that need our attention at once. Every day, take a seat with your to-do list and jot down what needs tackling for the day ahead. Keep it as straightforward as possible. You’re not just doing this to complete tasks but also to leave room for any additional items on your agenda.

Read a book

I used to be a voracious reader, devouring 3-4 books a week. But that number dropped significantly when I started working two jobs, being a blogger and a translator.

However, if you’re truly passionate about reading, you will make time to read. I won’t make excuses for my busy schedule. Since reading relaxes my mind and helps me switch off from the internet, I always make sure to read a book before bedtime. I don’t have to finish it in one go. I read 10-20 pages a day. No more. Before I know it, I’m finishing a book a week.

Unwind with music

I’ve been a fan of artists like Celine Dion and Britney Spears since I was 10! Who’s your favorite singer?

Nowadays, I listen to music from all over the world. Music is incredibly freeing and requires minimal effort on your part. Music also unites people no matter how unique they are from others. I enjoy Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Western pop – music that helps me reminisce about childhood memories and wash away my worries.

Take a day off from social media

As useful as the social media world can be, it can also be equally overwhelming. I’m even considering deleting my personal Facebook because it’s cluttered with posts I’d rather not see. I’ve had my Facebook since 2010, and I barely share personal updates there.

You know what irks me? When I’m hanging out with someone, and all they can do is stare at their darn phones. Like seriously, my time’s precious, and I don’t want to waste it on someone who can’t even be present. Sometimes, I pat myself on the back for not getting sucked into the social media craze. In a world where everyone’s glued to their screens, I’m proud to be that woman who isn’t addicted to it.

Make it a habit to unplug from social media at least once a week. I do it every weekend. This gives you more time to focus on pending tasks, spend quality time with family, reduce anxiety, and approach technology with mindfulness.

Learn to say no

As things gradually return to normal, I’ve had translation clients reaching out to me for projects, including long novels. I recently translated an 8,600-word story, which took me four days to complete. One thing I appreciate about this is that clients ask in advance how many words I can handle on a particular date, so I don’t feel overwhelmed while writing for my blogging clients.

If things don’t go well, try saying no to things you don’t like, and don’t force yourself to complete one big project in one go. Create an evening routine for yourself or spend quality time with loved ones. While I usually prefer staying in during workdays, occasionally, I switch up my environment and work at a nearby coffee shop twice a week.

It’s easy to forget the importance of self-care when you’re so busy with life. But by incorporating these self-care ideas for busy women into your daily routine, you can find moments of respite, recharge your spirit, and face the world with renewed energy.

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Every day, women just like you are striving to find balance, and these self-care practices can be your compass to guide you through the chaos. So, take a deep breath, prioritize self-care, and reclaim your well-deserved “me time.” You’ve got this!