Prioritizing is a coping strategy. It is especially important to set priorities when life becomes overwhelming. A good way to prioritize is by making a “to do list”. On the “to do list”, what often will get overlooked, especially when overwhelmed, is self-care.
“I don’t have the time.” That is the statement I often hear when I mention self-care activities such as exercise, meditation or enjoyment to not only clients but also family and friends. In theory, everyone would agree that self-care is important but in practice, where’s the time to follow through? What is wrong with this picture?
Prioritizing can be an effective coping strategy if the list of priorities really help you to cope. So it comes down to having good judgement when you make your list. Then there is the next step of following through with what is on your list of priorities.
Exercising is a self-care activity that is on my priority list daily. I do around 10 – 15 minutes daily which some would say is good. Really, if the truth be told, I do miss the odd day here and there. Also, my vision is to spend more than 15 minutes on exercise. My vision is to spend one hour working out and build up a sweat. Developing a good exercise regime is work in progress for me. Right now it is a goal.
You may not have a priority list but we all carry out our daily activities, consciously or unconsciously, based on determined priorities for the day. In order to take more control, would it be helpful for you to consciously make a priority list and put self-care activities on your list as work in progress, starting with the goal? In other words, would you consider making some commitment to self-care by putting it on your priority list and working towards carrying out the self-care activity – consciously making the time and effort?
Keep in mind that self-care is not a luxury. Self-care is a necessity, a priority to help you cope and feel better.