Taking Care of

Yourself as a Busy

Woman

K. Joy HammTraining & Education

ChairJr. League of Savannah

Busy Women

Whether you are nurturing a business or career, a family, an intimate

relationship, or a secret dream, your time and energy are the most

valuable commodities you posses.

Here are some ways to spend them wisely . . .

Instructions

Difficulty in completing this task: Moderate

Things you will need: CooperationDeterminationA babysitter (optional for those without

children)A bubble bath

Ask for Help

• Busy women know if we want something done right, we have to do it ourselves, but we all have a breaking point!– Be aware of signs of burn-out – whether

at home or at work– Build a personal support group– Let you family pitch in– Delegate at work

• The people that matter will understand & accept no!

Learn to Say No

• It is okay to say NO! Sometimes you need to do it!– There is only so much time in a day– Prioritize and say no to the things you

just can’t do– Reduce the number of “favors”

Forget the Guilt

• Can give more to others when you are at your best– If you don’t care for yourself, you will

suffer and ultimately so will everyone around you

• Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you are in the most important person in the world– It just means YOU are important

Take Time for Yourself

• Take 5 minutes each day to check in with yourself– How is your body feeling– Ask yourself what you need– Pay attention to your stress level

• Give yourself extended “me time” at least once a week

• Create a tranquil space at home– Lay back, close your eyes, and just be

Take Care of Your Physical Needs

• Exercise– Even moderate stretching and focused

breathing can improve mood and overall health

• Sleep– Get enough at night– There is nothing wrong with taking a

nap when you need it• Eat right

– Eliminate one unhealthy food or drink from your diet

Pamper Yourself

• Do one lovely thing for yourself each day– Make an appointment for a new hair

cut/style, the spa, a mani/pedi• Can’t afford a visit to the salon – give

yourself a do-it-yourself spa foot soak– Listen to music – sing out loud and

dance like nobody’s watching– Have quite time – just clear your head

or read that book you have been meaning to read

– Enjoy a good glass of wine (with good company when needed)

Find the Balance

• Don’t allow work or parenting responsibilities to completely take over your life– Be conscious of what ELSE is creeping

onto your to do list– Set realistic expectations for yourself

and what you can commit to/accomplish

Self Care

The busier and more demanding our lives, the more self-care pays for

itself. The best and the brightest – the ones who REALLY flourish – do

so, in part, because they understand the value of quality self-care.