Taking Time for Yourself: The Little Things That Make the Biggest Difference
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. Between work, family, relationships, and the endless to-do lists, the concept of taking time for yourself can feel more like a luxury than a necessity. We hear so often that "self-care is important," but if we're being honest, it can feel exhausting to think about doing even the smallest things for yourself when you're already stretched thin. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to carve out moments for yourself, but I’ve also learned how powerful those moments can be in transforming not just your day but your entire mental well-being.
When you're dealing with mental health challenges—whether it's the daily ups and downs or something more constant like anxiety, depression, OCD, etc. Self-care can feel like just another task on a never-ending list. You know those little things that make a difference—like taking a walk, reading a book, or doing some journaling—but when you're running on empty, even thinking about doing those things feels overwhelming.
Yet, here's the truth: those little acts of self-care are exactly what we need most in the moments when they feel impossible. I’m not talking about grand gestures or Instagram-worthy spa days, but the real, gritty moments of pausing to care for yourself in the simplest, smallest ways.
Why the Little Things Matter
It’s easy to discount how much the "little things" matter, especially when they seem so insignificant compared to the big challenges you're facing. But I’ve found that it’s often those small, seemingly mundane acts that bring me back to myself, that make me feel grounded again.
Here are some examples of small, intentional actions that have helped me:
Lighting a candle—not just any candle, but one with a scent that calms or uplifts me. It reminds me to take a deep breath, to ground myself in the present.
Stepping outside for five minutes—letting the sun hit my face or simply listening to the wind rustling through the trees. That moment of fresh air feels like a reset button for my mind.
Sipping tea—slowing down enough to savor something as simple as a warm cup of tea makes me feel nurtured, even if only for a few minutes.
Writing down three things I’m grateful for—especially on days when it feels like nothing is going right. Shifting my focus to even the tiniest positives helps soften the heaviness of a hard day.
These aren’t grand gestures, but they create pockets of space in a crowded mind. They are ways to remind myself that I matter, even when life feels chaotic. And I’ll be the first to admit that some days, even these little things are hard to do—but the effort, no matter how small, makes a difference.
How to Make Time for Self-Care (When It Feels Like There’s None)
The question that often follows is how to make time for these little acts when life feels so full and overwhelming. For me, it’s been a practice in giving myself permission to pause, to prioritize my well-being over productivity for just a few moments. It’s not easy, especially when you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs first, but it’s vital.
Here are some tips to help carve out that time, even on the busiest days:
Start with five minutes: You don’t need an hour to take care of yourself. Start with five minutes. Set a timer if you need to and commit to just those five minutes of intentional self-care. Whether it’s meditating, stretching, or simply sitting quietly, those minutes can make a big impact.
Incorporate self-care into your routine: Find ways to weave self-care into the tasks you’re already doing. Light a candle while you work, play calming music during your commute, or use essential oils when you’re winding down for the night. These subtle shifts can create moments of calm in an otherwise busy day.
Schedule it like a meeting: We’re often more likely to show up for others than for ourselves, so schedule time for self-care like you would a meeting or appointment. Put it on your calendar, and honor that time like you would any other commitment.
Let go of perfection: Self-care doesn’t have to look perfect. It doesn’t have to be a whole ritual or take hours. Sometimes, the most powerful self-care is just letting yourself be—without judgment, without the need to fix anything. Accept that it’s okay if your self-care doesn’t look like anyone else’s.
Listen to what you need: Some days, you might need a workout to blow off steam, while other days, a nap or an episode of your favorite show might be what nourishes your soul. Pay attention to what your body and mind are asking for, and honor that.
A Reminder: You Are Worth the Time
I know how easy it is to feel like you don’t have time, or that your time is better spent on something else—something “productive.” But here’s what I’ve learned: you are worthy of the time it takes to care for yourself. You are worthy of a moment to breathe, to rest, to feel a little lighter, even if just for a moment.
The truth is, when we take time for ourselves—when we show up for our own needs—we become more present, more patient, and more able to show up for the people and tasks we care about. So, while self-care can feel selfish or like one more thing on your list, it’s actually one of the most selfless things you can do, because it allows you to give from a place of fullness, rather than exhaustion.
So today, if nothing else, take five minutes. Light a candle. Breathe deeply. Let yourself be. And remind yourself that you are worth every second.
With love, Julia