Struggling to find time for self-care? Let’s think about it in layers.💡
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Thank you sis
I definitely have a lot going on and find it difficult to fit in self care within my hectic schedule. You are right in all my hecticness my first response is to go to layer 3 because I think that’s the only thing that’ll give me a hard reset. I find the little things may work but it’ll never add up to what you’ll feel if you do a huge form of self care. I hope no matter how small or large self care is, I hope it makes me feel better
@Ayo, my pleasure! I'm happy the post was valuable to you.
@Nikki, Thank you so much for your reply —it’s captured something a lot of us can relate to! You’re absolutely right that those longer me-time moments can feel like a reset. They’re powerful. Research shows that consistent self-care, even in tiny doses, helps reduce stress and boost well-being over time. If we can help you make the time for a Layer 3 activity -- let us know! And I encourage you to keep adding in the Layer 1 & 2 self-care activities. (Let us know how we can help you with these as well!) Layer 1 & 2 activities might not have the same immediate impact as Layer 3, but their cumulative effect can be surprisingly powerful. ❤️
This perspective also could be helpful: Think about self-care like a bank account. Each self-care practice is a deposit in the account. Layer 1 and Layer 2 activities are like making small deposits. Layer 3 activities are like big deposits. The other things we do in the day (that aren't self-care) are like withdrawals -- and as busy moms each day, we are making LOTS of self-care withdrawals each day! Big deposits change the balance significantly at one time. Small deposits can add up -- but only if there is a short time between deposits. If there is too long between small deposits then the withdrawals that we are making everyday mean that the account can quickly go into (and stay) in overdraft. If you find your self-care account in overdraft, there are two ways to fill up your self-care bank account: - Make a big deposit: Prioritize some Layer 3 time for yourself - Make many small deposits: Prioritize multiple Layer 1 & 2 activities in your day ❤️ Let me know if there are any questions!
I really love the layered approach to self-care because it highlights the variety of ways we can nurture ourselves. From daily foundational practices to special moments dedicated to recharging, self-care encompasses it all. As a mom of a toddler, I don’t have the dedicated ‘me-time’ I once had before my daughter’s birth, and that can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, relying on the other two layers of self-care for joy boosts is incredibly helpful. Small moments of self-care truly add up and beautifully complement the ‘me-time’ we all crave, especially as moms. Remember, self-care doesn’t always have to be scheduled; it’s accessible in every routine and every moment of our day!