Prioritizing Self-Care Even on Busy Days

Catalyss Counseling
10 hours ago
3 min read

A busy parent or adult who is looking how to prioritize self-care on the busy days

You know those hectic workdays where it feels like one task after another, and suddenly it’s 4 PM with no time for a proper break and there’s still a mountain of work left to tackle? Or when you’re at home constantly running around after the kids, and you haven’t even had a moment to pause and catch your breath? Maybe you’ve got back-to-back classes with finals to study for and you haven’t had a chance to grab a bite to eat. These are just a few scenarios where learning to prioritize self-care is important to preventing burnout.

When you hear about self-care, the assumption is to indulge in luxury spa treatments or taking long, uninterrupted time off for yourself. Self-care can mean so many things to different people, but the most important thing to acknowledge is that self-care doesn’t have to be something to add to your long list of things to do.

Self-care doesn’t have to take hours, money, or require a perfect routine. In reality, some of the most effective forms of self-care can be done in just a few minutes. A deep breath between meetings, a glass of water, a quick stretch, or simply going outside for fresh air. Small actions for yourself add up. The key is consistency, not complexity.

When life feels chaotic, even tiny moments of self-care can help you reset and feel more grounded. Self-care isn’t about finding extra time; it’s about using the time you already have with more intention. Throughout this blog, let’s explore the simple ways that you can prioritize self-care even on busy days.

Self-Care Can Be Basic

It can be as simple as ordering food and getting some water. You can even keep a healthy snack with you, or carry a big water jug to not have to spend extra time thinking about it. Having something on hand if you truly can’t take a lunch break at the time will help prioritize your basic needs.

Taking care of your basic needs is the most important form of self-care. Your body and brain can’t function without proper nutrition or hydration.

Meditation as Self-Care

Meditation can be a great way to prioritize your self-care during busy days. You can do a meditation where you focus on your breathing for 1 minute. This is super quick and can be done anywhere. Waiting for your coffee, on the elevator, waiting in line to grab food, while your kids take a bath, waiting for your computer to turn on, or brushing your teeth.

Choose Your Favorite Things and Turn It Into Self-Care

If you value music, you can light your favorite candle, turn on your favorite song and have a quick dance party. You can even listen to your favorite song on your walk between classes, around the office, while you get dressed, while you cook, or on your drive.

You can add self-care to what you are already doing. Self-care doesn’t have to be long or luxurious. A deep breath, saying no, or taking a break is valid self-care.

Ready to Make Self-Care Work for Your Busy Life?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re always running on empty, you deserve support that fits into your real life, not just your ideal one. At Catalyss Counseling, our therapists can help you create sustainable self-care practices and manage stress in a way that actually works for you!

How We Can Help

We also have an Affordable Counseling Program for those seeking therapy at a lower cost. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation today to start feeling more grounded, supported, and in control even on your busy days.

Author Biography

Alena Thein is an intern therapist and a provider for the Affordable Counseling Program at Catalyss Counseling. She works with help adults who are new to therapy or are feeling stressed and overwhelmed manage anxiety, trauma or grief. She blends compassion with real-life strategies, so you’re not just talking—you’re healing, growing, and building the life you’ve been quietly hoping for. Follow Catalyss Counseling on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.