Make time for TLC

Four ways to prioritise yourself when you have no time left in the day

Taking care of yourself isn't just about staycations and spa treatments. It's the things you do on a daily basis that make as much of a difference. As the September season winds up and you're finding your days just as busy as ever, don't forget yourself.
Try these four practices that take seconds, but when use intentionally, bring the Zen:

Utilise your breath
Breathing is free and you're doing it anyways, so bring more awareness to this life long (and life giving) process. While you're working on your computer or running late to a meeting, notice your breath. Breathe in for four seconds through your nose and exhale for four seconds out your nose. Repeat whenever you think of it. Want reminders? Download the 'Mindfulness Bell' app to ring at any daily time interval you like. Haaaa.

Listen to your favourite music
Rather than that self-improvement podcast or audiobook while you get dressed, turn to music. Getting new ideas of things you 'need' to do while you already have a long list doesn't make you feel more relaxed. What you need to focus on now is mental recouping. Do I hear a little French Jazz?

Light a candle
Working from home? Make sure to keep a candle or essential oil diffuser safely nearby, and light it when you're about to take on your biggest or most stressful task of the day. That three seconds of lighting the wick will start to become a reminder that you matter, too.

Make a gratitude list in your head
Don't worry about keeping a whole routine to write down what you're thankful for. As you lay down to sleep, while you're driving, or making your morning coffee, think of at least five things you appreciate about the day (or your life in general). Having trouble? Use what's closest to you - your pillow, your car, or the coffee machine you love so dearly.

Total time for all four of these things? Maybe five minutes, and nobody even needs to know. But you took care of you, and that's what counts.

Rachael Lynn is the author of 'At Home Anywhere', part memoir, part love letter full of advice on how to lead a more joyful and worthwhile life for anyone who isn't feeling settled in their new course of life.