Between balancing work, family, and social commitments, our lives can feel less about ourselves and more about everything (and everyone) else. With that in mind, it’s important to practice self-care and try to relax to keep ourselves centred and balanced even when we’re busy. So, how do you practice self-care when busy? If you’re not sure where to start, here are 3 ideas that can help foster relaxation at home to kick off your self-care routine.

1. Clean and declutter your space

A cluttered space can also mean a cluttered mind. Having less clutter around the home can actually help you feel less busy, and therefore calmer in your environment (and life in general). Using unscented cleaning products, or products with a calming scent such as lavender can also provide a soothing effect, rather than having the smell of harsh chemicals around the house causing headaches.

2. Add a little exercise to your day

Exercise is something that tends to fall off the to-do list when we’re busy. What a lot of people fail to understand is that it’s okay to start small and there are plenty of ways to exercise from the comfort of your own home. It’s important to take some time, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to be active and get your body moving. A short yoga or stretching session, a walk in the garden, even a quick house clean are all easy ways to stay active without the need for an expensive gym membership.

3. Talk it out

If you are feeling overwhelmed in your life or are unsure about where to start with your self-care routine, confiding in a close friend could prove useful. Your friends know you better than anyone, and should be able to help hash out anything that’s been on your mind. They may even be able to suggest some more ideas for self-care that you’ll love.

Remember, no matter how busy we are, it’s important to take time for ourselves to avoid becoming burnt out. It’s always okay to slow down and practice self-care.