How 6 Busy Women Practice Self-Care Every Day

When it comes to wellness trends, self-care is about as buzzy as kale and avocados — and for good reason. Our lives are busier than ever and it’s easy to forget to put “me time” on our ever-growing to-do lists. 

There’s also the misperception that self-care has to be a grand or expensive gesture. For instance, a massage on the beach sounds dreamy, but one’s time (and budget) doesn’t always allow for a weekend getaway at the exact moment one really needs it. Well, the rules are there are no rules. “Busy” looks different on all of us, and it’s important to create a self-care routine that works for you. If you want to know what self-care looks like in the real-time schedules of busy city-dwellers, settle in. I spoke with six women in high-stress careers to learn how they prioritize self-care every single day.  

Occupation: Scientist

What does “busy” look like to you?
I would say work, wedding planning, and taking care of a sick family member. 

What’s your daily self-care routine?
I’ve made a decision not to set alarms. I wake up when I wake up (unless I have an early doctor’s appointment or meeting), I go to work, I do my eight hours, and I go home. Is the day over? Not entirely, because I have to cook and get ready for the next day before I can completely relax, so that’s another hour or hour and a half. But I get in bed early and make sure to get sufficient amounts of sleep every day.

My job doesn’t require me to come in or leave at a certain time. They are more concerned with us doing our eight hours a day and getting our work done. They really encourage a good work/life balance, and this was one way of balancing things out for me. Getting away from my alarm makes me feel refreshed and allows me to be more productive during my day. Even though I don’t set alarms, my body is trained to wake up at a certain time — usually around 7 a.m. — but the point is, I let it wake up naturally.

[Additionally], Netflix and Prime Video have been my best friends. I’ve also found enjoyment in playing some video games as well. One of my favorite things to do is go out to brunch, eat some good food, and have a couple mimosas

Occupation: Fitness instructor

What does “busy” look like to you?
I have clients in the morning starting at 6 a.m. and I work through the afternoon. After work, I take care of any household tasks like cleaning, cooking, laundry, and other adulting obligations. My husband and I have a yellow Labrador, so I’ll also take him on walks and make sure he’s fed and happy. I’m currently doing a self-guided pre/post-natal certification in my downtime. 

What’s your daily self-care routine?
I practice self-care every single day. Self-care doesn’t always mean staying in and eating pizza while drinking wine and binge-watching Netflix. Every week, I carve out at least 30 minutes a day to workout or move my body, whether it be strength training, a group fitness class, or yoga. I also aim to read a chapter in my book for pleasure before bed to help me wind down. Funny enough, today I purchased a coloring book online to help with stress management and relaxation! My goal every day is to schedule time to eat, relax, and sleep to make sure I’m energized for not only my clients but also myself.

Occupation: Founder & CEO of Makeup For Melanin Girls Cosmetics

What does “busy” look like to you?

What usually takes up my days is a lot of meetings, trying to raise grants, secure loans for the business, chasing down working capital and managing the cash flow of the business. I typically work a 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. type of schedule. I don’t have kids but I’m engaged and planning for some in the next three or four years, so I do want to start getting up earlier because when you have kids, the day has to start earlier. I want to start adjusting for that.

What’s your daily self-care routine?

I’m trying to prioritize my physical fitness so I like to go on runs regularly. When you work your own hours, it’s very tempting to just sit at a desk all day, keep working, and not take time to exercise.

Occupation: Managing Editor at THE PLUG, Freelance Writer

What does “busy” look like to you?
Deadlines! I wake up around 7:00 a.m. and I go to bed around 11:00 p.m. As a freelancer, my schedule can get hectic and it’s feast or famine. I often accept multiple assignments to keep me afloat financially. Time management is a must and often I fall short. I’m reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear to combat bad habits and to establish an efficient routine!

What’s your daily self-care routine?
I make sure to incorporate time for mental breaks, the gym, and personal tasks. Nature walks are essential for my self-care routine. Being outside silences my anxiety and recharges my creativity. I walk four miles for exercise and to align with the universe. Being a writer can be lonely, but the serenity of nature reminds me that I am on the right path and fulfilling my life’s purpose. 

Occupation: Entrepreneur, Mom of 7

What does “busy” look like to you?
At 4:30 a.m., I get up to study and try to be at the gym by 5 a.m. From 5 to 6 a.m., I work out. I shower and get dressed. From 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. I’m getting kids up, brushing hair, brushing teeth, getting them dressed, eating breakfast, and making sure lunches are packed. At 7:30 a.m., they’re out the door because my husband takes them to school. Then I’m feeding my triplets breakfast and getting them down for floor time to play a little bit. That’s when I eat breakfast. Depending on the day, I work for a little bit. They lay down about 9 a.m. and that’s when I start taking meetings. I go to bed every night at about 8 p.m.

What’s your daily self-care routine?
I do prayer time three times a day, especially in the morning when I sit down for lunch. If I’m working with co-workers, I go away and sit by myself and have lunch. Making sure I study is the biggest part, plus prayer with my husband in the evening. I also work out, which is self-care for me because it relieves any stress and it gives me the opportunity to be by myself. It’s a personal hobby of mine. Watching my shows is like a wind-down to me. I watch “So You Think You Can Dance,” “Queen Sugar,” and “Star.”

Occupation: Merchandise Assistant, Freelance Personal Shopper, Part-Time Events Center Usher

What does “busy” look like to you?

I work three jobs. Also, when I start my day depends on if I have a protective style in or not. If my hair is already braided, I can sleep until about 6:30 a.m. If not, Lord help me. I probably will set my alarm for 5:30 a.m. and after a couple of snoozes, I get up between 5:50 and 6:00 a.m. I try to go to bed by 11 p.m.

What’s your daily self-care routine?

I usually try to find a weekly special like Taco Tuesday ($1 delicious tacos) or catch a movie on Tuesday for $5. Lately, I have been going skating on Wednesdays. Sometimes during the NBA Playoffs, I go to a Black-owned restaurant that has BOGO free wings on Friday.  [I also] play a basketball game or listen to throwback R&B music.

By Marquaysa Battle