If you're like many people, you dash around from the moment you get up in the morning until you drop into bed at night. You probably don't spend much time taking care of yourself either, and this can leave you drained. To feel better and have more energy, you must make an effort to make self-care a part of your daily routine. Read on to learn how.

Start Off Right

You can better incorporate self-care into your daily routine if you start your mornings off right. Get up just a bit earlier if possible so that you can enjoy a few quiet minutes with a cup of coffee or tea. You might read for a little while or meditate or pray. Find your balance for the day. You can look over your to-do list as well, but remain calm and realistic. Don't write down things you know you won't get to. Have another list for them. By the time your family is up and moving, you'll be ready to face your day.

Adjust Your Diet

Your diet can make a huge difference in your energy levels and overall ability to handle what life throws at you, so make sure you're making healthy choices. Junk food, sugar and too much caffeine are tempting, but they won't help you in the long run. Instead, plan meals and snacks that incorporate healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables. You might even start a supplement program like Thrive to boost your energy. If you're wondering, “What is Thrive anyway?” do some research to learn about its benefits.

Get Into an Exercise Routine

Another important part of self-care is an exercise routine. If you haven't done much exercise in a while, then start off slowly. Set aside fifteen minutes a day for physical activity. You might take a brisk walk or try aerobic dance. Over time, you can expand your exercise sessions and add more activities, but for now, concentrate on getting moving. You might be surprised by how much better you feel.

Manage Your Stress

You'll feel better, too, if you learn to manage your stress. This is a critical part of self-care. That morning quiet time can help, but you should have more stress management tools handy for those panicky times during the day. Many people turn to guided breathing exercises or music therapy to help them handle difficult moments. Give those a try, and if they work for you, then use them when the stress levels mount.

Take Time for Yourself

Managing stress also means taking time for yourself. Schedule it if you must, but give yourself the opportunity to do what you enjoy for a least a few minutes each day and for extended periods at least once a week. This might mean working on a favorite hobby or sitting quietly with a good book or going out to lunch with a friend. Make these times a regular part of your self-care routine, and you might find yourself feeling more positive about everything else on your to-do list.

Learn To Say No

Finally, when life becomes overwhelming, and preferably before that, learn to say no. This can be a struggle when you're in the habit of trying to please everyone. Sometimes, though, you will simply have to put a limit on your activities. Be polite but firm. If you really can't help with an event or volunteer to do something, then say no. If your kids and spouse are making too many demands, tell them no. You might feel a little guilty at first, but that will pass.

The busier you are, the more important it is for you to work self-care into your daily routine. So try some of these ideas to get started.