When you are faced with a busy schedule, whether it is because you have a job that keeps you busy around the clock or due to having a family to look after, it can sometimes feel like it is impossible to find time to focus on yourself. However, it is extremely important to make time to take care of yourself, because stress can take a huge toll on your health, both physically and mentally. 

Therefore, with that in mind, here are three simple things that you can do to take care of both your body and your emotional needs without disrupting your daily routine.

One of the first things that people start to neglect when they are on a busy schedule is the amount of sleep they allow themselves. Often it never seems like there are enough hours in the day, so people start to reduce their sleeping hours in the hopes that it will give them more time to be productive. However, when you are tired, it is actually a lot more difficult for your mind and body to function at full capacity, and reduced concentration may actually cause you to be less productive than you would be on a tighter schedule. Therefore, it is important that you try and get as much sleep each night as you can; optimally, you would aim to get approximately eight to nine hours of rest, with the minimum being around six hours sleep.

Meal planning, preparation, and cooking can all be a hassle when you are working hard, which is why many people start to supplement their diet with junk foods when they are stressed and overworked. Unfortunately, because the body needs a balanced diet to function correctly, this can have a major effect on not only the way you feel but also on the bodies ability to function well. Therefore, it is important to find the time to eat wholesome foods which will sustain and nourish your body. Meals don’t have to be complicated, as something as simple as bulgur stuffed peppers will be enough to provide nutrition for your body and keep you in good working order.

When you have a million and one things to do, finding the time to relax and take a break from your to-do list can seem like a distant dream. However, it isn’t just a luxury to partake in some downtime; it is a necessity. When you overwork yourself, stress can take over, damaging your immune system and making you more prone to physical and mental illness. By taking breaks out of your schedule, you give your mind and body time to relax and repair themselves, helping you to stay healthier for longer. Take a break from your work a few times a day, get up and stretch, and maybe take a quick walk around the block to keep your muscles engaged and clear your mind. Then, if possible, make sure you have a few hours to yourself at least once a week, to kick back and relax, and take part in a hobby that you enjoy.

While these are just three very simple things you can do, you should find that over time they will make a positive difference to your general health and wellbeing.