Why you need to take 10

I will be the first to admit; I'm no scientist, but here's what I know: when I do something good for me, I feel better.  So, like any one writing an article and not wanting it to be complete rubbish, I googled about self-care, instead of giving you just the reasons why I think it's important.  You can read the full article on Five Benefits of Self-Care I stumbled upon in my google research, but the too long; didn't read (TL;DR) version is that self-care is important because:

• Slowing down makes you more productive (there's power in the pause)
• Self-care helps your immune system (this is a whole topic, but suffice to say, taking a bubble bath is going to prevent you from getting a cold)
• You feel better about yourself
• You learn about yourself
• Self-care is like freshening up our cup (you can't pour from an empty cup and by "topping off" your cup, you can actually help others. 

When I also was doing my quick google research, I was looking for why 10 minutes is important and what I found is this: 
people suggest at least 15, 20, or 60 minutes of self-care a day.  

Now, if you're a busy mama who's working full-time, trying to raise humans, you might have laughed at 60 minutes, amirite?  You can't even pee in peace so where the heck is 60 minutes going to come from?!?!?!?!?!?!? I get it sister.  I'm writing this before the kids wake up which is why I've been able to write as much as I have! 

Here's the thing...and I'm basing this on my experiences only...if you're already overwhelmed, depressed, or anxious, is it going to help to  have someone tell you to tack on another 60 minutes of self-care?? Heck no (at least for me). 
Here's what I do know.  I could find 10 minutes.  I could set a boundary with my husband or kids that I needed 10 minutes to go on a walk, or go to the store (and sit in the parking lot with a cup of coffee in silence before getting groceries), I could read, or color, or whatever the thing is that I needed to do.  

And here's what else I know: there's no time recommendation that will work for everyone.  I was already doing self-care by reading and taking bubble baths a couple times a week.  The amount of time we need is on a spectrum of how much stress we have.  But, 10 minutes, whether it's only 10 minutes, whether it's 10 additional minutes, or whether you go into it thinking, I'll just take 10, which turns into 12, it's all good for you.  

Let me know your thoughts below! And it would mean the world to me, if you took 10 today! 

xo,
​Em.