Putting the ME in TIME: Scheduling Self-Care

Written By Rachel Gryniewicz, MA, MATL
 
 

We’ve all heard the analogy of the oxygen masks on a flight; you need to put yours on before you put them on others. Without proper self-care it is hard to care for those around us. Scheduling self-care and making it part of your routine ensures that you will never pour from an empty cup! 

Morning Routine

Mornings are a great opportunity to start our day right with some self-care. Before getting out of bed and before going on your phone, take a few minutes to run through your day and do a feelings check. Anxious? Excited? Settle your mood before starting the day. Set a couple of goals for the day that you would like to accomplish.

Movement is a great way to start your day as well. A 15 minute walk in nature or a full body stretch next to your bed are great ways to energize your body and establish a positive mindset.

DAYTIME ROUTINE

Whether in between classes or meetings, it is important to block out some time for you to either reset or reflect. During an afternoon snack or drink, take the opportunity to slow down. Put your phone down and practice some mindfulness. 

If you're in need of a boost, send a text or call a friend or family member for a quick chat if you need to reflect on part of your day or plan something upcoming. It is great to get that pick-me-up from someone who supports you!

Set aside five minutes to check in with your daily planner. Add anything new and cross off items you’ve completed. If tasks are piling up, prioritize your list and reassess what needs to get done tonight and what you can push to tomorrow if necessary. 

Nighttime routine 

It is important to plan winddown time at night. Would you try to park a car going 60mph? Why would you plan to go to sleep with your brain firing away? Turn the blue light feature on your device and set it aside at least one hour before going to sleep.

Use this time to read a book, journal, or sketch. Reflect on the day, what went well, what goals did you meet, what could you have done better? Starting and ending your day the same way creates a consistent bookend effect to your day, giving you the routine and predictability to live each day to the fullest! 

Rachel Gryniewicz, MA, MATL

Rachel brings over a decade of experience in instructional coaching, curriculum development, and the design and implementation of student focused workshops and programs. She specializes in working with students in the areas of organization, time management, study strategies, and other crucial executive function skills. Her interests in developing leadership and advocacy skills in adolescents enrich her coaching sessions empowering her clients to be more assertive and confident. As a former high school teacher and college lecturer, Rachel understands the skills required to be successful at both levels and helps students prepare for their transition to college, including teaching and reinforcing strategies around planning ahead and breaking down large tasks. Rachel has also curated several professional development opportunities for educators centered on Executive Function skills such as resiliency and flexible thinking. 

A member of the Life Solved team since 2017, Rachel has recently entered a full-time position coordinating the client onboarding experience and ensuring a successful coaching engagement for coach and client. She continues to work with students of different ages and backgrounds as well as adult clients. Her positive energy and passion for helping others find success is evident in the work she does with her clients.

Rachel has a Masters in Teacher Leadership from Mount Holyoke College as well as a  Masters in Classics from the University of Maryland, College Park.  She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Art History from Mount Holyoke College.

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