Hit the pause button

“We’re in a world of instant gratification,” Roberts says, “where we buy on demand, and we better hurry because it’s on sale right now.” Self-care, she says, allows us to step back from that pressure and take a moment. “We think we have no time to reconsider or take a break, but we do have time.”

Leaving a store to give yourself time to think about a purchase is a smart strategy, she says, as is putting things on hold rather than buying in the moment. Opting to put dinner on the table 10 minutes later because you took a walk outside or a moment to quietly rest in the middle of prepping is a valuable trade-off. Longing to binge-watch your favorite trashy TV show? Hit the sofa, but make sure to take a minute to see how you’re feeling after the first episode or two. Would it feel better to snuggle in, or are you starting to feel antsy? Will you feel great later, or sluggish and stressed after sitting all day?

“Knowing what your body and mind really need, and allowing yourself to have it,” says Roberts, “is really self-care.”