Spend more time alone. Solitude allows you unwind and reboot your brain in order to take a break from the massive amounts of information you’re dealing with on a daily basis. It’s in these quiet moments that you may discover important things about yourself. Are you aligned with what you really want? Or are you just following routine? Spending more time alone will help you identify your needs. If you discover yourself and find your own voice, you’ll be able to get a new vision of the world and what you want from it. Plus, it will help your mind rest from your long hours of work and the pressures of responsibility. Try to get out in nature at least once each week for an additional energy boost.

Set healthy boundaries. It isn’t about having time, it’s about making time. Just because you can physically squeeze something in to your schedule, doesn’t mean you should. Begin practising the art of saying no and leaving free time on your calendar so you have adequate time to rest and recharge. Don’t be concerned about ‘falling behind’, ‘missing out’ or ‘letting people down’ because, as many of the world’s most successful people know, self-care is one of the keys to success. If you take time off when you need it, you’re likely to come back reenergised, refocused and ready to get shit done – and you’ll probably be twice as productive.

Educate yourself. If you do find all of this self-care stuff a bit intimidating, the most valuable thing you can do is break down those barriers and educate yourself on what it really all means. Do a few Internet searches, buy a book on self-care, follow personal development accounts on social media for inspiration. Dive right into it with the same aplomb as you would any other new project in your life. See it as a new and important skill for you to learn if you want to reach the very top. Understand what self care means to you. Find out what you like doing – just for you, nobody else. Remember: self care is not about adding more things to your to-do list – it’s about taking things off.

Become aware of your body and what she needs. Try to start by paying attention to your body’s signals. For example, notice when you feel lethargic or run down and look at what you may need to do to change that. How much sleep are you getting? A good night’s rest is essential in renewing your body and giving you the power you need to do all of your important tasks. It’s always best to listen to your body and let your intuition prompt you as to whether you need rest time or an exercise class – and the same applies to which foods you should be eating. Your body always gives you signals to fulfil its needs – you just need to start paying attention.

Treat yourself. Sometimes this might mean a new pair of shoes, other times it might mean taking a hot and relaxing bath. Book yourself in for a massage, take yourself on a dinner date to your favourite restaurant – and try to let go of the idea that these things are in any way ‘indulgent’. No guilt attached. Get comfortable with treating yourself and start to recognise that you deserve it without conditions. Another gift you may give yourself is the gift of time to start up that new hobby you’ve always had an interest in. All of these things will help you come to the realisation that you are worth spending time and money on, without the constant need to prove yourself to other people.