A Village of Women

Because You Deserve a Little More Love and a Lot Less Stress

Hey, girl! Life can be a lot, can’t it? Between juggling work, family, friends, maybe even school, not to mention all the little life curveballs that come out of nowhere, we’re often left feeling like we’ve got no time for ourselves.

Here are 10 Steps to reclaim your time:

Learn to Say “No” Without Guilt

Saying “no” can be hard, especially when we’re used to saying “yes” to keep the peace or meet others’ needs. But every “no” you say to something unnecessary is a “yes” to something more important, like your own peace and energy. Next time you feel torn, ask yourself, “Does this serve me?” If the answer’s “no,” give yourself permission to pass.

Start Small with Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t need to be fancy or time-consuming. Think small—grab a cup of tea, take five deep breaths, or spend five minutes stretching. These mini-moments add up, especially on hectic days. Build a “self-care toolkit” of small actions you can do anytime, anywhere.

Set a Time to Disconnect

Even if it’s just an hour, unplug from social media, email, or anything digital. Set aside a “tech-free” time daily where you can read, walk, or just enjoy silence. You’ll be surprised at how refreshing it feels and how much lighter your mind becomes.

Make a “Done” List Instead of a “To-Do” List

At the end of the day, write down what you accomplished, no matter how small. We tend to overlook our own progress, so keeping a “done” list can help you see how much you’re actually achieving and give you that confidence boost you deserve.

Practice Mindful Breathing

When stress hits, take a minute to just breathe. Focus on slow, deep breaths: in through your nose, out through your mouth. Even 10 mindful breaths can clear your mind and help you feel more grounded.

Create Boundaries (and Stick to Them)

Boundaries protect your time and energy. Whether it’s not checking emails after 6 p.m. or setting aside alone time, make it clear (first to yourself, then to others) what’s non-negotiable for your well-being. And yes, it’s okay to reinforce them, even if it means disappointing someone else.

Declutter Just One Small Space

Take five minutes to tidy one small area: a drawer, your purse, or your car’s glove box. A tiny space that feels organized can actually calm the mind. It’s less about the aesthetics and more about bringing a little order to your life in small steps.

Build Your “Non-Negotiables”

These are the small things that make you feel like you—whether it’s a morning coffee, a weekly call with a friend, or a daily walk. Protect these rituals. Making them non-negotiable helps you prioritize your own needs, even when life gets chaotic.

Set Realistic Expectations with Yourself

It’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting too much of ourselves. Check in with your goals, and if they’re feeling overwhelming, scale back a little. Set goals you can actually meet, even on tough days. The goal is progress, not perfection.

Celebrate Your Small Wins

Whether you checked off an errand, finished a work task, or just made it through the day, give yourself a little credit. Small wins are what build long-term progress, and taking time to recognize them helps keep you motivated and positive.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. You deserve to be at the top of your priority list, even if it’s through small actions like these. So, girl, go on and take care of yourself—one small, meaningful step at a time.