10 ways to show up for yourself (that I promise you have time for)
One of the things I’m most passionate about is helping leaders show up for themselves.
It’s not an easy ask when so many people need or want something from you—family, children, team members, colleagues, friends, clients, parents, and volunteer organizations …
It’s a lot to balance. And it can be exhausting!
But what if we redefined what it means to “show up for yourself”?
When I first introduce this topic, most people imagine big, dramatic acts of self-care:
An all-day spa day of pampering
Clearing their entire calendar and saying no to everyone
Having the time to hit every goal on their wishlist
But let’s be honest—those things don’t always feel practical in the chaos that is this life.
So instead of imagining “showing up for yourself” as big, unattainable actions, what if you shifted your focus to smaller—but still powerful— steps?
Here are 10 simple ways you can start showing up for yourself today:
1. Write down a positive affirmation in the morning
An affirmation is simply a positive statement designed to cultivate a positive mindset that is focused on possibility. Recently, mine has been “I am strong, I am healthy, and I am capable of anything.” What could yours be?
2. Make your bed
Instead of it being a mundane task, think of making your bed as doing one thing for yourself before you start the day. Your tired self will thank you later.
3. Drink more water
Being intentional about drinking water regularly throughout the day will boost your energy and improve your mood.
4. Use your voice and advocate for yourself
According to this article from verywellmind.com, “Advocating for your needs ensures that your voice is acknowledged and your boundaries are respected, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.” Self-advocacy also fosters respect, improves communication, and reduces stress.
5. Read
Don’t have time? Start with just 5 pages of a book a day—those pages add up!
6. Get up five minutes earlier to journal or meditate
Robin Sharma's book, The 5 a.m. Club, encourages you to “own your morning”, so you can start your day with a sense of accomplishment and purpose. The book outlines a framework of moving for 20 minutes, reflecting for 20 minutes, and learning for 20 minutes. Don’t have an hour? Start with just 5 minutes! I’ve been using The Five Minute Journal to start and end each day with gratitude.
7. Touch your heart
Self-compassionate practices such as these can quiet your inner critic and foster self-compassion. This Greater Good article highlights three additional self-compassionate touch practices you can easily integrate into your day.
8. Celebrate your wins—no matter how small
Every Friday, take the time to write down your wins, share them with someone else, or say them to yourself. You are worth celebrating!
9. Take a deep breath or do a breathing exercise
This can be as simple as being present and focusing on your breath. Each hour, take a moment to take three big breaths and see how good you feel!
10. Ask for support when you need it
Asking for support from people or organizations you trust can help you achieve your goals, lighten your load, and improve your mental well-being. Just saying what we need out loud can help us navigate challenging times. So if you need help, ask for it!
Showing up for yourself doesn’t have to be about adding more to your plate. It’s about integrating small, meaningful actions that remind you that you are worth it!
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About the author: Kelly (Underell) Stevens is an alignment coach and speaker dedicated to helping women leaders and entrepreneurs grow their impact and live life on their own terms by giving them the tools to choose less and show up for themselves. Learn more at www.kellystevens.co.