'Whatever Makes You Feel Valued, Make Time For It': How Jennifer Hudson Finally Learned To Make Self-Care A 'Serious Priority'

Jennifer Hudson is utilizing her free time during the pandemic to reorganize her life.

While the singer-actress, 39, once put her career and her family's needs before her own, she's come to realize that focusing on herself is just as important.

"It took me a while. We women can forget about ourselves," she admitted to PEOPLE. "During the pandemic things have slowed down enough of me to be able to say, 'Hey, what do I want to do? How can I care for myself?' and put myself in the forefront and make it a serious priority."

"It's been a tough time for all of us, but I like to try to find the positive and highlights of it as best as I can," noted Hudson. "Self-care was one of those things for me."

The star has since adopted a new daily routine.

"I make sure how I start my day is consistent, so I begin with my skin care and work my way down [my body]," the Olay partner shared of washing her face and moisturizing. "And I try to end my day the same way I started it – with a regimen – but I also listen to my body, and do what it needs."

"I like how Olay supports women, celebrates self-care and allows you to be yourself," the American Idol alum explained of why she teamed up with the brand. "That's just the type of girl that I am, and I just felt like it was a good match."

Pampering herself also helps Hudson be present for all aspects of her life.

"I've done it all ... homeschooling, work," the mom of 11-year-old David Daniel Otunga Jr. declared. "The days I call 'double duty' are the hardest days to care for yourself, because there's just not enough time in a day."

But no matter what's on her hectic schedule, she's made "a habit" out of "taking a moment each day for myself."

"I love even just sitting in the mirror brushing my eyebrows, or picking out an outfit," the Dreamgirls star shared. "Whatever that thing is for you that makes you feel valued, make time for it. That's important."