Coffee shouldn’t be frantically slurped back in between meetings, deadlines, school drop-offs and running errands. Instead, your daily brew is something to be savoured — and an opportunity to snatch back some “me time” from your busy schedule.
Throughout history, drinking coffee has been associated with pleasure and enjoyment — whether it was being traded by 14th century Arabian merchants, savoured in the famous coffee houses of Venice, or sipped in the comfort of your own home.
But these days, coffee is all-too-often slotted in as a quick pick-me-up in an otherwise crowded day. It doesn’t have to be that way!
The importance of “me time”
“It is very important to be sure to take time out for yourself,” says life coach Aurelia Williams from Real Life Solutions.
“I made a vow a while ago to be sure to take time for myself away from home. I have a husband and four children and I schedule time for myself weekly. Whether I am alone or with girlfriends, I find the time that I spend dedicated to myself to be priceless.”
Whether you’re trying to create a daily pampering routine or a weekly “me time” ritual, keep in mind that it only takes 21 days to create a habit. That means that in the space of just a few weeks, you could be starting each day with a calm sense of peace and a smile on your dial!
Creating new rituals
To get started in claiming back a portion of your day completely for yourself, try following some of these suggestions:
Get creative
What is your creative outlet? Try combining your coffee break with a different daily activity that you enjoy, such as scrapbooking, reading, painting, sewing or crafting. Set aside specific time each week or fortnight to enjoy a brew and let the creative juices flow.
Create a kiddie distraction
If you’re a stay-at-home parent, set an activity to keep the kids entertained while the jug boils and then settle into a comfy couch with your coffee and a treat — knowing that you have 10 minutes of peace to yourself to truly savour your cup of coffee.
Take a work break
For those in the workforce, don’t drink your coffee at your desk or on the way to work. Instead, take it outside of the office for a 10-minute break while you read a book or flick through a magazine.
Call in reinforcements
Get your partner, babysitter or grandparents to take the kids out one day each week — they might go to the library, to local markets, or just for a walk. Whatever it is, just make sure it keeps them occupied for at least an hour so you can stay home and enjoy that cup of coffee in peace.
Go for a stroll
Go for a lazy stroll and engage with your five senses to fully enjoy your surroundings. Take note of all the beauty that is surrounding you: Smell and taste the coffee you’ve packed, feel the breeze or the sand between your toes and listen to the sound of silence while you reconnect with nature.
Recharge at the park
Kids love going to the park and it actually gives mum and dad a mini “time-out” too — provided you keep an ever-vigilant eye on your kids, of course! Brew a coffee at home and package it up to take to the park with you and enjoy a few moments to yourself while your little ones wear themselves out on the swings!
Tell us
When is your favourite time to snatch some “me time”? Share in the comments below!
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