We are often overwhelmed by an endless list of things that need to be accomplished in a day. But if all we ever do are the things we have to do and nothing we want to do, it’s easy to wind up burned out and exhausted. That’s why it’s so important to make room for “me time.”
Time for ourselves is often the first thing to fall by the wayside. And because there are no visible consequences for missing out on “me time,” it’s easy to put it off for far longer than is healthy. Not making room for things that relax you and make you happy can have negative effects on your well-being. But finding that extra time is easier than you think. Make “me time” a priority, and your body and mind will thank you for it.
Do it right away
If you know procrastination is an issue for you, make room for yourself before something else takes over. Whether that means doing it immediately upon rising or the second you get in the door from work, seizing a transitionary period to get your relaxation time is a good way to go. It gives you time to mentally make room for that “me time” and increases the chances that you’ll get it done.
Put it on your to-do list
When you make “me time” something that needs to be checked off just like anything else, you are far more likely to do it. Give it as much importance as every other item on your list so that you can’t excuse skipping it. Just as you wouldn’t avoid cooking dinner and let your family go hungry, you can’t skip “me time” and let your emotional well-being starve.
Just get started
Time for yourself can often work in the same way exercise does. You may think it isn’t in the cards for you on a certain day, but if you grant yourself just 2 minutes of it, you may find you’re willing to extend that period a little longer once you get started.
Keep it in mind
You may feel as though you are constantly on the go, but chances are you have more room for downtime than you think. If you keep thoughts of “me time” in your mind, you may find surprising occasions for it. For instance, rather than get frustrated while in a long line at the coffee shop, take this time to close your eyes, take a couple of deep breaths and invision yourself in your favourite space. Rather than sitting on the bus panicking about work that day, put the office out of your mind and give yourself permission to open up a good book. Work will get dealt with once you’re there. Even taking just a few extra minutes in the shower or staying in bed a moment longer simply because you deserve it can do wonders for your well-being. Stop putting “me time” on the back burner, and you’re sure to find room for it wherever you go.
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