Whether it’s working moms trying to juggle their kids’ activities and household duties or retirees with a hundred things going on at once, we’re all “just so busy!”
Part of it is that we live in a world where instant response–leading to instant stress– is the norm. After all, we’re tethered to our devices, on which we get texts, emails and messages–and even an actual phone call once in a while.
Many of us don’t stop piling on more commitments, responsibilities and, as a result, more stress and tension.
“I don’t know how I’m going to fit it all in!”
The chores pile up at home, the family feels the tension and so do our bodies.
“I’m overwhelmed!”
Do we really need to do more?
Do we really need to connect constantly with technology that does more disconnecting than connecting?
What’s missing is “me time.” Alone time to reflect or do self-care. Time for a massage, a cup of tea with a friend, a walk in the garden.
Time to do the things that nourish our souls.
It’s almost as if we feel guilty about taking “me time.”
What would happen if we dialed back some? If we said “no” more often? If we slowed our pace and actually stopped to smell the proverbial roses? I know what would happen. The quality of our lives would take a tiny step upward. Everyone would benefit: us, our family and our job.
Why not start today with this first tip that should be very manageable:
Set aside two hours a week for “me time.”
Two consecutive hours. Whether you use time for a massage, to read a juicy novel, for a movie or to have coffee with a friend—-it doesn’t matter what you do, just that whatever it is, it adds no stress and even feeds your soul.
Try it this week. Just two hours. And if you can’t manage two, try for one. One hour a week.
Let me know how that works. And if you already set aside “me time” each week, I’d love to hear more about it.
I have an empty nest but I find myself way too busy most of the time. I start every day off with some “me” time. I’m an early riser so I enjoy the solitude and watching the sunrise. It’s so important for me to use this time to meditate and plan my day. Plus, it helps me stay grounded.
We all do need some me time. I’m guilty of not giving myself enough self-care and have promised myself to try and give myself more downtime for things like relaxing and reading.
I don’t work as hard these days even if I work from home. I prioritize my well-being by doing this in moderation. Exercise is something that I always include in my schedule which is good for the health and instantly makes me happy. I surround myself with the things I love, I unclutter and I try to do what needs to be done at once.
At this time my lovely daughter is in crisis with accompanying existential exhaustion. Even attempting to ask her father to work with me is to no avail.I know in my heart that there are higher solutions to all of this. So prayers and thoughts from all are more than appreciated. Onward in Faith! Deb
I’m actually taking 4 days for me time! Every quarter or so, I get away to the same beautiful Air B&B in Connecticut. I mostly write, read, and walk. Sometimes i have lunch with a friend, but I don’t mind a lot of alone time. Its a wonderful gift I give myself and later I come back to my family — refreshed and grateful.
I learned to take time for myself when stress was having a physical effect on my body. I would get tye twitches that were constant. Even dermatitis on my scalp and hands. Once I started doing things to reduce the stress then I started seeing improvements in these conditions. Massage, yoga, meditation. And I went back to reading fiction just for pleasure. I’d given it up to read just nonfiction for self-improvement but would slog through the books. Reading fiction has brought the pleasure back.
I am guilty as well for being so busy, however i try to slow down when the weather gets a little bit warmer. I like to stay outdoor and enjoying the nature while I am not at the office.
The world is indeed like a rat race. There is so much going on that one needs to consciously find time for oneself. A few hours of relaxation like yoga or meditation works wonders.
I get overwhelmed easily and have to set time for myself. It’s seriously something so simple that can easily relax me and I can get back to work easily!
Time and tide wait for none. So, time is so precious for me and i don’t waste my time. Everyone cannot gain success without knowing valuable knowledge his/her time and don’t make his life at a proper destination. So, don’t make your time more precious by doing good.
That’s a great idea! Not sure why I never thought of doing it. So simple and so easy to do. Often I try to keep scheduling things around to try to free up time. It would be so much easier to just block off that time every week.
My best friend and I always meet for coffee each week for an hour or so. It’s our me time. Very important because sometimes life is too much of a rush and if we didn’t make a promise to each other for a weekly coffee date then we might become like ships in the night and our friendship would dwindle.
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I take lots of time for myself. I try to workout for at least an hour a day and that is my time to unwind and recharge!
I have an empty nest but I find myself way too busy most of the time. I start every day off with some “me” time. I’m an early riser so I enjoy the solitude and watching the sunrise. It’s so important for me to use this time to meditate and plan my day. Plus, it helps me stay grounded.
We all do need some me time. I’m guilty of not giving myself enough self-care and have promised myself to try and give myself more downtime for things like relaxing and reading.
I don’t work as hard these days even if I work from home. I prioritize my well-being by doing this in moderation. Exercise is something that I always include in my schedule which is good for the health and instantly makes me happy. I surround myself with the things I love, I unclutter and I try to do what needs to be done at once.
Yes, me time is SO important. I make sure I get some on a daily basis so I don’t get burnt out. I usually tend to read!
I LOVE me time. That is one thing I am good at. I take the time I need to decompress. Which is better for everyone. hah.
It really helps to spend a few hours to detach and appreciate me time. It will help you rest and come up with more ideas.
At this time my lovely daughter is in crisis with accompanying existential exhaustion. Even attempting to ask her father to work with me is to no avail.I know in my heart that there are higher solutions to all of this. So prayers and thoughts from all are more than appreciated. Onward in Faith! Deb
This is a totally busy week for me. Yes I will still find plenty of time for me time. If I am healthy and content everyone else around me is the same.
I could so use 2 hours of me-time and you know what? I can definitely somehow integrate it in my every day. I should go for it!
Me time? What is this that you speak of? I need me time. I want me time I just can’t get anyone else to see that!
I think the more you say you’re busy the more stuff comes flying towards you. Love the idea of scheduling 2 hours a week of me time.
I’m actually taking 4 days for me time! Every quarter or so, I get away to the same beautiful Air B&B in Connecticut. I mostly write, read, and walk. Sometimes i have lunch with a friend, but I don’t mind a lot of alone time. Its a wonderful gift I give myself and later I come back to my family — refreshed and grateful.
I don’t have two hours all at once, but I do try to give myself 30 minutes a day. I read, or nap, or soak in a tub or take a walk in my neighborhood.
I understand how important it is to have some me time. I try my best to have some quiet time every day. 30 minutes of alone time works wonders for me!
Finding me time is so important. I usually take some time to do my manicure and watch reality TV. It’s definitely my guilty pleasure.
I learned to take time for myself when stress was having a physical effect on my body. I would get tye twitches that were constant. Even dermatitis on my scalp and hands. Once I started doing things to reduce the stress then I started seeing improvements in these conditions. Massage, yoga, meditation. And I went back to reading fiction just for pleasure. I’d given it up to read just nonfiction for self-improvement but would slog through the books. Reading fiction has brought the pleasure back.
I try to get my “me time” in during my work from home days. I do that twice a week every week.
I am guilty as well for being so busy, however i try to slow down when the weather gets a little bit warmer. I like to stay outdoor and enjoying the nature while I am not at the office.
The world is indeed like a rat race. There is so much going on that one needs to consciously find time for oneself. A few hours of relaxation like yoga or meditation works wonders.
Me time is something I need everyday. When my husband is at work and my kids are at school I take a bath and focus on me.
I know a lot of us who can use some me time. We always tend to put ourselves aside for others.
I get overwhelmed easily and have to set time for myself. It’s seriously something so simple that can easily relax me and I can get back to work easily!
Me time is very important! I make sure I get some on a weekly basis! Taking time for yourself is the foundation to a happy life!
Time and tide wait for none. So, time is so precious for me and i don’t waste my time. Everyone cannot gain success without knowing valuable knowledge his/her time and don’t make his life at a proper destination. So, don’t make your time more precious by doing good.
That’s a great idea! Not sure why I never thought of doing it. So simple and so easy to do. Often I try to keep scheduling things around to try to free up time. It would be so much easier to just block off that time every week.
My best friend and I always meet for coffee each week for an hour or so. It’s our me time. Very important because sometimes life is too much of a rush and if we didn’t make a promise to each other for a weekly coffee date then we might become like ships in the night and our friendship would dwindle.