Do you lead a crazy, hectic life but love it? You might thrive on being the lead dog in the pack or the cornerstone of the family, maintaining the delicate balance of work and home and keeping the lives of your loved ones on track. We feel you; it can be exhausting!
Yes, you do it all, but even superheroes need to take time off to recharge, de-stress, and rejuvenate. A few minutes of time for you every day goes a long way toward healing, renewal and creating the reserves of energy and calm you need to face whatever make come your way. Although it can be challenging to schedule time off into your busy life, it is well worth the effort. To help get you feeling happier and more relaxed, check out what we’re recommending for 10 ways to take time for you.
Just Say No
Just because somebody asks does not make it mandatory to comply. It’s about respecting your own needs and making sure to replenish your depleted resources. Let go of a volunteer project or leave the dishes soak for a bit, and take the time to clear your head with a long walk or a relaxing crossword puzzle.
Join a “time off” team
Use your “me time” to unwind with friends at a cafe or coffeehouse. Connecting with peers for a few laughs and war stories is a great way to step out of your routine and relax.
Just Breathe
Carve out a half hour for your favorite form of mindfulness. Whether you practice yoga, meditation, or tai chi, a short session of controlled breathing and movement will do wonders for clearing your head and restoring balance.
Head to the Library
No space encourages tranquility like your neighborhood library. Spend your time off flipping through your favorite magazine or choose a title from your wish list, and let your brain indulge in fantasy for as long as you can spare.
An Assist from Mother Nature
There is one thing you absolutely cannot do while cooped up inside: be outside! Spending time outdoors both energizes and helps reset your natural rhythm. Pull up a bench, and enjoy an outdoor lunch. Take a refreshing walk with comfortable shoes, or take that stack of bills outside on the deck. When it’s time to return to your indoor obligations, you’ll have the memory of the warm sunshine to boost your spirits.
Class is in Session
Signing up for a special interest class is a great way to commit to time off. Whether it’s ceramics or gourmet cooking, learning something new can spark your creativity and create an opportunity to bond with new friends who share your interests.
It’s a Date
Before your calendar fills up, plot out a few time slots for yourself. Think of it like a regular appointment that you can’t miss. If necessary, book a sitter and then schedule something fun like a massage, bike ride or dance class. Once it’s on the calendar, it’s a date!
Take Five
If you don’t actually have time to leave your desk or interrupt errands, make it a point to go full stop for five minutes. Wherever you are, take a short break to breathe, stretch, take in your surroundings and reboot your brain. Even a short break can change the course of the day.
Delegate
Whether you are at home or at the office, remember, it’s okay to delegate. Asking family members to help out around the house and co-workers for assistance can free up valuable time you can use for yourself. Without a doubt, you are amazing and capable. But remember, you are not the only one who can accomplish time consuming chores.
A Bath. Bubbles. And You.
At the end of a long hard day, 15 minutes in the bath can wipe away a multitude of the day’s dirt, literally and figuratively. Don’t think of the bath as a luxury but rather as the perfect ending to a stressful, but productive day. It’s also a great way to slow you down and facilitate a peaceful night’s sleep.
Taking time for you is not a frivolous indulgence. It is an important tool to keep you functioning at your best and capable of a more positive impact on the lives of those around you. And remember, if all of them are deserving of your time and attention, so are you!
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