Me Time.
What does it mean to you?
Making time for yourself. No more crossing oceans for those who wouldn’t step over a puddle for you. Blocking out all other sounds so that you can hear your own voice. Putting your own well-being first. Allowing yourself some space to think.
Taking time to make your soul happy
Whatever Me Time is to you, do you rate it highly enough in your life? Many of us don’t. Many of us feel that the fast pace of life just doesn’t allow for us to take a step back and regather our strength. Many of us feel that we must keep going, plough on with our heads down and chins set. Many of us, sadly, rarely take the time to question our own happiness.
Well, this has to stop! If Me Time is alien to you, then we’re here to tell you that needs to change. We all need time to ourselves now and then, to take care of our body and minds so that we are able to carry on with our busy lives. Without rest and relaxation, we’ll reach burn out a lot quicker, that’s for sure. So here are five ways to make the most of Me Time. Read carefully…
Ditch the guilt
There is simply no need to worry about what you should or shouldn’t be doing if your body is screaming out for a rest. Whether that rest means you take the afternoon to read a book, check into a spa, or go for a two hour run- just do it. Don’t fret over whether or not you can spare the time. Take this moment to do something for you, and make up for it by doing something for someone else afterwards, if you must.
YOU are just as important as all the other tasks that are mounting up on your to-do list, and if it means physically booking time away from work/ your partner/ the kids then do it. You will return refreshed and happier and that can only ever be a good thing. Nothing to feel guilty about, and no better way to let people know that you matter too. Me Time doesn’t mean you’re selfish. It means you value yourself.
Remember that Me Time is good for your health
People who take Me Time seriously are more likely to have reduced stress levels when compared to those who deny themselves that essential time altogether. Stress is bad for your health! The symptoms of stress include anxiety, inability to sleep, lack of concentration and focus, low moods/ depression. There are physical symptoms too, including chest pains, palpitations, gastrointestinal pains and headaches. Imagine if you could eliminate these symptoms simply by taking some time to do something you enjoy? Does that sound like such a hardship?
It can be hard to find the time when you’re busy, but those who know the importance of this tend to make the time. Clear a space in your diary regularly. Make sure that you don’t book appointments when it is your time. Be strict with yourself and remember that you’re doing this for the good of your health.
Turn off your phone
These days it’s only too easy to get distracted by all the things we need to do, when reminders, texts, emails and calls all come through to our phones. That extra piece of work you just agreed to? That comes through to your phone. That email sent after 5pm? It’s right there, waiting for you to respond. The trick is to turn the phone off.
Don’t allow yourself to get sucked in to what can wait for tomorrow. Set an out of office when you go for your Me Time and don’t even look at your phone until you’re recharged and refreshed. Whatever is waiting for you can wait, and you can only do one thing at a time. If you’ve decided that you’re going for a walk then that is your one thing.
Take up a new hobby
If the thought of Me Time means that you struggle to find ways to spend that precious time you get to yourself, it could be worth considering taking up a new hobby. A new exercise class perhaps? Join a knitting club? Learn a new language? You’re never too old to learn something new and try something different and if you find an activity you really enjoy it’s more likely that you’ll want to make time to do it.
Meditate
We’re huge believers in nourishing the mind as well as the body, and if you find it hard to switch off and relax, then meditation could be crucial in your de-stressing process. Me Time is all about doing something for YOU and if you find it hard to accept that, then start small. Take ten minutes in your day to meditate quietly, and gradually build it up. Meditation is a wonderful way to re-focus when times are stressful and it’s a useful tool to have when things are starting to get on top of you too. Research has shown that just 15 minutes of meditation per day can reduce stress levels significantly, and once you’re more relaxed the idea of doing more for yourself might just appeal.
How do you spend your Me Time?
