The Oxford Dictionary defines me time as ‘the time spent relaxing on one’s own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy.’
When you take the time out of your day to look after yourself it benefits all areas of your life. Not only do you keep yourself in a good head space, it will also filter down to your partner, children and co-workers.
Whether you prefer to read a book, go for a massage or even just a stroll in the park, engaging in healthy behaviours that you enjoy each day will have huge benefits.
Where do I start?
The first stage is to acknowledge that taking time for yourself does not have to be a luxury and is necessary. The truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup and making time for self-care is the one of the first steps to keeping yourself healthy (1).
Even if you only have 5-10 minutes, why not call a friend for a chat, take 5 minutes to give your pet some attention or even just sit on the porch with a coffee and watch the clouds pass by (2).
Top tips for success
- Schedule it – write it in your calendar, just like you would any other important task.
- Make it count – it doesn’t have to be hours, but whatever time you have available ensure it’s spent on yourself.
- Remember the importance – taking care of yourself may leave you feeling guilty, but keep in mind spending time on yourself is vital to keeping yourself and your loved ones happy.
- Example Why not use your shower time for ‘me time’? It’s perhaps the only naturally built in ‘me time’ during the day, so why not take advantage of this. Buy some aromatherapy oils and treat each shower as if you were at a spa. Take some deep breaths and let the warm water wash away any tension you may have. Finish off by giving your body a gentle massage with moisturiser so you can take care of your skin too.
External resources for more information
10 keys to happier living: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/10-keys-to-happier-living
References:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/me-time-sounds-good-but-when-exactly-2018020513212
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/womans-guide-to-me-time#2