Me time: 5 ways to make it happen

This is what “me time” looks like for me…

• Ten minutes of just being…while laying horizontal on the couch.  I take it while I can.  My husband and kids were out getting a movie.
• Kick boxing or pilates at home, in the evening (this is the easiest time and place for me to fit it in).
• Writing or reading in the wee hours or just before bed
• My ultimate: several hours of mountain biking or dancing (sans kids)

Who comes First?
We all know how refreshed and revitalized we feel after we make time for ourselves, yet “time for me” is often low on our list of priorities. We make sure that everyone else is taken care of first. Maybe after work I’ll make time for myself. Maybe after the chores are done. Maybe after I say goodnight to my kids. Maybe after I’ve caught up with my husband. We can make up so many excuses that we start sounding like we don’t WANT to have time to ourselves. Don’t get me wrong. Life is busy. Work, family, marriage, they all add up. But what’s left for you?

In the busyness of life we sometimes forget the benefits of self care. Not only will you have more energy, joy and focus but your relationships will benefit. You will have more to give because you’ve made time to refuel!

Self Care Checklist

1. First off, figure out what makes you really happy (maybe you already know or maybe you forgot a long time ago).
2. Once you’re clear on this…acknowledge your personal value. Move yourself up on the list of priorities by slotting in “me time” every day. This act may seem huge but the amount of time you set aside for yourself doesn’t have to be. Will it be early in the morning? During lunch break? One weekend away every month?
3. Decide what part of your daily or weekly routine you can change or shuffle around so that you can make time for your new commitment to have fun or simply chill out.
4. Now, how will you stay committed to your new decision? Will you be enjoying “me time” with someone else? If not, I suggest writing down your commitment in a highly visible spot (calendar, daily planner, phone) or telling someone else your plans (so they can bug you if you don’t follow through).
5. Make a goal for yourself-pertaining to self care. Make sure it’s not too easy and just hard enough to make you feel like you’re being stretched. This way you’ll be able to measure how much you’ve changed and what you’ve accomplished. Then you can pat yourself on the back…or get someone else to do it for you

Getting Personal

What does “me time” look like for you? Do you get together with friends at a local restaurant? Go out dancing? Do you get your nails done or go shopping? Each to their own. Let me know if you’ve decided to make more room for you in life. If you want, I can be that someone to hold you accountable.  Email or call and let me know how wonderful you feel when you make yourself a top priority!!

Fill up so you can give more,

Amy