How About Some 'Me-Time'?

by Suzie Doscher
 
With the daily work schedules these days it is important to learn how to treat yourself to some neutral ‘me time’. Otherwise, you might find that your body will force you to take some time by having the flu, a sore throat or simply feeling exhausted all the time.
If you do not already know how to take a little time for yourself, you can only gain by learning how to schedule some.
Be patient as you learn to make this a priority. You might have to start with only five minutes per day or every other day until slowly you carve out more time for yourself.
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1. For motivation ask yourself: “What will it be like to have some time for myself?” For example, feeling of calmer, more clear, your sense of humour returning even a sense of power in that you have been able to make yourself a priority? Maybe even a sense of better time management? You might find yourself thinking you will be a happier person, a better parent and/or partner, healthier, more energetic, more creative, or more inspired.
2. If helpful, list bullet-points of what you will gain. These will be motivators to help you get started and stay on track. The first one could be ‘self-respect for making my well-being a priority or ‘less stress’.
3. Consider specifically what has to change in your daily routine and schedule, such as getting up earlier, asking for some outside help, or saying “no” to gain some extra time. Until you learn how to schedule some “me” time on a regular basis you will have to create some space by saying “no” to things you might have said “yes” to in the past without thinking.
4. If you have decided the best way forward is to ask for some help, then work out who you will ask, exactly how and when they can help, and, most importantly, what result you are hoping to gain from this help. Or, if you feel practicing saying “no” is best for the moment, then ask yourself who or what you might wish to start saying “no” to.
5. Take one step up this ladder of change and slowly allow yourself to get used to the effects of taking some time for yourself.
6. Remember to give yourself some credit and positivity having chosen to start making this change.

1. Start with allowing yourself 5 to 10 minutes. As time goes by, hopefully you will be increasing this to 20, 30 or even 60 minutes per day.
2. Ideally, you are relaxed rather than being in a “I have to” or “I should” mode. Do this when you are ready to treat yourself a little better.
3. Sit comfortably, take a couple of deep breaths and slow yourself down.

 
Bear in mind that all changes take time and are only possible if you choose small steps that can realistically fit into an already busy day. If you find yourself slipping up, then remember, “tomorrow is a new day.”

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