Finding me time: the ultimate challenge
In the fast-paced modern world, it’s hard to find a moment uninterrupted by the ping of a device, let alone a solid half-hour of solitude to focus entirely on yourself. But just because it’s difficult doesn’t make finding me time any less important. In fact, it might mean some quiet time is more essential. After all, the more noise that surrounds you, the more you crave the calm. So if you’re struggling to find some time for yourself, try following these steps.
Reorganize your priorities
This shift is probably easier said than done, but it’s an important part of carving out some me time. Chances are you’re up to other things during the day that keep you from taking quiet time for yourself. Maybe it’s compulsively checking your social media accounts, or perhaps it’s replying to work emails after hours. Trim the fat that’s in your schedule and repurpose the extra minutes as your me time.
Take baby steps
If your daily itinerary is jam-packed, it’s unrealistic to think that you’ll magically discover an hour of free time hiding somewhere. Instead, start small. Begin by stealing 10 or 15 quiet minutes for yourself every day. Wake up a bit early and meditate before you begin your morning (try the Headspace app) or take five minutes on your lunch break and enjoy a stroll outside.
Treat yourself to a cat nap
Do you miss the days when you had so little on your schedule that you could come home from work and sink blissfully into bed for an hour or two? That might not be in the cards today, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a bit of rest between work and the gym. Set your alarm for 20 minutes and allow yourself to rest your eyes. You’ll probably find that you wake up less groggy when you keep your nap on the shorter side, anyway, so it won’t eat up too much of your evening or weekend afternoon.
Embrace the word “no”
If you have a hard time turning down plans, you’ll never be able to find quiet time in your hectic schedule. Start to let go of the guilt that comes with saying “no” to friends or family. Sometimes you have to put your own sanity ahead of socializing. Bow out of plans during the week every now and then in order to preserve your me time.
Enlist some help
If your responsibilities can’t wait for a few minutes so that you can enjoy some down time, then ask for some support. See if a friend can take your pup for a walk in the evening so that you can enjoy a manicure. Ask a parent to help with some DIY projects around the apartment that you’ve had trouble finishing up, thus freeing up more time for the future weeks. Or maybe you just need a significant to hold you accountable to taking a few minutes for yourself each day. Regardless of how you could use help, feel free to ask for it. Your mind and body will thank you.
8 Ways to Put Yourself on Your Priority List [SparkPeople]
A Woman’s Guide to ‘Me’ Time [WebMD]
20 Easy Ways to Find ‘Me Time’ and Nourish Yourself [Organic Authority]