Everyone Needs Some 'Me Time'
How you deal with everyday stress is directly linked to how well you take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself means paying attention to your physical and emotional needs. It means eating nutritious foods, getting some exercise, relaxation, a good night sleep and carving out time for pleasure and being with people you care about.
One of the simplest ways to get into the habit of taking time for yourself is to schedule time in your calendar to do things that you enjoy and make all necessary arrangements ahead of time to fit it in. And when you need to arrange for babysitters, confirm with friends, or get help from your spouse, do not allow any obstacles to prevent you from taking time for yourself.
Whether it's 15 minutes to take a warm bath, a walk around the block, or a night out with your friends, it's imperative to take care of you before stress and fatigue make you ill. And the more refreshed and balanced you are, the more you'll be able to care for the people and things that matter most in your life.
Taking 'Me time' really does make a big difference in your satisfaction andfulfillment in life.
Taking time for yourself is Just a Choice Away
There is no doubt that our lives are filled with demands pulling at us from many different directions, sometimes with no end in sight. Often times though, it is the small deliberate choices you make that ultimately have you feeling more peaceful, content, and in control at the end of the day.
Here are some simple choices you can make in your day to be able to squeeze in some "Me time":
- Choose your leisure activities wisely. You only have a limited number of hours in the day for fun, so spend them on things you really enjoy.
- When someone asks you to do something, don't just say 'yes', only to regret it later. First consider how that thing will impact your time.
- Plan at least one task every day that you know you will complete, and that you know you will feel good about. Then do it.
- Identify the most stressful things in your life, and make simple changes so they feel less stressful.
Taking time for yourself is about consciously making choices. It's about choosing where to spend your energy, your time, and even your money.
