How much “me time” do you take every day? I’m not asking how much you get, but how much you take. Because, my friend, chances are you’re not taking enough, and you need to.
We can’t give to others when our own energy tank is depleted, right? Career, kids, relationships, home chores… it all adds up to a lot on everyone’s plate. We look longingly toward a few minutes or hours here and there of life without responsibilities and in the meantime, we become resentful and exhausted because we’re not pausing to refill our energy tanks.
Here’s how to make it possible to take “me time” every day so that you have what it takes to face the world:
- Say no. You have a right to say no.
- Let go (delegate). Someone else might do the job better, and love it.
- Ask for help. It’s okay. As much as you help, isn’t it your Turn?
- Stop being a perfectionist. Simply do your best.
- Don’t multitask. Do one thing at a time, do it right and move on. It’s more efficient.
- Prioritize.
That should open up some time for you. And now that you have time, how do you make a graceful escape? Just do it. Tell everyone you’re going to take 20 minutes to unplug from the world. The world isn’t going to come crashing down in 20 minutes. If you disappear for 20 minutes, people won’t panic. Get used to 20 minutes, every day, for YOU.
Make a quick exit and stick to your plan – NO chores, work, kids, spouse, house, pet, dinner… just you. If you’re married with kids, trade off “me time” with your spouse.
It’s easy to lose sight of the things that truly nourish and energize us. We feel guilty when we aren’t doing something – “I’m not being productive!” or doing less – “I’m being lazy!”. But when did it become okay to keep driving hard, and never stop? Are you a cog in a machine, or a human being?
How Much “Me Time” Do You Take Every Day?
Chances are you’re not taking enough, and you need to…
So… what do you “do” when you’re taking “me time”? Well, the short answer is, “whatever you want!”.
Here are some suggestions – but remember, it’s your life so don’t listen to me… do what YOU want:
- Be. DO nothing for a while. And don’t feel guilty about recharging your batteries!
- Exercise. Yes, exercise invigorates you!
- Do what you love. Passion and energy feed each other.
Meditation is a fabulous “me time” treat. When you meditate every day, you energize your body, clear your head and let go of the guilt of “not doing”. It helps you prioritize and be okay with letting go of things, responsibilities, activities and even people that drain you.
When you think about letting go of things and people that drain you, you may worry about loss. It could be fear of losing a friend who might be hurt that you didn’t want to be in her book club; or losing the respect of your peers if you take a weekend off… but instead of focusing on that imaginary loss, what about focusing on what you will gain?
Picture your ideal lifestyle. What are the components of that lifestyle? I’m willing to bet they include some “me time”.
So take that time now, energize yourself, and start making that ideal life a reality!
P.S. As the wonderful Jim Rohn once said…
“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time.” – Jim Rohn
