It’s very easy to forget to make time for yourself, especially if you have a full-time job and kids. I’ve been there and done that, plus all the housework despite chronic pain. You probably wish you had more time to yourself.
Well, you’re not getting any more time. The day only has 24 hours, you can’t have 25 to use one hour for yourself. What you have to do, is block off time in your calendar to spend only on yourself. Otherwise, you’ll burn out faster than a match.
It isn’t selfish to set aside time for yourself, no matter what other people (or your inner critic) might say. You need to use time on self-care and hobbies if you want to stay sane. A happier Mom (or Dad) takes better care of her (or his) kids than someone who’s worn out and unsatisfied. You’ll find that your mood improves as well as your ability to handle stress and your productivity increases.
It also makes it a lot easier for you to get back to your true self, and to get closer to living your purpose. You don’t have to set aside two hours each day at once; starting with five minutes is good enough. Then you increase as you get used to it. When you reach an hour, I would also suggest to portion the time out throughout the day; some in the morning, some in the evening, and some in the middle. That way you get to do more than one thing, and the people around you don’t mind as much, but you still get the same amount of me-time. I’ll post suggestions for what to do with that time later this month.
Linda,
Such a basic and simple message that bears repeating, over and over again.
I love the idea of doing it in increments and building up to it. It is like creating and building any new habit.
Q: How do you eat an elephant?
A: One bite at a time.
Good stuff,
Kina
Yes, it’s way too easy to forget. Love the analogy 🙂
This is so true. And you are right, it doesn’t have to be a whole day. Sometimes I’ll even just go for a short walk around the block…without my cellphone! 🙂
Anne Dovel
Getting rid of the phone, for just a minute or two is great. I don’t get that many calls, but there’s always that text message from hubs asking me to do this or that.
Linda – self-care is the greatest gift we can give our families I think – and teach our kids to do as well. Thanks for being so direct 🙂
Yes it is 🙂 I prefer to be direct, so theres no room for misinterpretation.
This is so important and it speaks to many areas of life. We must recognize that self-care also extends to our health. Getting enough rest, eating properly, making time for the right kind of activities – all of that is part of this as well. Each day we should be feeding our minds, souls and bodies with the right fuel. I totally agree that the only way it happens – is that we SCHEDULE IT!! And then honor the schedule. A solid timely reminder early in the year – it can mean a very different January 2014 if we take this advice.
Yes 🙂 I think the hardest part is to honor that schedule. It’s a hadbit we all need to get into.
Such an important lesson to learn and remember. Whether it’s a few minutes reading, crafting, or just sitting in silence (or browsing around reading blogs that strike our fancy), it’s crucial that we take time to recharge ourselves. Good reminder.
Yes. I’m glad so many people agree with me 🙂
What a great reminder to take care of ourselves. It is a big topic of conversation among the busy moms I hang out with. I love the idea of 5 minutes. Unfortunately some moms don’t even think they have time for that. But you are right, a happier mom is better able to be their for her family.
Thanks 🙂 I think most women talk about things like that, but only a few actually act on it. I’ve been one of those for a very long time. None of us really have time, especially Moms. We have to take time, claim it.
Linda,
That is an awesome message you’re sharing. I fully agree with you. Every once in a while we NEED to take time to get away; to unplug for awhile. We need to regain our energy and find ourselves again. In today’s world, It’s too easy to get bombarded with work and get stressed out. And it will be better for everyone around us if we are happier and relaxed!
Thank you!
~ Jodene
Thanks 🙂 It’s getting harder and harder to find time for ourselves, so I hope this gets some people to take action on it.
It has taken me a long time to learn but now I know how important it is to take time to smell the roses. And sometimes I do just that. I pop down to my friends florist shop for a natter over a coffee. 🙂
It took me a very long time too 🙂