In this episode, I will talk about making quality time for yourself. I’m also going to give you a creative prompt, something you can do easily and in a short amount of time, to get some creative play into your day.

A small caution might be in order. If you’re sensitive to language, I must warn you that the occasional swear word might slip through the cracks when I edit. That might happen if I’m talking about something I’m particularly passionate about.

20 - Remember to carve out some quality time for yourself

by Linda Ursin | Creative Explorer Podcast

Show Notes

Remember to carve out some quality time for yourself

It’s very easy to forget to make time for yourself, especially if you have a business or 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 already, and you’ll wish for it even more during the holidays, especially if you’re having family stay with you.

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, and you need to sleep. 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, and the holidays won’t feel fun or enjoyable.

It isn’t selfish to set aside some 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 too. You’ll be a lot more efficient in doing your other tasks if you have the boost you get from having that me-time.

It also makes it a lot easier for you to get back to business when it’s time to do that, and to get closer to living the way you want to. 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.

Today’s inspirational words are by Stephen Covey, and he says; “The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities”.

The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities - Stephen Covey

Today’s Creative Prompt is to make some room for you in your schedule for the holidays. Mark it in your calendar and don’t deviate from it unless it’s incredibly important, like life threatening. You need me-time in the middle of all that’s going on during the holidays.

Yule vacation

On the 10th of December, I start my Yule vacation from running my business. The next you will hear from me will be after the 3rd of January. I may share some art and other things I create, or a resource I come across on facebook and Instagram, but I will not be booking appointments in that time period. I won’t post on the blog, do the podcasts, do videos, or send out newsletters. So if you were thinking of having a cup of tea with me, there are only a few time slots left. For more info, click this link.

That’s it for me for today. Thanks for listening to the Creative Explorer Podcast. The next episode will, among other things, be about remembering yourself in the gift giving. If you have any questions, just reach out to me at linda@lindaursin.net. Remember to rate and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.

12 Comments

  1. Diane Howell Topkis

    Linda, how timely this article is. Just this morning I was plotting my next 90 days with a lot of “me time.” Not from family obligations but from my self-imposed work obligations. Too much writing my new Tasting Journals – and marketing them beyond just having them up on Amazon is stressing me out.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      I’m taking time off in December too 🙂 about 3 weeks. Do it at a pace that feels good. Don’t work too hard

      Reply
  2. Molly Stevens

    Great advice Linda, during this busy time of year. I am an introvert, so unless I have down time at home to recharge, I run out of energy. Have a great Yuletide Holiday.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      When you’re an introvert, you need it even more. Thanks 🙂 you too

      Reply
  3. Reba Linker

    Thanks Linda – I love how you make it OK to start small. xox, Reba

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      It’s the best way to start anything 🙂

      Reply
  4. Suzie Cheel

    Love the Covey quote, yes i am taking some time out over xmas new year and working out how to keep my daily HW painting shared- master the mobile Thank you xx

    Reply
  5. Marquita Herald

    Excellent post and advice! I run an online course on making self-care a part of your lifestyle and it never ceases to amaze me how difficult it is for some women to justify to themselves the value of setting aside time for themselves and it really is so important. Thanks for the tips and inspiration!

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks Marquita 🙂 A lot of women have so much guilt over taking some time to themselves it’s horrible.

      Reply
  6. Stacey Toupin

    Thank you for this thoughtful post. I am a huge fan of taking a time out for the soul so as to do some reflection. I can then be guided to be “more” to myself and others. Enjoy your time! -Stacey ❤️

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks 🙂 I’m a fan of taking time too

      Reply

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