The Importance of Finding "You Time"
How often have you thought about doing something you’d like to do but realized you don’t have time for it? How often does a week go by and you didn’t have a minute to yourself? Not even a minute to do something you might want to do just for yourself. It’s a typical scenario these days.
The problem is that not making time for you can lead to chronic stress and depression. While you may be busy, and your to-do lists are probably overwhelming, it’s important that you make yourself a priority.
Kids, job, chores, stress, Covid, bills to pay, cooking, cleaning and everything else we have to do is a lot. But without self-care we will burn out quickly, and then what happens to all those responsibilities? When you neglect your own needs and mental health, everything in your life suffers.
Meetings, deadlines, chores and appointments are all crammed onto your calendar. But more likely than not there isn’t a single mention about time for yourself in there. Everyone needs personal time. Time to unwind. Time to breathe. Time to have fun and experience joy. Time to explore hobbies and interests.
Finding time to focus on self-care may be challenging, especially when job and family life are demanding but it’s something we must do, even if it is only for 30 minutes here and there.
5 Ways To Get Some “You Time”
Prioritize
Prioritize, first and foremost. A well-organized plan will put your mind at ease and lead to a more productive week. Scheduling time ahead may be an excellent method to guarantee you don’t scrimp on that all-important self-care time. You can also see where you can squeeze it in (which can help ensure that you actually take it). In any case, prioritize what’s vital and learn to say “No” or delegate, as discussed further below.
Say No (It’s All Right, We Promise)
It is quite acceptable to say no. Your time is very valuable and it should be spent on activities that provide meaning to your life. It’s okay if you don’t want to go to that lunch with the other moms if what you really need is some alone time. If a friend has asked you to help them with their move or something else; if it will have a negative impact on you, it’s okay to say no. And you don’t even need to make excuses!
Switch It Off
Take a break from your phone and computer. How many times do you get an afternoon to yourself, only to waste it replying to e-mails or reading Instagram? Social media has its advantages, but it can also entice us to spend an hour looking at useless memes. Limiting distractions is a great first step in finding time for yourself.
Leave Work Early
When you need some alone time, this is one of the easiest things you can do. Many of us remain late at work. If this is the case for you, make it a point to leave work on time, or if at all possible, leave a little early at least once a week if not more often. Then take advantage of that time by engaging in your favorite pastime, getting a massage, meditating, spending time with a friend you don’t see very often or doing anything that helps you relax. If you work at home, close the door to your office and “go home.” If there’s no door, get one of those Oriental screens to “hide” your office, and then “go home.”
Learn To Delegate
According to VeryWellMind, “Are there responsibilities that you have at home or at work that could be delegated to assistants, family members, or others? Some possible ways to delegate include: Allowing someone else to take over a task can bring added benefits. They may find that they’re better at it than they thought they would be (or than you thought they would be). They may also enjoy the feeling of helping out. At the very least, it could bring a sense of teamwork.”
To Recap
Prioritize – Set aside an hour or two (on Sunday?) and organize your week. Allow tasks to roll over to the next week if necessary.
Say “No” – It’s not just okay to tell someone “No,” it’s actually critical to good mental health. And you don’t need to come up with an excuse, either! Saying “I already have plans” is the perfect reply – and you do! Whether it’s to relax in a bath, sit with a cup of your favorite beverage, spend time reading, whatever it is, you already have plans!
Switch it off – Speaking of having plans, go ahead and turn off your phone, or put it on silent. Because you “already have plans!” and can’t be disturbed. They can leave a message or send you an email that you can read when you’re once again available.
Leave work early – Schedule one or two days a week to leave work 1/2 hour early. If you work at home, leave your workspace and close it off, and then “Go Home!”
Delegate – Look at the things you do over and over and over again, and see how you can delegate those tasks. It could be a chore at home, at work, or in your freelancing business. Whatever it is, if it is a repetitive task, hire someone else to do it for you. Yes, it might take you some time to train the person, but once he/she is trained, it can free you up to do more productive things.
When you’re ready, join us in the Healers Who Launch Facebook Group and meet other “kindred spirits” to ask questions and to share your stories and what you do.