Our lives are hectic. We study. We work crazy hours. We dedicate our time to our families. And some of us have to do all of it at the same time. Although we all realize that in order to function we need to unwind and recharge regularly, with schedules like this, it’s practically impossible for us to find the time to do it. In this article, let’s take a look at how we can make time for ourselves even if we’re very — very! — busy.
1. Understand why it’s important
Everyone knows that having “me-time” is essential. We hear about it over and over again, and yet we still underestimate it. So often we just wave it off until we come face-to-face with burnout and depression. Taking up too many responsibilities without setting clear boundaries between your duties and your personal time will inevitably take its toll. It’s important for you to realize that making time to rest and recharge will increase your overall productivity, reduce stress, and make you feel happier.
2. Say no to your phone
Our phones have become a huge part of our lives. However, we seldom realize how much of our time is actually wasted on scrolling through social media and news feeds. Our minds are easily distracted, and that is what social media does — it provides a perfect distraction that takes hours of our lives without us even noticing it. What do we do first thing in the morning? We check our social media. What do we do at night after work? We catch up on the news and watch videos shared by online friends. As a result, we procrastinate. According to the statistics, an average person spends almost two and a half hours a day on social media. This time can be used more effectively.
3. Find your own way to unwind
The phrase “making time for yourself” means different things to different people. While reading a book, taking a nap, and watching TV are great ways to take your mind off of things and relax, there are more beneficial ways for you to spend your “me-time”.
One such way is to explore new interests. For a stay-at-home mom, for instance, it can be a new activity that will take her away from home for an hour or two. An office worker can take up a new project that has nothing to do with their job. Other examples include gardening, taking a language course, opening a crochet club, starting a blog, etc. Even something as simple as going for a walk will make a huge impact on your mental health.
4. Learn to plan your time better
Time management is a valuable skill to have, and it starts with making a to-do list in the morning. This is an absolutely crucial step. However, it’s not enough to list all the things you need to get done. You need to prioritize the tasks and realistically estimate what you can accomplish in a day. Make your “me-time” a part of your to-do list and make sure you don’t skip it. It’s better to start small so you don’t feel overwhelmed by all the tasks that you’ve planned. Remember, the goal is to reduce stress in your life, not add to it.
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