ME TIME

By Kathy Morris
March 2024

What exactly is me time? And why does it matter?

"Me time" is basically time that you set aside to focus on yourself and your own needs. It's a chance to relax, recharge, and do things that you enjoy.

When my son was younger, he would get grumpy in the evening and when questioned what was wrong, he would always say, "I didn't get any Kevin time today." He was complaining about not getting time to himself to just relax and do whatever he wanted. I realized he actually was more happy and fun when he got his Kevin time.

Here are some key points that you'll want to do to make sure you get your "Me time:"

Focus on yourself:

It's about being present with yourself, both mentally and physically.

Recharge:

It's a break from the daily grind that helps you de-stress and feel more energized. It’s more beneficial than you might think. It’s easy to get burnt out with the same thing day-in and day-out.

Enjoyment:

You get to do things you like, whether it's reading, taking a bath, spending time in nature, or pursuing a hobby. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always looked for an excuse to do those things! Me time can look different for everyone. There's no right or wrong way to do it. The important thing is that it allows you to unwind and be yourself.

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WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Me time matters for a whole bunch of reasons. Here are some of the biggest benefits:

Reduces stress and boosts mood:

Just like a phone needs charging, so do we! Taking a break helps you unplug, unwind, and lowers stress levels. This can make you feel happier and more positive overall.

Improves relationships:

When you're feeling burnt out, it can be easy to get irritable with the people around you. By taking care of yourself, you'll have more patience and energy for your loved ones.

Boosts self-confidence:

Making time for yourself shows that you value yourself and your needs. This can lead to a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence.

Enhances creativity and focus:

When your mind is constantly bombarded with stimuli, it's hard to focus or be creative. Me time allows your brain to relax and recharge, which can lead to better problem-solving and new ideas.

Helps with self-discovery:

Spending time alone with your thoughts can be a great way to learn more about yourself. You can reflect on your goals, values, and what truly brings you joy.

Overall, me time is an investment in your well-being. It's not selfish, it's essential for being the best version of yourself for yourself and the people in your life.

How much time should be taken for "Me Time?"

The ideal amount of "me time" actually depends on you! There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some things to consider:

Your personality:

Introverts typically need more alone time to recharge than extroverts.

Your lifestyle:

If you have a demanding job or family life, you might need to carve out smaller chunks of time throughout the day.

Your stress levels:

If you're feeling particularly burnt out, you might need a longer break, like a weekend getaway. That being said, some general guidelines exist.

Even small amounts can be beneficial. As little as 5-10 minutes of focused "me time" can help reduce stress and improve focus.

Aim for some daily time:

Ideally, try to schedule some "me time" every day, even if it's just for a short while.

Listen to your body and mind:

Pay attention to how you're feeling. If you're constantly feeling drained or irritable, you might need more "me time."

Here are some tips for fitting in "me time" even with a busy schedule:

Schedule it in:

Treat "me time" like any other important appointment. Block off time in your calendar and stick to it.

Start small:

If you're not used to taking time for yourself, start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the amount of time.

Find micro-moments:

Look for small pockets of time throughout your day that you can use for "me time," like taking a few deep breaths during your commute or reading a few pages before bed.

Be present:

When you are having "me time," truly be present and avoid distractions like checking your phone or social media.

Remember, the key is to find what works for you. Don't feel pressured to spend hours on "me time" if that's not realistic for your life. Even small amounts can make a big difference!

Kathy Morris