The Importance of Me Time

Me time is a fairly modern term used to mean allocating time to do what we want with whom we want. Typically this will exclude those people who take up a large proportion of our time such as family and possibly work colleagues.

It might seem a little selfish to want to be able to spend time doing something just for yourself however, if you don't you may find you start to forget what you need to maintain your own mental well being. Your highest priorities may be your children, partner and job, and, hopefully, you thoroughly enjoy all of the pleasures and challenges these bring. Notice that each of these priorities require you to have an external focus - usually other people.

It is vital to have to also have an internal focus otherwise you may not notice early signs of illness, you may not notice opportunities that come your way, and you may not notice those early signs of dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

Set aside some me time and you will find that you actually become more engaged and happier with those external challenges.

You might be reading this thinking that this is all very well and good but you can't possibly find any time between all of your commitments. The key is don't find time - create it. You can either take the approach that you will create some time and then decide how you will use it or you can decide what you want to do and then create the time to do it.

To create time start by keeping an accurate record during the next week of everything you do and the time you do it. Record sleep time, watching TV, lunch breaks, bathing the children, shopping. Now look for gaps, invariably you will notice the odd 10 minutes here and there. Next identify where you can take time back - can you watch less TV or use part of your lunch break. Finally look for time saving opportunities - is it quicker to shop online rather than going to the supermarket.

You should be able to identify at least 2 hours of possible me time across the week.

Now you have your me time what are you going to do with it? Decide this beforehand and, if necessary, book the activity. You could read a book, have a bath, attend a class, go to the hairdresser, go for a walk, or meet friends. You may have to lock yourself away to ensure others don't interrupt you; for example if you are having a long soak in the bath make it clear to your family that they are not to disturb you unless the house is actually on fire.

Give it a go. Me time is not a luxury, it is an essential part of staying happy and healthy. Decide what you want to do and create the time to do it.

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