It’s easy to get swept along with the pressures and commitments of work, family… life. Have you remembered to make time for yourself? Here’s how to turn things around and protect your “me time”…
- Plan to be in control…
Planning saves you time and helps you feel in control. Just five minutes of planning can save a whole hour of time! So sit down and take stock; it’ll help avoid that feeling of being overwhelmed.
Write a list of the tasks that you need to do. Seeing it on the page is far less stressful than holding it in your head. You’ll relax knowing each point has been recognised. See the bigger picture by using a wall planner or white board. You’ll pick up on those gaps and clashes too.
Feel empowered by being decisive. Think about each task you need to complete, then: do it, ditch it or delegate it. This works both professionally and personally. Give it a go!
- Have the courage to say ‘no’
Ever said ‘yes’ when you really mean ‘no’? It’s lovely to receive an invitation; but be honest from the start and listen to your initial ‘gut’ feeling. Why commit to absolutely everything when you’ll know that you’ll be rushed and not have as much time as you’d like to spend with people or on the hobbies you enjoy? It’s your assertive right to say yes or no… and to look after yourself.
- Be true to your needs.
It’s your time too! Often we place expectations upon ourselves regarding what we should do and when we should complete those actions. Be considerate and honest – no apologies, no excuses, simple honesty! It’s best to be assertive whilst considering others, avoiding placing unnecessary stress upon yourself.
- Make a ME Day
Put it in your diary; it’s an appointment with yourself to have a ME day. This is time for you, doing what you want to do, whether relaxing by yourself or with others, pursuing a goal that’s important to you, or doing something you enjoy like going to the gym or cinema. Don’t find reasons why you ‘can’t’. It’s a reward for all the time and emotional energy you’ve given to others. Enjoy your ME time!
- Building routines and patterns
Introducing routines and patterns into your work and non-working life will help you protect the time you set aside for yourself, the interests you wish to pursue and to generally feel organised and in control of your time.
Put regular Me-days on your planner and in your diary to balance the busyness of life and work. Add Me-time or Me-slots where you don’t want a whole day out but 30 minute to 3 hour slots in which to relax and recharge. For example, a daily jog for half an hour before or after work, Friday early evening to relax with colleagues at the end of the week’s work, Sunday lunch and afternoon out with family or friends. Building patterns, that fits within your lifestyle, will help you maintain your Me time.
I hope these tips help you feel more calm and confident in managing – and enjoying – your time.
Life coaching can help you make the positive changes you want to enjoy. Please do contact me for a free 15 minute discussion to see how it can help you.
