Tips to create ‘me time’ and its importance to your mental health
Do you feel yourself being pulled in all directions, having to focus on others rather than yourself more than necessary? Do you remember the last time you took a break and tended to your needs, rather than what is needed from you?
There is nothing wrong with putting time and energy into your loved ones. However, neglecting your needs can make you feel drained in the long run, even when you are surrounded by people and activities you love.
According to online definition, ‘me time’ is defined as “time spent focusing on oneself and only doing things one wants to do”. Focusing on yourself and getting in some ‘me time’ in between all the socialisation is not selfish, it's self-love. Yahoo Life SEA is here with some tips for you on carving out ‘me time’ in the midst of your busy schedule and the importance of it to your well-being.
1. Pen it down in your New Year resolutions
Don’t know how to start planning for your ‘me time’?
Take advantage of the new year and pen it down as one of your resolutions for the year! Statements such as “In the new year, I want to be better acquainted with myself by keeping a diary,” and “I want to take a break and focus inwards for at least 30 minutes every day” will be helpful in making sure you take time to pay attention to you and your needs.
2. Dates with yourself
Setting monthly or even weekly dates with yourself is an excellent practice to ensure that you pencil in ‘me time’ in your schedule. Treat yourself to a nice dinner on those ‘date nights’, go somewhere that you enjoy, be it a museum or a spa, or just stay in and binge on your favourite shows.
Remember, your needs (or wants) come first during these dates with yourself.
3. Indulge in a hobby
Ever put away or delay doing something that you enjoy because you “do not have time”? What about that yoga class you have always been eyeing? Or getting lost in adventures within a book? Now you have your permission to indulge in a hobby, regardless of whether it is a day-long event or just an hour or two of your time.
Make it happen!
4. Wake up 30 minutes earlier
Especially for those who live with your loved ones, waking up 30 minutes earlier allows you to spend some time for yourself before the hustle and bustle of everyday life takes over the rest of the day. Use that time to do some quiet meditation or make yourself a nice cup of beverage in the morning. Journaling will also be helpful for you in charting your self-care journey.
5. Create a self-care plan
Creating a self-care plan can help you ensure you are focusing on yourself, helping to boost both your mental and physical well-being.
Break it down to the various things that you want to achieve weekly; it can be dates with yourself, mood-boosting foods to try out, exercises to easily incorporate into your everyday life, or finishing that drama that you have always wanted to watch. Having three to five items on your weekly plan can aid you in carving out enough ‘me time’ to recharge.
