What is me time?
We’re always so busy, pulled in a million different directions day in and day out. From the moment the alarm goes off to the moment the head hits the pillow at night, days can be filled with so many activities, 'needs, wants, emotions, responsibilities, and tasks. How and why do we squeeze in some ‘me-time’? Me-time is the conscious effort of taking the time out to recharge your batteries. me-time can be spent in a range of ways and can vary from person to person. It can mean different things to different people. It can be achieved through having a bath, reading a book, going for a walk, doing yoga, getting your hair or nails done, and so many more activities.
Apart from the conventional perceptions of me-time, such as getting a spa and some physical pampering, me-time essentially means being with yourself and undertaking mindfulness during any activity. As women, we play multiple roles in our lives and thus the necessity of spending some time out just for ourselves to recharge, rejuvenate and reinvent is vital.
Importance of being a me-time junkie
One must remember the adage that one can’t pour from an empty cup. We can support others better by taking care of ourselves, as our first primary relationship is with ourselves and we must nurture that to be able to nurture others. If you don’t prioritise me time then you’ll feel more exhausted, more run down and more rushed. Being constantly under pressure will increase your stress levels and eventually you burn out. Take time out to unwind, recharge your batteries and bring your stress levels down.
Some benefits of me time are:
- Better focus: Having “me time” will allow you to decompress, get rid of some stress, relax for a bit, and get back to everyday life with a clearer mind. Unplug, forget the to-do list for a few minutes, and focus on the present.
- Recharge your mind and body: If you’re feeling a bit down or sluggish, you need to recharge yourself. Whether your time is alone time, reading a book, watching a movie, getting your nails done or meditation, or spending time with friends - getting coffee, going to a movie - having some me time will help you recharge.
- Be more productive: Once you have a chance to remove yourself from your daily schedule and take a breather, you will start to think with a clear mind. You’ll become more energized, motivated, and productive.
- Self-discovery: When it comes to me-time, it’s a great opportunity to rediscover yourself by finding something to do. Embrace your creative side, develop a skill, have fun! You will feel a sense of accomplishment and fall in love with yourself all over again!
Me time can help you take a little break from all that you do and find some much needed time to figure out things for yourselves. Or simply to do nothing and find yourself renewed. Find what it is you love to do and enjoy, for you deserve it.
How:
- Rituals: Take out some time for yourself with some small rituals so that they become anchors in the day. Schedule it as a regular activity. Even 10 minutes of silence in the morning or a consistent skincare ritual can go a long way.
- Set boundaries: this may apply to caregivers, employees, and even family members - know when to set boundaries to respect your personal space.
- Building a relationship with yourself: It can mean self-reflection and being aware of one’s feelings. You can also use this to explore yourself, your feelings, goals and emotions with a mindful eye for better growth as a person.
- Treat yourself! Me time doesn’t have to be a whole day at the spa. In fact, just a few minutes squeezed into the middle of the day works just as well. You can (and should!) find a little time every day to relax. It can look like a few extra minutes in the shower or taking a walk around the park.
- Journaling: Write down your feelings, stresses, ideas, dreams – whatever strikes your fancy. It doesn’t have to be a regular thing to feel good or serve a purpose, so don’t worry if it’s only one time or very sporadic. Keep a small notebook with you, and reach for it instead of your mobile phone to jot down your thoughts.
- Make and create, just for fun. The key is that it doesn’t have to be perfect; you don’t have to plan it out or do it exactly right. Draw, write, sculpt, bake a cake, colour in a colouring book… Just don’t get hung up on how it turns out. It’s the act of creating that’s important here, not the result.
- A five-minute breathing or meditation session. Find a peaceful spot, where you can be alone without any interruptions. You can listen to a mindfulness exercise, or just spend five minutes concentrating on your breathing.
- Exercise releases happiness into your heart and mind. It is great for you both physically and mentally. Find what works for you, and a time of day that you can be totally alone (early mornings are a good bet), and just completely let go for as many minutes as you have.
There are an infinite number of ways to approach me time. The key is to follow your instinct and determine what works out best for you. Find what makes you feel better, more relaxed and do just that. Unabashedly and without apology.
Disclaimer - This information is educational and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any dietary changes or adding supplements.
ProactiveForHer is a digital clinic for women, offering accessible, personalised, and confidential healthcare solutions. We offer out-patient care, diagnostic services and programs for various health concerns of Indian women, across their lifetime - from puberty to pregnancy to menopause.