Life can feel so demanding at times, almost like a never-ending to-do list, and its easy to find ourselves lacking spare time for anything else, let alone ourselves! It can be tough trying to juggle day-to-day life, between working, family, hobbies, maintaining a social life, etc. We all know the importance of spending quality time with loved ones and friends, for the most part we make an effort to ensure this happens. Now that’s all well and good, but does this mean that we frequently forget about one of the most important people in our lives we need to set some time aside for? Ourselves.
Granted this is probably easier said then done, particularly if you’re a parent or you take care of anyone, without feeling an aspect of guilt for taking some me time. Me time shouldn’t lead to guilt as it isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity to allow us to manage other areas of our lives as best we can. As with most things, it’s all about striking the right balance.
If we don’t take time for ourselves, even if it’s to just simply be, we will suffer in all other areas of our life. We have to invest in ourselves and our own wellbeing to get the most out of everything else we do. It’s so easy to forget this and almost fall into a routine of self neglect in a way. This might sound a bit dramatic, but it can make a huge difference to take a little time out for yourself a couple of times a week. Even something as simple as grabbing your favourite book and curling up to read a few chapters, taking a little walk to give you some clarity, running a bath and using your favourite bubbles or bath bomb, while you lay there and unwind, even just sitting with your favourite cuppa for 5.
It’s okay to give yourself an opportunity to stop. It’s okay to show yourself some love and to put yourself first sometimes. I can only speak for myself but I would put money on it to say I am not alone in this. Sometimes I get so caught up in everyday life and doing things for others, that it isn’t until I hit a wall that I actually remember to stop and take care of myself and my own wellbeing, both mentally and physically. It’s hard to keep going when I get to that point, it can really slow me down an awful lot, evening bring me to a complete stop at times. We are no good to anybody when we reach this point.
A lack of time for self-care can really interfere and impact on our mental health. Personally when I don’t take enough time for myself and things are getting a bit much, I sometimes find myself waking in the night with anxiety attacks and generally not sleeping well. It almost feels like I carry a black cloud around over me and it’s hard to get any sort of clarity on anything when I feel that way.
I hope this post can be a positive reminder for us all. A reminder that sometimes we do need to show ourselves some self-love. I know I need to work on it more, and I’m sure I won’t be alone in this.
What are some the best ways you find to help unwind and relax? Do you feel you get enough time for yourself or is it an area you need to work on more? I would love to know your views on me time and if you feel like you manage to get enough, and how? Please leave me a comment below letting me know.
18 Comments
When I need “me time” I usually zone out with videos in bed on my phone. I agree though, I think everyone needs “me time” every now and then.
I know exactly where you are coming from and I myself recently have made some really big lifestyle changes in order to allow more time for myself so I can write, blog, paint etc One of those changes being cutting my hours at work as that was starting to affect my health. Your health is so important, and life is so short!
I always love to have me time. Mine is normally lighting a candle and having a relaxing bath.
http://ohduckydarling.com
I’m totally with you – I think me time is so important. I actually really enjoy being alone – hope that’s not weird – so I love a long bath with a book, or just wrapping up in a blanket and watching something on Netflix. I’m definitely going to try and limit my time on my phone in the evenings to help me unwind too.
Sincerely, Sarah xx
http://www.sincerelysarah.net
This is such a good reminder of the importance of taking time to unwind. I enjoy watching some Netflix and drinking a good cup of tea to relax!
El @ Exclusory 💕
I feel like I don’t have enough time, but is is hard juggling lots of different things. I enjoy blogging for instance but never have time as I work up to 40 hours a week and study at uni full time, so academia always comes first! I’ll try and take your advice though as I know it’s so important <3
sophieannetaylor.com
Sometimes its so hard to actually sit and tell yourself to take some me time!! It really is so important though. I like to distance myself from social media for an hour and put on a face mask and take a relaxing bath!
Sarah | http://www.sazsinclair.com xx
For a while i felt so guilty for taking time for myself but because of posts like yours im able to remember the importance of it! Thanks for being a helping hand for those of us who forget about ourselves. as they say, you cant pour from an empty cup. God bless! xoxo
You are so right, me time is incredibly important. Even if it is just binge watching some Netflix or having a bath. Life can be so hectic that it’s easy to forget that you should still focus on yourself sometimes.
Louise | http://www.louiseroserailton.com
For me it can be anything from running a nice hot bubble bath with a lush bubble bar and a face mask to simply sitting down with a nice cuppa and a cakey treat in the garden. So important and I can totally relate with you in the fact that I’m so quick to help others but me time is so important just for the self care. xoxo
I know exactly what you mean! Me time is so important. I love going on walks by myself or just relaxing on the sofa watching an entertaining show on Netflix or such.
You should never ever feel guilty, and most people will be there for you and give you support when you need it. I have also found that walking helps me too, especially after a busy day in work x
Me time is so important you are so right and we do naturally feel guilty when we need to just look after ourselves!
Such a great post! x
Joanne // Fashion Polaroids
NOVICE
I love this! My me time probably doesn’t seem that relaxing to some but I just love to aimlessly wander around the shops having a look at clothes – the type of shopping where you don’t really need anything so it isn’t stressful. Really chills me out, love it!
Melis x
http://www.melisliving.com
This is so true, and so important xx
Me time is so important x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
‘Me time’ is so so important! I love sitting in bed and watching netflix because it gives me time to relax. When I’m always busy I get super stressed and emotional. Great post!!