Finding ME Time

Nowadays we live in a fast-paced world, where time seems to escape us. By the time we blink, it’s tomorrow already. Why do we allow this to happen?

We need to find the time for us, and in a twenty-four hour period, there should be at least five minutes to an hour to dedicate to ourselves, right? But we don’t because we’re so stressed out from work, or home chores/duties, we often find we neglect our own needs.

After a hard day’s work, we want to sit and relax, not think of tomorrow’s workload. But most of the time, especially as working parents, or even parents who stay at home and care for their family, we don’t allocate a moment where we can pour ourselves a glass of our favorite bubbly, or chocolate milk, or any other drink. Why? Because we’re part of a larger group of people living in the same house where our attention is needed. Having smaller kids means we’ll need to wait until the children are asleep before we can settle back on that comfy couch, and have that relaxing drink. But wait, it’s way too late at night, time for bed.

It’s that mentality of ‘too late’ that causes us to wait until tomorrow to ‘try’ and have that relaxing moment with our favorite drink. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Because of the late time, grab yourself a bottled water, go to your backyard/porch/basement/quiet room, and simply sit for five minutes, alone, once the kids are in bed. You can’t imagine how those simple five minutes of tranquility will help ease some tension. It’s your alone time. And everyone deserves even just five minutes to sit back, empty their minds, and enjoy tranquility.



If you’re not into a small glass to unwind, then pick up a book and read. Step into an author’s fictional world, let his/her characters take over, and allow your mind to de-stress. I don’t know how many times reading has helped me to let go of my woes, to simply enjoy a novel without having time to worry about tomorrow’s schedule.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to push yourself to take time. It’s almost similar to when one joins a gym, eager to shed some pounds, to get fit, yet the motivation to push yourself to get ready and walk/drive to the gym feels like such a hardship, we simply say, “Okay, tomorrow I’ll go.” And what happens? That same sentiment eats away at our time and goals we’ve tried to implement for ourselves. That all important ME time goes to the wayside. Isn’t it a shame that we can come up with excuses for not allowing some ME time than simply putting in a bit of effort and letting it happen?

Even if you dedicate one allotted time a week, or even a month, just for you, to do whatever you want: take in a movie, go to a café, shopping, reading, gardening, golfing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, salon/spa visit, exercising, car detailing…you get my drift. Do it for you. Let everyone know that’s your quiet time, escape time, call it whatever you want, peace time…but make sure no one takes that away from you.

Or better yet. Is there a favorite play, movie, show coming soon? Reserve and pay for your tickets and go with your spouse or a friend. Having tickets bought will hopefully push you to commit to a ME time.

Whether you’re single or married or in a relationship, make a point to have date nights (yes, even if you’re single) once a week, even if it’s to go to a local favorite café to unwind and relax. Take along a book, sip your latte, and read for an hour away from household chores. My favorite drinks are French Vanilla coffee, Hazelnut Lattes or cold coffee with tons of whip cream.

Do you find you’re not getting enough time with the gals or guys? Why is that? Are you always putting off invitations to go out for a bite to eat or a movie with the excuse you’re tired, had a rough day at work, not interested? Once those invitations ebb you’ll begin to wish you had responded affirmatively at least once. Don’t shun old friends because you don’t feel you have that extra time ‘for them’. It’s not about them. It’s about you and finding time to unwind with childhood friends.

I’m addressing this now to women:

Over the years we’ve had our professional lives and household lives bring in more stress, draining our energy. And this is especially true for single working parents with no help.

We focus on getting our job done at work, coming home and cooking, cleaning, prepping the laundry, making sure our children’s homework is done or we help them with it, leaving very little ‘energetic’ time for us. And that’s why I’m hoping this small article will help you see yourself in it and make small changes so you can begin to live more and enjoy life, even if it’s once a month, once a week, or a few minutes of ME time every day.

You deserve it.

My ME time:

• every morning I have my coffee outside on the front porch before I begin my day
• after lunch, I sneak into our gym room and go on the treadmill for about 15 minutes. I know, I know, I need to lengthen the time. LOLl!
• most every night, I sit for about a half hour crocheting because it relaxes me
• every single night while in bed I take out my tablet and read or play games to empty my thoughts and simply travel outside of the stress level of tomorrow’s schedule
• once a month I go either to my local bookstore to vegetate or to the movies with my youngest or hubby

These are my ME times for now but will update when I’ve added more.

Please feel free to leave me a comment and let me know what your ME times are.

Thank you.

~Lea