7 Tips to Create More Me Time
Carving out me-time without feeling guilty can be challenging and stress-inducing. But it’s also necessary to create that precious space for you to accomplish your big dreams and projects and take care of yourself.
When my clients and I work on building confidence in pursuit of big, bold dreams, we often run into issues with time. Because taking charge of your life means taking control of your time. It’s a paradox – we fight hard for our well-deserved “me” time, but once we’ve made space for it (through a ton of effort), we feel kinda restless and uneasy.
On my journey from perfectionist and problem-solver without any time for herself to a partner and guide in other people’s transformation, I’ve found a few nuggets of wisdom. Let’s not get time stand in our way to loving ourselves and living with joy.
1. The Empty Cup Principle
If you love socializing and taking care of people…well, I feel you. My friend, remember that you can’t be fully present for others if you’re not refilling your cup first. I’m sure you don’t want to be groggy, hangry, sleepy or just altogether irritable when you’re with others. Fill up your cup first, so that you can give the extra love and energy to others.
2. Do Not Disturb
If you can, plan your “me” time in advance and stick to it even if last-minute social temptations arise. Make space for those social commitments outside of your “me” slot. It’s untouchable. Treat it the same way you would a meeting with your boss. Super important. Do not disturb.
3. Prioritize Wisely
If you checked in with yourself and realized you need “me” time ASAP, make room for what’s most urgent and important and leave out the rest. Use that extra space to tend to your needs. There will always be more work, the dishes won’t go anywhere, and who really cares about your dirty hair.
4. Include Others
Seek support from loved ones. It’s okay to let others know what you need and ask for help. Tell your loved ones you need some space but have trouble carving it out. People, especially family and friends, generally want to be included and feel needed. What about trying something like “I feel I need some personal feel-good time this week. Can you help me make space for it?”
5. Your Friends Will Still Love You
“What happens if I feel guilty?” We feel guilty because we are scared to disappoint others. And we are afraid of disappointing because we care about other people and our relationships. We want to remain interesting, valued and loved. Trust your relationships to survive this, and trust your people to understand and support you.
6. Be Your Own Friend
How would you act if you were your own best friend? What actions would you take to support her when she needs some “me” time, to encourage her to take care of herself, to reassure her that the world can wait?
7. Ground Yourself
Last but not least, I know you are one fierce, resilient, wise woman, with deep knowing and intention. Who do you want to be? What values do you want to embody? And what does it mean for how you show up for yourself right now?
7 Tips to Create More Me Time
Carving out me-time without feeling guilty can be challenging and stress-inducing. But it’s also necessary to create that precious space for you to accomplish your big dreams and projects and take care of yourself.
When my clients and I work on building confidence in pursuit of big, bold dreams, we often run into issues with time. Because taking charge of your life means taking control of your time. It’s a paradox – we fight hard for our well-deserved “me” time, but once we’ve made space for it (through a ton of effort), we feel kinda restless and uneasy.
On my journey from perfectionist and problem-solver without any time for herself to a partner and guide in other people’s transformation, I’ve found a few nuggets of wisdom. Let’s not get time stand in our way to loving ourselves and living with joy.
1. The Empty Cup Principle
If you love socializing and taking care of people…well, I feel you. My friend, remember that you can’t be fully present for others if you’re not refilling your cup first. I’m sure you don’t want to be groggy, hangry, sleepy or just altogether irritable when you’re with others. Fill up your cup first, so that you can give the extra love and energy to others.
2. Do Not Disturb
If you can, plan your “me” time in advance and stick to it even if last-minute social temptations arise. Make space for those social commitments outside of your “me” slot. It’s untouchable. Treat it the same way you would a meeting with your boss. Super important. Do not disturb.
3. Prioritize Wisely
If you checked in with yourself and realized you need “me” time ASAP, make room for what’s most urgent and important and leave out the rest. Use that extra space to tend to your needs. There will always be more work, the dishes won’t go anywhere, and who really cares about your dirty hair.
4. Include Others
Seek support from loved ones. It’s okay to let others know what you need and ask for help. Tell your loved ones you need some space but have trouble carving it out. People, especially family and friends, generally want to be included and feel needed. What about trying something like “I feel I need some personal feel-good time this week. Can you help me make space for it?”
5. Your Friends Will Still Love You
“What happens if I feel guilty?” We feel guilty because we are scared to disappoint others. And we are afraid of disappointing because we care about other people and our relationships. We want to remain interesting, valued and loved. Trust your relationships to survive this, and trust your people to understand and support you.
6. Be Your Own Friend
How would you act if you were your own best friend? What actions would you take to support her when she needs some “me” time, to encourage her to take care of herself, to reassure her that the world can wait?
7. Ground Yourself
Last but not least, I know you are one fierce, resilient, wise woman, with deep knowing and intention. Who do you want to be? What values do you want to embody? And what does it mean for how you show up for yourself right now?
