Making Time for You
While staying busy is sometimes necessary, constantly putting others’ needs before your own can lead to burnout, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that making time for yourself is not selfish—it’s essential for maintaining your mental and physical health. Here’s how you can make time for yourself, guilt-free, and reclaim your energy and peace of mind.
Make Yourself a Priority
Making time for means putting your needs at the top of your list. Think of it like this: if you’re constantly giving to others, eventually you’ll have nothing left to give. By making yourself a priority, you ensure that you’re operating from a place of fullness, which ultimately benefits both you and those around you.
Start by setting aside non-negotiable time each day or week that is dedicated solely to you. Whether that’s a quiet morning routine, a solo walk, or simply sitting down with a coffee and a book, these small moments can have a huge impact on your mental well-being. Making yourself a priority is also about being independent and learning to love your own company.
To make yourself a priority:
Set clear boundaries: Block out time in your calendar for yourself and treat it like any other important appointment.
Practice mindfulness: Spend time reflecting on what you need each day—whether it’s rest, relaxation, or creative outlets.
Do things that make you feel good: Whether it’s exercising, reading, or meditating, dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and recharge your spirit.
Being independent: Whether it’s taking yourself for a walk, to a coffee shop or a workout class. By being independent this allows you to be in your own thoughts and doing things at your own pace.
Embrace Self-Care Sundays
Setting aside one day a week to focus on self-care can be a game changer. Self-Care Sunday has become a popular concept for good reason—it's the perfect way to reset and start the week feeling rejuvenated. Dedicating time to pamper yourself and unwind helps to reduce stress, improve your mental health, and create a positive mindset for the week ahead.
Here are a few ideas to make your Self-Care Sunday special:
Everything shower: Take a long, luxurious shower or bath, and treat yourself to a full body pamper session. Exfoliate, use a hair mask, and finish with a hydrating body lotion or oil.
Clean and refresh your space: There’s something incredibly satisfying about starting the week with a clean, organised environment. Wash your bed sheets, declutter, and light a candle to set a peaceful environment.
Unplug and unwind: Take a break from social media and digital distractions. Disconnecting can help clear your mind and reduce anxiety.
Reflect and plan: Take a few moments to journal about how you’re feeling, or jot down goals for the upcoming week. This helps to refocus your mind on what’s important and sets a positive tone for the days ahead.
Reevaluate Your Priorities
Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that being busy equals being productive. But constantly filling your schedule can lead to a cycle of stress and exhaustion. To break free from this mindset, take time to reassess your priorities. Are you overcommitting to things that don’t truly add value to your life? Are you neglecting the activities that make you feel fulfilled?
Take a moment to reflect on what’s most important to you—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or focusing on your health—and adjust your schedule accordingly. Simplifying your routine and eliminating unnecessary tasks can open up more time for meaningful experiences and personal growth.
Don’t Be Afraid to Cancel Plans
One of the hardest things for many people is learning to say no, especially when it comes to social or work-related obligations. While being reliable and supportive to others is important, always prioritising external commitments can leave you feeling drained.
It’s okay to cancel plans when you need a break. Whether it’s skipping a night out with friends or stepping back from a work event, you should never feel guilty for taking care of yourself first. People who care about you will understand that everyone needs some downtime, and those who don’t respect your boundaries are not respecting your well-being.
Learning to say no can be empowering. It’s a reminder that your time and energy are valuable, and preserving them is an essential part of self-care. So, if you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or simply exhausted, give yourself permission to hit pause and cancel plans without guilt.
Set Boundaries with Others
Setting boundaries is crucial to ensuring you have enough time for yourself. It can be difficult to put limits in place, especially if you're used to saying yes to everything. But healthy boundaries allow you to protect your energy, avoid burnout, and maintain a sense of balance.
At work: Don’t feel obligated to take on extra projects or work late if it’s compromising your personal time. Communicate clearly with colleagues and superiors about your workload and your need for downtime.
In relationships: Be honest with friends and family about when you need space. Setting boundaries doesn’t mean cutting people out, but rather ensuring that you’re giving yourself the time you need to recharge. Again, those who really care for you, will understand.
Remember: You Deserve It
Taking time for yourself isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Too often, we feel guilty for stepping back or treating ourselves, but self-care is about refilling your cup so that you can show up as your best self in all areas of life. Remember that you deserve to rest, relax, and focus on yourself. Whether it's through practicing mindfulness, or simply spending quiet time alone, making time for you is key to staying balanced and healthy.
In the end, making time for yourself is a form of self-respect. By setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, and allowing yourself the freedom to cancel plans or take a break, you create space for personal growth and inner peace. When you take care of yourself, you’re able to show up in your relationships, work, and life with renewed energy and a clearer mind.