Making Time for Yourself Today: 10 Epic Strategies to Try

Making time for yourself is an absolute necessity.

It’s something that often gets overlooked in the chaos of life. But trust me; it’s that precious moment just for you, where you can disconnect from the world and connect with your own thoughts and emotions. It’s when you grant yourself the freedom to step back, take a deep breath, and simply exist.

And let me tell you, it’s not a luxury, it’s an essential! In these calm moments, you can recharge, reflect, and come out refreshed.

So today, I’m here to spill the beans on the art of crafting your own “me time,” why it’s utterly amazing, and offer some delightful ideas for your personal retreats 🙂

Making Time for Yourself: What It Really Means

Taking time for yourself is all about consciously setting aside moments in your day just for you. It’s about personal growth, self-care, and pure enjoyment.

You see, it’s important to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with your inner self.

It’s not about being selfish or avoiding responsibilities; it’s about recognizing that your well-being and inner peace matter just as much as your external commitments.

So, how do you make time for yourself?

Well, it can take many forms, depending on what you love and what rejuvenates you.

Maybe it’s diving into a hobby you’re passionate about, pampering yourself with self-care routines, immersing yourself in nature, getting lost in a good book, or simply existing in peaceful silence.

The key is to find activities that bring you joy. These moments allow you to recharge and reconnect with your inner self.

Making time for yourself is an act of self-love. It’s a vital part of maintaining your mental and emotional well-being.

How to Start Making More Time for Yourself

1. Know You Deserve It

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that you deserve time dedicated solely to yourself.

Regardless of your age, job, or role in life, everyone needs a break—a chance to relax and enjoy their own company. This isn’t a luxury but a necessity for maintaining balance and promoting mental and emotional well-being.

But you know what? It’s totally normal to feel a little guilty or selfish when you take time for yourself. We all go through it. It’s probably because society puts so much pressure on us always to be productive or selfless.

There’s a misconception that dedicating time to oneself equals selfishness, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Allocating time for self-care is an act of self-preservation and is vital for sustaining our emotional, physical, and mental health.

Imagine your life as a garden. To flourish, all plants need water, sunlight, and nutrients, but they also need some space. Without it, they might end up competing for the same resources.

Similarly, your various life roles—be it as an employee, parent, spouse, or friend—require you to give your time, energy, and care. But, just like the plants, you, too, need space and time for yourself—to replenish and grow.

This isn’t selfish. This is about your health and growth.

Plus, when you dedicate time to yourself, you’re better equipped to support those around you. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

So, by ensuring your cup is full—by nurturing your interests, health, and peace of mind—you’re actually in a better position to contribute positively to your relationships and responsibilities.

This is the essence of the phrase, “You can’t help others if you don’t help yourself first.”

Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean neglecting others. It’s about recognizing that your well-being is important and non-negotiable. It’s okay, and completely normal, to need time for yourself.

2. Schedule Your Me Time

You know how you’d set a reminder for that exciting movie you can’t afford to miss?

Or how you’d mark your calendar for a friend’s birthday party?

Just like those important dates, your ‘me time’ needs to be scheduled too.

You can’t leave it to chance or squeeze it into the leftover time in your day.

Planning it ensures that you commit to it and makes it less likely that you’ll skip it. It’s like making a promise to yourself— a promise of self-love and self-care.

Let’s say, for instance, you love reading.

You could schedule 30 minutes of your day for just reading.

It can be early in the morning when you wake up or right before you sleep at night.

This becomes ‘your time’— a time when you do something you love, recharge your energy, and enjoy your own company.

Remember, scheduling me time is not about filling every minute of your day—it’s about deliberately making time for things that bring you joy and make you feel good about yourself.

3. Have an Intention Behind It

If you’re finding it hard to justify setting aside some “me time”, try thinking about it this way: the time you spend on yourself is actually an investment in your overall productivity and well-being.

Just like how a car needs fuel to run, you too require some downtime to recharge and perform at your best.

So, next time you pick up that book or slip on your jogging shoes, remind yourself that this is your time to refuel.

Besides, knowing the tangible benefits of your “me time” can be a great motivator.

For instance, let’s say you’re a mom juggling multiple responsibilities. Taking a 10-minute breather might seem like a luxury you can’t afford.

But, here’s the thing, that short break can do wonders for your mental clarity. It can help you return to your tasks with a renewed sense of energy and focus, making you an even better mom.

So, don’t feel guilty about that “me time.”

Embrace it, because you’re not just doing it for yourself, but for everyone who depends on you too.

4. Set Healthy Boundaries

Creating healthy boundaries is closely tied to making time for yourself.

When you set boundaries, you are prioritizing your own needs and ensuring that you have the time and space to take care of yourself.

By establishing and communicating limits effectively, you are carving out dedicated moments for self-care and reflection.

This allows you to recharge and maintain your well-being, ultimately leading to a healthier and more balanced life. Remember, setting boundaries is not selfish; it is an essential practice of self-love and self-preservation.

Creating healthy boundaries means understanding and respecting your personal needs, limits, and wellness. It’s about standing up for yourself when you need to and not allowing others to undermine your personal space, time, or emotions.

Think of boundaries as invisible lines that you draw around yourself to protect your energy and ensure your emotional safety. Just like how a fence around a house keeps the unwanted away, your boundaries guard your peace and wellness.

Let’s say you have a dear friend who constantly inundates you with her problems every time you meet. While you love her and want to support her, it’s starting to drain your energy and impact your mood.

In this case, setting a healthy boundary could look like gently telling her, “I care about you, and I want to be there for you, but sometimes our conversations can be overwhelming for me. Can we sometimes talk about other things as well?”. By doing this, you’re not just taking care of yourself, but you’re also promoting a healthier relationship.

5. Learn to Delegate

You know what they say, no man is an island! It’s important to remember that we simply can’t do it all on our own, and that’s okay.

Learning to delegate tasks is a critical skill, not only in professional settings but in personal life as well.

Delegating doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it means you’re smart enough to know how to manage your responsibilities effectively.

When you delegate, you open up space for other things—like hanging out with friends, practicing a hobby, or just having some much-needed me time.

So give it a try, and you’ll find it’s not a sign of failure but a step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

6. Ask for Help

Let me tell you something very important: Asking for help doesn’t make you weak or incompetent; it only makes you human!

We all stumble, grapple with unfamiliar situations, and face tasks we can’t complete alone. It’s during these times that we must remember it’s perfectly okay to reach out to someone — a family member, a parent, a sibling, or a friend — and say, “Hey, I need some help.“

Remember, everyone needs a helping hand at some point, and there’s strength in admitting you don’t have all the answers.

This isn’t about passing off your work to someone else (like in delegating), but about seeking guidance to improve your own understanding.

When you ask for help, you’re not just solving a problem; you’re also learning, growing, and building relationships.

So, don’t be shy or feel embarrassed. Reach out and ask for help when you need it. You’re brave for doing so.

7. Try Mini-Breaks

Listen, I get it. Life can be like a never-ending rollercoaster ride at times, and it seems like there’s no time to catch our breath.

But what if I told you that even in the midst of your busiest days, you can steal a few moments for yourself? That’s right. I’m talking about mini-breaks.

Mini-breaks are wonderful, quick little 10 to 15-minute breaks that you can fit into your schedule, no matter how hectic it is. They help you recharge, refresh your mind, and give you that much-needed energy boost.

So, what can you do in these mini-breaks? Well, there are plenty of options.

First, you could do a quick mindfulness exercise, like deep breathing or focusing on your senses. It’s a great way to bring your mind back to the present and shake off any stress.

If you’re a bookworm, why not read a few pages of a book? It’s an excellent escape from reality.

Or perhaps you’re a music lover? You could listen to a couple of songs that uplift your mood.

If you’re the creative kind, doodle or sketch something; it’s a great way to express yourself.

Lastly, you could just go for a short walk to stretch your legs.

These mini-breaks could be the key to a more balanced and productive day. Give them a try!

8. Prioritize Ruthlessly

Picture your time as a big, empty jar and all the things you need or want to do as rocks of different sizes. Some rocks are huge, like work, family time, or self-care, while others are pebbles, like browsing social media or playing video games.

If you try to fill the jar with all the pebbles first, there won’t be enough room for the big rocks. But if you start with the big rocks, the pebbles can just fill in around them.

Get it?

That’s ruthless prioritization — making sure the most important things to you (the big rocks) fit into your day first.

Why’s this so important?

Well, it’s easy to let the small things, the pebbles, overrun your life until there’s no room left for the things that really matter.

By prioritizing ruthlessly, you ensure that you’re spending your time where it counts the most — on your core values and goals.

And the cool thing is, once you’ve put those big rocks in place, you’ll often find you still have time for the pebbles. But even if you don’t, that’s okay because you’ve taken care of what’s most important to you.

Remember, you’re the boss of your time. Be ruthless. Prioritize what truly matters, and you’ll have a more balanced, fulfilling life.

9. Do a Calendar Audit

Chances are, you’ve got some hidden treasures in your calendar that you’re not even aware of.

You know, those little pockets of time that seem insignificant but could turn into precious me time. Just like finding loose change on the couch, discovering these free slots in your day can feel like striking gold.

So, pull up your calendar, and let’s do a little treasure hunting. Have a look at your typical day. See any gaps between activities?

Even a 15-minute window can be an opportunity to do something meaningful for you.

Maybe you could read a chapter of a book, meditate, or simply enjoy a quiet cup of tea.

Remember, the goal here isn’t to cram more stuff into your day, but to find spaces where you can recharge and do something you love.

Trust me, it’ll make a world of difference.

10. Accept It’s Okay Not to Do It All

Listen, there’s something you’ve got to understand. You can’t do everything in a single day, and that’s absolutely okay!

We often beat ourselves up when we can’t check off every single task on our to-do list, but the truth is, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.

It’s essential to recognize the difference between postponing tasks and plain old procrastination.

Postponement is about consciously deciding to delay a task because you have prioritized something else that is more meaningful or urgent. On the other hand, procrastination is when you avoid tasks altogether, often due to fear, lack of motivation, or feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, it’s absolutely fine to pace yourself as long as you are moving forward.

Your daily success is not measured by the number of tasks completed but by your progress toward your meaningful goals.

So take a deep breath, prioritize, and remind yourself that it’s okay not to do it all.

Why It’s Important to Make Time for Yourself: 10 Top Benefits

We often underestimate the value of investing time in ourselves, but let me assure you, it’s as crucial as anything else you value in your life.

Let’s talk about the top 10 benefits of spending time alone doing what you love.

1. Self-discovery: When you spend time alone, you’re given the opportunity to understand yourself better. You can discover your passions, your strengths, and areas you’d like to work on. This self-awareness strengthens your decision-making abilities and contributes to a stronger sense of self-esteem.
2. Improved concentration: In the quiet solitude of your own company, you can focus better without the constant chatter or disruptions that come with being around others. This can lead to improved productivity and effectiveness in your work.
3. Stress relief: Spending time doing what you love, be it painting, reading, walking, or simply relaxing, can significantly reduce stress levels. It’s a way of telling your mind and body, “Hey, take a break. You’ve earned it.“
4. Increased creativity: Solitude can spark creativity. With no external distractions, your brain gets the space it needs to wander, explore, and create.
5. Problem-solving skills: When you spend time alone, you give your brain space to reflect on problems, letting you dig deeper into issues and find innovative solutions.
6. Emotional intelligence: Spending time alone allows you to understand your emotions better. You learn to recognize your feelings, understand why they occur, and manage them effectively.
7. Independence: Spending time doing what you love alone can foster a sense of independence and self-reliance. It’s a way of proving to yourself that you can enjoy life on your own terms.
8. Improved relationships: Believe it or not, spending time alone can actually improve your relationships with others. It provides a break, reducing chances of irritation or frustration, and helps you appreciate the value of the relationships you have.
9. Self-care: Time alone is a form of self-care, letting you recharge your batteries by doing what you love. It’s a way of saying, ‘I care about myself.‘
10. Personal growth: Ultimately, all these benefits contribute to your personal growth. You become more self-aware, creative, independent, emotionally intelligent, and healthier.

Me Time Ideas You Can Use

1. Reading: Grab that book you’ve been meaning to read, curl up on a comfy sofa, and let your mind wander into the world of literature.
2. Cooking or Baking: Try your hand at a new recipe or bake some cookies. Not only will it engage your senses, but you’ll also have a tasty treat to enjoy 🧁
3. Gardening: If you have a bit of green space, spending time nurturing plants can be incredibly soothing.
4. Yoga/Meditation: These practices can help you find inner peace, reduce stress, and improve flexibility.
5. Arts and Crafts: Painting, knitting, or even some DIY home decor projects can be a creative and satisfying way to spend time.
6. Journaling: Penning your thoughts, dreams, or daily experiences can be cathartic and provide you with valuable self-reflection.
7. Online Learning: Learn something new – a foreign language, a musical instrument, or even a new software. The internet is teeming with free resources.
8. Listening to Music or Podcasts: Lose yourself in melodious tunes or enlightening podcasts.
9. Fitness Routine: Regular exercise is not only good for physical health, but it can also boost your mood and energy levels.
10. Puzzles or Board Games: Give your brain a workout with some puzzles or enjoy board games, even if you are playing solo.
11. Beauty Routine: A self-care beauty routine like a facial or a relaxing bath can be rewarding.
12. Movie Marathon: Watch your favorite movies or series back to back.
13. Virtual Meetups: Hanging out with friends or family virtually can still be a lot of fun.
14. Photography: Use your phone camera and take some creative shots around your house.
15. Writing Letters: In this digital age, writing letters can be a unique and personal way to communicate with your loved ones.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to spend your me time. The key is to find activities that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.

So, go ahead, pick something from this list, and start planning your me time!

The Bottom Line

Remember, making time for yourself is not just healthy, it’s absolutely necessary.

As life gets busier and responsibilities pile up, it’s all too easy to neglect our own needs and forget to breathe. But just as you would ensure a loved one is taken care of, so too should you take care of yourself.

If you’re constantly feeling like you never have time for yourself, then that’s a clear sign that it’s time to hit pause and carve out at least 10 minutes each day to unwind and engage in an activity you enjoy.

Picture this: those precious moments, dedicated entirely to you, could be the sanctuary you need in the middle of a chaotic day.

It could be the time when you paint, read, exercise, or chat with your old friend.

These moments are vital to recharge your batteries, stress less, and live more. You owe it to yourself to prioritize your well-being.

So, here’s your nudge, your permission slip, your gentle reminder to make that time for yourself.

Go ahead and embrace the joy that making time for yourself can bring!