Our need for time in which to do what we choose is increasingly urgent in our overconnected, overwhelmed and overstimulated world. We usually only take time out when we become ill or when we are so overtired, we can’t function. For some reason having “me time”, fundamental selfcare, is complicated by negative thoughts, of guilt, regret, escapism as well as being associated with being too overwhelmed, fatigue or stressed to truly benefit from it. My suggestion is to stop feeling guilty for having “me time”, change your mindset to having guilt free “me time”. Everyone needs to view “me time” for selfcare as an important preventative health care activity, as it is vital for your health and wellbeing. Here are some examples of “me time”, and to reap all the benefits to be done without having your mobile phone with you.
– having a bath
– playing a music instrument
– going for a walk
– gardening
– sitting in a cafe having a coffee
– cooking with your favourite music
– relaxing on a park bench
– painting
– flicking through a magazine
– dancing
– reading a book
– fifteen minutes of tai chi or yoga
– singing
– listening to music
– playing with animals – a puppy/kitten
– admiring a magnificent view
– a practice of stillness
– lie with your legs up the wall
– making a sandcastle!