“Me time”, what’s that?

07/30/2014

Women today have been told we have it all — careers, families, kids, community involvement, and relationships. But all too often, having it all leaves us with no time or strength left for ourselves.

“There’s a tremendous amount of stress and pressure put on women: being parents, being daughters, mothers, wives, professionals. All of these roles combined leave many of us not taking adequate care of ourselves — which is what sustains us and gives us the energy to take care of all these other responsibilities that we have,” says Randy Kamen Gredinger, a Wayland, MA, psychologist and life coach specializing in women’s issues.

Taking time for yourself is not an indulgence. It’s a necessity and a great way to deal with stress

But how can you make it happen?

Make yourself a priority and Schedule your “me time”, here are some ideas:

1. Get a mani-pedi. what’s not to love about a foot massage and pretty nails?
2. Sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. Or a cup of coffee and no newspaper. Just watch the clouds go by. No phone or calendar allowed.
3. Go shopping (not for groceries)! Retail therapy!
4. Take a bubble bath. Make sure another adult is on duty so no one’s going to yell “Mom”! Plan so you’ll have some fabulous bath goodies on hand. Don’t forget a glass of ice water or wine.
5. Join a book club. That will give you a nice kid-free break to look forward to and allow you to read something other then kid books!
6. Get your hair done. You get a break and come home looking great.
7. Get a massage or a facial. Need I say more?
8. Put on your iPod and hit shuffle. Then just sit and listen.
9. Go out for coffee with a friend, other moms need kid-free time too.
10. Take a nap.

When you take time for yourself, you are really making space for yourself in your life—giving your mind and body a break and time to re-energize. It’s meant to be about you.

What are your favorite ‘me time’ activities? Comment below!