Overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, tired, is this how you feel most of the days? Well, you’re not alone. Women juggle so many responsibilities and expectations that they rarely take time to release all their pent-up stress. Yes, the demands of your life could be overwhelming. You could be running a business, taking care of your home and family, having a full-time job or honouring never-ending social commitments, the reason for your burnt-out could be anything that your lifestyle demands. But how often do you take the time to step-back and give yourself some me-time?
Me time is just you giving yourself the time you need to relax and rejuvenate. Me time when practised with sincerity will help you reboot your brain and clear your headspace to be more creative, productive and more connected to the people in your life. It’s just you prioritising your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. You’re not being self-absorbed, you’re just taking the time to nurture your mind, body and soul — the benefits of which will be evident as the days go by.
The importance of Self-Care
Even during your busiest days, taking the time to connect with your inner self by doing something that lets you relax, can dramatically enhance your productivity. Yes, for all of us ‘me-time’ is in short supply, but it’s not impossible to create a time and space for you to break free of your responsibilities (just for a few minutes in a day!). Leading a balanced and fulfilling life begins with you prioritising your wellbeing first.
Me-time is a deliberate act of self-love and self-care that will nourish your body and mind; and it goes beyond surface pampering. It’s a way of leading a more connected, mindful lifestyle by engaging in activities that let you rest and rejuvenate. Me-time could be anything from taking a walk to reading a book to maintaining a gratitude journal. It’s just any activity that has a positive impact on your wellbeing.
The Benefits of Me Time
Reduces Stress
Stress reduction is considered one of the top benefits of self-care. Taking frequent breaks between tasks by doing something enjoyable will give your brain the much-needed pause to slow down.
Allows Self-Discovery
Life is not about completing one chore after another. A me-time routine like journaling will help evaluate your core values, goals and expectations from your life and set you on the path for self-discovery and growth.
Improves Relationships
When the people around you understand your need for selfcare, it helps strengthen connections. When you know your time is valued, you develop a more positive outlook towards your life and relationships, which helps nurture more loving, caring bonds.
Improves Mental Health
Taking breaks to pursue mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga or even jig-saw puzzles help you be present in the moment. It helps you focus, especially with meditation you can take a much-needed inward journey to explore the deep recesses of your mind and find solutions that can help lift the nagging loads off your shoulders. One of the main benefits of self care is the way it helps your mind and body heal and regenerate.
Self-Care Activities You Can Try Today
Your me-time activity doesn’t necessarily have to be something you do alone. It could also be something you do with your friends or family. Any selfcare routine that helps you unwind is good to start with. And as your needs change you can explore other me-time activities that help you nurture and nourish your body and mind better. Here are some me-time activities that you can start today…
- Light some scented candles, get some aromatic soaps and take a long relaxing bath.
- Go outdoors or sit on your balcony and enjoy a steaming hot mug of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
- Meditate
- Go for a walk outdoors
- Go to the beach and watch the waves
- Start journaling
- Do crafts or paint
- Listen to music
- Read a book
- Diffuse some essential oils and spend some quiet alone time
Selfcare is essentially any activity that you do to take care of YOU. Whether it’s exercising, eating a balanced meal, or even napping, taking the time to relax your mind and body has lasting benefits. And making your me-time a priority will help you build a more positive attitude towards everything in your life. Mindful practices are good for your wellbeing, and when you take the time to zone out the world and zone in on your innermost feelings, you become more resilient and happier. And when you’re happy, the world does seem like a happier place to be. So, take the time to prioritise your happiness and wellbeing by creating the time and space to unwind, rejuvenate and recharge.
Planning to create a selfcare nook at home? Get started with your me-time essentials here.