time for reading How to Find Time for Yourself

How to Find Time for Yourself  

Do you ever find yourself longing for some time for yourself? Many of us are so busy with work
school
and Home life that often there is no time left over to do something that you enjoy. What follows are some ways to carve out that essential time you need to slow down
enjoy life
and rejuvenate yourself.
Scheduling Time with Yourself
1. Evenings with Yourself. Try to save certain weeknights just for you. If others ask you to do things those nights
just tell them you have plans. Use the time for gardening
reading
exercise
thinking
or the ultimate luxury of doing nothing!
2. Monthly Treat. Schedule a treat for yourself once a month. It could be on your lunch break
a weekend
or it could be leaving work early. Maybe you get a spa treatment
go see a movie
a haircut
play golf
or whatever treat you’re always thinking about but rarely get to. Schedule it in and it will happen!
3. Buy Tickets in Advance. sports
theater
concerts
or any other event you would enjoy. Schedule the plans with a friend later. Having the tickets already in hand will force you to make it happen!
4. Leave Work on Time. Huh? Yes
many of us stay at work late on a regular basis. If this is you
make it a point to leave work exactly on time at least once a week
if not more. And then enjoy that time! Leave work at work.
5. Join a Group. Here are some ideas of groups that can allow you some time away from work and Home: singing group
gardening group
astronomy society
book club
quilting (or any other craft) circle
biking/walking/running/etc clubs
ski club
etc. What are you interested in? Strike while the iron is hot. Look up a club in your area today and join! If you can’t find a club
consider starting one yourself!
6. Take an Adult Education Class. Take a fun class. If accounting is fun for you
then go ahead. If not
then think about some of these ideas: foreign language
photography
art
creative writing
or sports (kayaking
archery
golf
yoga). Belly-dancing anyone?
7. Exercise. For busy people it can be difficult to make time for this. But
you know what? You can do it!! All you have to do is decide today and then make it a reality tomorrow. A new habit is started with just one step. Take that first step tomorrow. Walk for 20 minutes in the morning. And then build on that success daily. Vary how you spend that time. On some days use the time for thinking and daydreaming. Other days listen to motivational audio and on days you want a real boost
listen to your favorite music! Here are a couple travel audio books you could borrow from your local library that will take you on a journey to a foreign land while you are walking or jogging: “Holy Cow:An Indian Adventure” by Sarah MacDonald or “The Places in Beeen” by Rory Stewart. If you’ve been exercising for a while and you usually listen to music
try go without any input for a change. Instead
let your mind wander and expand.
On the Go
1. Commute Via Public Transportation. If you can
ditch your car
and let someone else do the driving. Use that time to plan your day
do some reading
writing
creative thinking
or even meditation.
2. Driving in Your Car. Make the most of this time. Vary how you spend that time. If you always listen to music
perhaps also try: educational radio (NPR)
positive audio tapes (suggestion: “Follow Your Heart” by Andrew Matthews) or even totally quiet time. Use that quiet time for brain storming. Either think in your head or even talk your ideas out loud. Bring a voice recorder. You could write a book via voice recorder over time.
3. Waiting in the Car. If you find that you have a certain amount of “waiting time” in your life
change how you perceive it. Instead of “waiting time” you can instantly change it into “me time” by bringing along reading
writing
or entertainment items. Or if you find yourself waiting and you don’t have any of these things use the time for creative thinking about your life or try some meditation.
Synergy
1. 2 Birds
One Stone. Look for ideas where you can fit in time for you within things you need to do already or that will have multiple benefits. See the ideas below to give you an idea.
2. Walk to Work. This is a a great one because you’re acplishing many things at once. You’re getting exercise
you have time to think or enjoy music/audio
and you’re helping to save the environment.
3. Arrive Early. Any appointment that you have
plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early. Then use this time for you: reading
writing
meditation
relaxation
thinking
whatever.
4. Volunteering. There are so many benefits with this. You make a difference for others
you escape work and personal worries
and you grow as a person. If you could help one anization or group
which would it be? OK
now go ahead and Google them and find out how you can help - even if it’s just once a year.
5. Side Job. Find a side job at which you can make money
but that will also allow you to do something you love. Some ideas: coaching
teaching a class (art
writing
sport
hobby
anything else you know well)
or training others (what special skills do you have that you could share with others? singing
windsurfing
math?)
6. Lunch Alone. Try sneaking away for a quiet lunch alone on a park bench or even in your car. Enjoy some quiet time with no one to talk to and no audio inputs.
Time Away from Kids
1. Organize “Mom’s Morning Out” Circle. If you have a friend or group of friends
you could arrange to share babysitting services a few times a month so that others in the group get some time alone.
2. Babysitters. Make a plan to have a babysitter that you trust watch your children once a month or once a week so that you can get some time for yourself. The key here is to take action and make it happen. If you want more time for yourself
you can get it. Just don’t be afraid to ask.
3. Gym with Babysitting Service. Find a gym that offers childcare so that you can take a yoga class
do some strength training
or even work with a personal trainer. Make sure you fully research the safety of their childcare program first though. Get some references.