Making Time for Yourself: Four Ways to Discover "Me-Time"

Between husbands, kids, work and household chores - it's easy to understand why so many women are exhausted and running on empty. While you may not be able to remove some of life's burdens and daily responsibilities, you can find ways to cope. The next time you start to feel a little overwhelmed, put everything on pause, and make time for yourself.

Here are four ways to fit "me-time" into your hectic schedule.

Schedule Alone Time: Pre-planning "me-time" or alone time is easier said than done. A soothing bubble bath will likely be accompanied with multiple interruptions - the same holds true for any attempt to start and finish a good novel. To enjoy a little quiet time, many wives and mothers have settled on rising early in the morning and staying up late at night. However, you shouldn't have to sacrifice sleep to enjoy a little solitude. Men always find the time to escape the bustle. Similarly, you have to make the time. Plan to spend a few hours away from the house each week - alone. Get a manicure, go to a day spa, or simply walk around the mall.

Stop Surfing: The Internet is likely one of the biggest time wasters. If used responsibility, the web is useful. Unfortunately, some people are addicted to knowledge, online games, and cyber-world. If you really want to relax, limit the number of times you log onto the Internet a day. Checking your e-mail every ten minutes and reading online gossip columns can eat away your free time.

Put the Kid's to Bed Early: Quite a few households have family beds. In other words, every member of the household slumbers in one bed - the parent's bed. This arrangement works for many families. However, if you need more time for yourself - kick the kids out the bed. Establish a new routine. At a set time each night, put the kids to sleep in their own bed, and then walk into your room - alone. Use this time to unwind, fold the laundry, read a book, or catch-up on pillow talk with your partner.

Reduce Work Hours: If possible, consider working fewer hours. This may mean reduced pay. However, if you can afford to take a pay cut, it's worth it. Coming home early, or going to work later means you'll receive some alone time. Once everyone in the house leaves for the day, you can enjoy a few hours of doing absolutely nothing.