The Happier Life Guide: Lesson 1, Always Make Time for Yourself

With the busy lives that most of us lead, it may seem impossible to take a little time for yourself. Between kids, work, errands, school, and the day's inevitable surprises, getting some "me time" may be the last thing on your mind, but it's a necessary thing for your mental health and happiness.

So, how can you squeeze a little "me time" out of your hectic schedule?

Getting up before anyone else in your house is awake, and starting a morning exercise routine is a great way to take some time out for yourself. In the quiet of the morning, you can do aerobics, dancing, jogging, or take a brisk walk outside. The physical activity will get your blood pumping, wake you up, and elevate your mood. Being alone with some music or just your thoughts may help you work through some problems, too. I find that I come up with a lot of great ideas when I take a walk outside. If your neighborhood has native wildlife, like squirrels or birds, don't ignore them. Watching animals frolicking and going about their business can be very calming, and often entertaining! Keep your eyes open, and you may even see some rare finds, like birds that migrate through your area just twice a year, or an elusive species of lizard. Walking in my neighborhood, I've seen everything from migrating finches, to foxes, to flocks of turkey buzzards. When exercising, you can occupy yourself with whatever is relaxing to you. If you'd rather watch the news or a movie during your routine, that's fine too. Remember: this stretch of time is all about you. The "me time" exercise can also be done during your lunch hour, if you don't want to sacrifice that hour of sleep. Take a walk around your office building, down the sidewalk, or do simple exercises in your office.

Not fond of exercise or think it's just not relaxing? How about a nice hot bath or shower? Get up early, before anyone else - or you can do this after everyone else has gone to bed and fill your bathtub with steaming-hot water and bubble bath or spa-quality body soak. You may light some candles and incense for a soothing ambiance. Read a book or just sit back and relax.

If you prefer a shower, there are dozens of new soaps, body washes, and shampoos for men and women that invigorate, refresh, and relax. I recommend keeping one of each type of scent in your bathroom so you can choose the one that best suits your needs at the time. Whether you choose a bath or shower, remember to try to clear your head of any frustrating thoughts. This time is all about you, so do your best to relax. You'll have plenty of time for stress later.

If you just can't seem to find time for exercise or a long bath, try relaxing during your daily commute to and from the workplace. Whether you drive, walk, or take the bus to work, you can turn your commuting time into "me time." If you're driving, be sure to watch where you're going so you don't get into an accident. With that said, the "me time" here must not include anything visual, and if you aren't good at multitasking, just forget this one all together! Auditory entertainment is the key here. Listen to a favorite CD, music station, or talk radio station, and let the entertainment melt away your stress. On my 30-minute daily commute, I crank the radio and jam all the way to work, and do the same on the way home. By the time I get home, I've forgotten almost all of the day's annoyances. Listening to music while you ride the bus or walk to work is even more effective, since you don't have to divide your attention as much as you do when you're driving. Be careful when using the radio or CDs while you drive. ALWAYS WATCH THE ROAD! If you get into an accident, it will cause you a lot of extra stress, and seriously diminish your "me time," not to mention the problems it causes for everyone else involved.

Use your lunch hour or half-hour to take some time for yourself. Set your watch or cell phone alarm to go off at the proper time so you don't have to keep checking the time during lunch. Listen to some music, write poetry, draw a picture, play a handheld video game, take a brisk walk, take a 10-minute power nap, visit a nearby shop, meet a friend, or do anything else you can think of that makes you happy and takes you away from work for that brief expanse of time. A break in the action will remind you that life isn't all about work. You'll be refreshed for the rest of your workday and won't feel like so much of a workhorse.

If you're a stay-at-home parent or daytime caregiver, create a "me-time" lunch hour for yourself by putting the kids or adults you take care of on a schedule. Use the children's naptime as your lunch hour and do something for yourself. Stay within earshot of the kids, just in case you are needed. If you take care of older individuals who may not have a naptime, give them a game to play or TV show to watch at the same time everyday. While they're occupied, you can read a book, listen to music, or enjoy the game or show yourself. After some mental rest and time for yourself, you'll be more patient with the people you take care of, and everyone will benefit.

It's important that you feel like you are a person and your life belongs to you. Taking some time out of your hectic day to focus on yourself will help keep you mentally healthy, and therefore is beneficial for you and those around you. I hope these ideas help you have a happier life.