Why It's so Important to Take "Me Time" for Yourself

I have discovered that the best way to live a beautiful life with others is to begin by cultivating yourself.. In fact, taking "me time" is not only imperative to your health, but to your overall emotional well-being.

Most of us are awake and average of 16 hours a day, or 960 minutes. Each week we can do literally hundreds of things to fuel our own engines. Even if we spend 10% of our time nurturing ourselves, it adds up to only a little more than 11 hours a week. It doesn't matter what you do with those hours as long as you use them to fill up your own well. Make it a priority, for example, to exercise your mind by taking an evening course in creative writing or art appreciation. Share your excitement about Renaissance art with others. Have your hair cut and styled; when you look attractive and feel good about yourself, other people will share that feeling. Whether you choose to read, play tennis, sew, garden or paint, do it with intensity and abandoned. This "me time," when you can let loose and have a love affair with life, generates the very spark that makes you a person others want to be around.

Don't wait for permission to take your "me time"

The plans you make for yourself are as important as anything that might keep you from them. Keep track. Put in your hour-plus a day. If you miss a day, make it up to yourself. Experiment in finding ways your self nurturing time can best benefit you. One week plan to or three hours in one day and skip the next day. See what suits you best.

Above all else, do not feel guilty! 10% of your time, spent as "me time" leaves 90% for others. Be sure to take your full 10% each week!

Women often get caught in the trap of feeling indispensable. We tend to be a mother hen and want to oversee and do everything. We don't have it all - we do it all. But we have to learn to feel comfortable about occasionally being unavailable to others. I have discovered it is not healthy to "be there" all the time - not for a spouse, a child, a friend, a parent or a job. We must concentrate more on being there for ourselves on a regular basis. We can never guarantee to others that will always be there for them. After all, life throws us numerous curveballs, things happen, and our plans do not always work out as we want them to. On the other hand, we can assure our availability to ourselves in most cases. All we can do for others is try our best.

Our "me time" on the back burner

We worry about not being perfect. When we can't meet our own unrealistic expectations, we feel discouraged. I believe the notion of perfection is dangerous to one's personal well-being and keeps one from living to the fullest potential. We are all human. Strive, persist, and then relax and live with the knowledge that you have done your best. Expect some problems so that you will not be disappointed when they come. If you lower your expectations, you will be happier in the reality of the moment. If you don't expect to be perfect, you are more likely to experiment, improvise, and take risks. You are more likely to have fun! Once you eliminate the idea of perfection, you will lose your fear of trying new things. And when you lower your expectations, while making sure always to nurture the spirit within you, nothing can hold you back.

Every once in a while be a slob. That may sound funny, but you can live a beautiful life can occasionally be a slob. You can also have a sloppy house from time to time. Because I often have a very clean house, people constantly apologize to me for the condition of their homes. "I am so sorry the windows are dirty. I'm sorry there are no flowers in the house. I'm sorry the bed is not made." I enjoy it when things are a little messed up, contrary to the beliefs of my friends and family. Messiness means there has been some real living going on. So what if one day a week you don't have the cleanest house on the block? You don't have to wait until every last dust ball has been eliminated before you can take "me time" for yourself.

Think of your nurturing "me time" as recess

Teachers have a snack. Marching soldiers get 10 minute breaks every hour so they can march farther. Ministers take time out to meditate and go on retreats to renew themselves. You and I need a few regular breaks too. Take them! Disappear and take a nap or walk alone. Learn to feel comfortable with yourself when you escape. Alone, you find your center and feel better about not only yourself but everything else.

Self carrying is being responsible, and getting some "me time" is the best way to care for yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember that all the time spent nursing yourself will enrich and strengthen your time and your relationships with others. That is the secret to great human happiness, and once you start, you will set your self on a path that will lead to places of great beauty and contentment.

Sources:

Personal education, experience, and expertise in the fields of psychology and mental health

Other sources:

http://www.blueverse.com/2008/04/16/work-and-play-why-me-time-is-important/
http://www.todayisthatday.com/why-me-time-is-so-important-video/
http://www.lifeorganizers.com/Time-Management/The-Organized-Prioritization/Making-Time-For-Yourself.html
http://parenting.ivillage.com/mom/time/0,,432w,00.html