Do you push yourself to be all that you can be? In your
drive for weight loss, you may take on so many projects that life often seems
chaotic. In the midst of doing it all,
do you remember to take time for yourself?
Spending time on YOU is critical! It enables you to feel
rested, calm, stress-free, and fulfilled. When you've had proper rest, you can
accomplish more and maintain the stamina to continue.
On the other hand, if you neglect to make time for yourself,
you're more likely to become depressed, stressed, or unhappy.
Perhaps you feel that there's just not enough time for you. Somewhere in the mix, you lost any
time you ever had for yourself. However, the good news is that, with some
creativity and perseverance, you can
recapture some of that critical you-time!
Consider using these strategies to reap some rejuvenating
time for yourself:
1. Pencil
yourself in. Make time for yourself by adding it as a priority in your
schedule. As you fill out your planner, include it along with your other
important tasks and stick to the appointment! Have you ever noticed that your calender tends to be filled out for you not by you and the things you want or enjoy doing?
2. Give
yourself 15 minutes when you get home. Insist on at least 15 minutes of
recoup and rejuvenation time when you get home from work. If you have to lock
yourself away from stressors or even family members, than that's what you must
do! This time allows you to properly transition from your work life to your
home life.
- Explain this new technique
to your family so that they understand its importance. This way, no one
feels like you're just avoiding them!
- A simple strategy is to
soak in the bath for 15 minutes. The water will relax you, and you'll feel
refreshed after a long day.
3. Take
advantage of your lunch break. Most people feel they need to work through lunch or risk falling behind. Your lunch break is there for you to do what
you please. After you eat, make good use of your time by going for a walk,
exercising, listening to inspiring music, or even get in a bit of shopping if
that's what relaxes you.
4. Enjoy
a break while the kids nap. Here's a good tip for stay at home moms. Give
yourself some much needed "you" time whenever your children sleep. You
might be tempted to get as much work done as you can while they're asleep, but
you'll find you actually get more done if you give yourself a chance to rest and rejuvenate
yourself.
- Explore new ways of
accomplishing things like household tasks while your kids are up. For
example, turn chores into learning games that you can all participate in.
5. Go
to sleep earlier. Going to sleep earlier at night will enable you to get up
in time to enjoy some morning "me" time. Just think how pleasant it
would be to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning without having to look at your
watch. Studies have proven getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep also benefits those trying to lose weight.
6. Take
a vacation day. Take a vacation day to just relax and do whatever you like.
You don't have to take a trip to take a vacation! Time spent on your favorite
hobbies will also rejuvenate you. When you return to work, your renewed energy
may surprise you!
At first glance, these strategies may look difficult to
implement into your busy routine. A good way to get started with them is to
incorporate just one at a time. That way, you only have to adjust to one small
change. As you become accustomed to that one strategy, you can add another, and
then another, until one day you'll find that making time for yourself is easy.
Once you learn to make time for you, you'll have more energy and time to enjoy the good things life
has to offer.
Have a Great and Successful Day!
-Steve