In a busy world of work and home life, commitments, chores, responsibilities, errands, demands, to-do lists, domestics, technology, social media, expectations and the like, it’s absolutely vital to factor in time for you.
Quality time, proper time, enjoyable time is what I’m talking about here rather than just down time, exhausted and lacking in energy after all the other tasks are done.
Time for you is deserved and required. It should give you energy, revitalization, a fresh perspective on life and be a favorite time of day. What might that be? It can be from appreciating the simplest of pleasures that we often ignore; the smell of outdoors, a sunrise or sunset or being with a loved one to making time to do something we enjoy; yoga, reading, social events or whatever makes our heart sing.
Find your own. I task you to think about and then write down what you love in life. List ten things that take a shorter time, for example phoning a friend, reading a chapter of a good book or listening to a favorite tune. Then find another ten which might need an hour or so; a hair appointment, a jog, a trip to the gym, cooking a delicious meal or being creative perhaps. Finally, list another ten which require a portion of your day, maybe a dance class, a round of golf, a night out or watching a DVD.
And then, you need to create space to enjoy doing what you love. Fifteen minutes upwards a day will make a positive difference. Factoring time in helps deal with the other aspects we perhaps don’t enjoy so much, bolstering us for the day ahead or as an activity to look forward to. It’s impossible I hear! It can be if you don’t plan. So, think ahead. Plan a lovely activity for each day.
Here’s mine for the week ahead:
Monday: 30 minute walk round my favorite park.
Tuesday: Go for a cycle ride.
Wednesday: Pick tiles for my bathroom floor.
Thursday: Get nails done/ beauty appointment.
Friday: Dinner and music event with a friend.
Saturday: Lunch and shopping with a different friend.
Sunday: Birthday celebration.
These are bigger things. I enjoy being in the sunshine, having a coffee at a local cafe, writing a journal, playing with our new kitten and mini trampolining. What does your list look
like? What brings you joy? What do you love to do? Do it. Do more of it!
Making time gives us a sense of self and connection with who we truly are. It relieves stress, anxiety, lethargy, inertia or feeling overwhelmed or low. The difference to our confidence and well being is enormous and understated. We need to make the time for ourselves to keep all the balls in the air. It works like that. Energize yourself and there’s more energy for everything.
Go on, try it. I encourage you to get thinking about creating time in your busy life for doing what you love and also about what that could be. I then task you to do these things. Try it for a week and note the difference it makes to your spirit and soul. You won’t want to stop!
