In honour of Self-Care Month we’re looking into the importance of taking me-time and exploring the different ways you can take time for yourself.
The Importance of Me Time
Do you ever feel like you’re wading through a thick fog of pure, impenetrable fatigue? One day, you might feel like you’re always on the verge of stress, just waiting for something to tip you over the edge. The next, you could find yourself snapping at the people around you or feeling distracted, unproductive, or like you simply can’t focus, no matter how hard you try.
Does this sound familiar to you?
If you’re constantly wound up like a spring, sooner or later, you’re going to need to release the tension. Some of us choose healthy outlets to deal with this pressure, including exercise, relaxing with friends, or immersing ourselves in a hobby. However, it can sometimes result in an angry outburst we’ll more than likely regret.
We all know that to stay physically healthy, we should live our lives by the health and well-being rules: Eat well, drink enough water, moderate our alcohol intake, get enough sleep, and incorporate movement into our days.
… But how often do we stop and really think about what we can do to protect our mental well-being, particularly during stressful times? It’s important to know how to put the brakes on a little every now and again – otherwise you can quickly find that your life has become one long episode of feeling tense and wrung out, with little respite.
Me-time is what will make sure you feel like you, even during your busiest days.
From the 24th of June to the 24th of July, we’re remembering the importance of looking after ourselves with WHO’s Self-Care Month. The date this month draws to a close, 247, reiterates the importance of prioritising self-care 24/7, every single day of the year.
Keep reading to find out how you can keep yourself mentally and physically healthy by putting your needs first.
The Benefits of Me-Time
One way of pressing the pause button is to take some ‘me-time’, with multiple recent research studies revealing the power to be found in frequently taking time out for ourselves. A study by Birkbeck University in London showed that high-quality me-time can help improve concentration, productivity, and our ability to problem solve and think critically. And it’s this high-quality time that’s crucial, with researchers finding that quality is more important than quantity.
But this time spent by ourselves doesn’t just benefit our work. It helps us unwind and reboot the brain, allowing more headspace for self-discovery and helping us nurture better relationships with loved ones.
Some other key benefits include:
- Increased Productivity: Me time can lead to increased focus and productivity. Giving yourself a break can refresh your mind and boost creativity.
- Self-Reflection: Taking moments for yourself allows for self-reflection and introspection. This helps you understand your needs, desires, and goals better.
- Improved Mental Health: Spending time alone can help you reflect, process emotions, and improve your mental well-being.
- Self-Care: Me time allows you to prioritise self-care activities, including exercise, hobbies, or simply resting, all of which are essential for overall physical and emotional health.
How to Take Me-Time
Allowing precious time for ourselves should be integral to all our routines. Ideally, short periods of time should be dedicated to an activity that you do on your own, and you should aim to do this on most days. Try waking up earlier to sit on your own with a coffee, commit to doing a short relaxing breathing exercise or meditation during your lunch breaks, or maybe try to finish your working day by reading a chapter or two of your book.
There are many different ways to take me-time – and it should look different for everyone! Here are some ideas:
- Reading a Book: Set aside time to dive into a captivating story, allowing yourself to escape into a different world for a while.
- Taking a Bubble Bath: Relax and unwind in a warm bubble bath, creating a peaceful atmosphere for some quality me-time.
- Going for a Nature Walk: Enjoy the fresh air and scenery by taking a leisurely stroll in a nearby park or nature reserve.
- Doing Crafts: Get creative and re-charge by doing simple crafts at home.
- Kicking Back: Anything that you find relaxing can be a great way to take me-time.
A Practice in Mindfulness – Giving You ‘Me-Time’
Mindfulness, as many will know, means paying attention, purposefully and non-judgmentally, to your experience in the present moment. Making mindfulness part of your ‘me-time’ activity can maximise its stress-relieving abilities.
Away from the fitness focus of exercise, why not take a few minutes out and take a slow stroll round the block on your own. Stay in the present and try not to let your mind wander to the future or the past; try not to drift into problem-solving whilst you’re out. Focus on what you see, hear, feel, and smell as you stroll along, and give your mind a break.
If your mind starts trying to work something out, gently guide it back to the rhythm of your stride and re-focus on what your senses are taking in; you’ll be amazed at how much is going on around you that you never noticed before!
Most importantly, unplug and make your ‘me-time’ free from screens and devices — and don’t feel guilty about it! It’s essential to invest in you – it’ll make you a better version of yourself, and your friends, family, and peers will probably thank you!
In Summary
This Self-Care Month, make the self-care habits that work for you a daily commitment.
Taking time for yourself is crucial for your overall well-being. It will help you recharge and focus on self-care, leading to a healthier mind and body. This can improve your relationships and productivity, benefitting yourself and those around you. Remember, carving out me-time isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary act of self-love and care that will help you lead a better life.
