Making Time For You

Whether it’s work piling up on weighing you down, or the chores you have at home getting on your nerves, you need to be able to take a moment to breathe and remember that you’re still a person who deserves some space-time, and relaxation.

Adulting is hard enough then many of us because parents with huge responsibilities and to-do lists the length of our arms.

The physical and mental load of raising a family often means we parents find ourselves the last on the rung of priorities, easily leading to feeling stressed and burnt-out. 

It’s important to take the time for yourself when you can, and knowing how to achieve this without your world falling apart is important. With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of how you can make more time for yourself.

1. Make a list of what looks like the perfect day out for you to de-stress and unwind. For me, a spa day always wins, starting with a Hydrafacial and then a dip in the pool? Retail therapy and cultural experiences are next on the list. A solo shopping trip or peruse of an art gallery or museum are my instant happy-makers. 
2. Quit feeling guilty. Some people feel guilty about taking the time for themselves, whether it’s Mum guilt or it’s inner guilt that makes you feel like you’re putting pressure on your coworkers. Dispense with that guilt and stop leaning into it. You deserve some time-out. Ask yourself why you feel so guilty for taking time for you. List the reasons that might be behind your guilt, and repeat positive affirmations such as ‘I deserve to replenish my energy reserves’ to help convince yourself. If you’re feeling guilty because your family needs you, you have to determine whether or not they need you or whether you’ve decided that they do.
3. Learn to say no. Believe it or not, your time is the most finite resource you have, which means it’s precious. You’re allowed to say no. Yes compromise is a part of life but serving your needs is crucial too.
4. Block out time for yourself regularly and design a schedule with your partner or family members so the load is divided equally because it’s not free time where you are doing housework instead of childcare. It’s free time when you are doing something for yourself, like going to the cinema on your own to catch that film you’re desperate to see.
5. Put boundaries in place at work. If you work from home, distinguish between your work and home life. Stick to set times for work and play.