Ladies, Press The ‘Pause’ Button. Here’s How To Find ‘Me’ Time

Being the 'modern' woman comes with its fair share of compromises, but is it really for the best if you're always putting yourself last? Go ahead, enjoy some 'me time'!

Being the ‘modern’ woman comes with its fair share of compromises, but is it really for the best if you’re always putting yourself last? Go ahead, enjoy some ‘me time’!

It’s the second time now that Priya has hit the snooze button on the alarm clock. Promising herself it is the last time, she tries to get those precious extra five minutes before the day begins. Yesterday was a long day for her,and today promises to be no different. From picking up and dropping off the kids at school, to grocery shopping, cooking and social commitments. To top it all, her in- laws will be visiting. This promises to be a whirlwind of a day. There is a project that needs completion too. She can almost see her boss’ angry face. She cannot afford to miss the deadline on this one.

Us women today have been told that we have it all. Between juggling careers and never-ending home duties, we lose ourselves somewhere. Do you remember the last time you did something just for yourself? If yes… great! do it some more, if ‘No’ then start now!

Take out time each day for yourself. Just half an hour to one hour each day. I can not even begin to say how important it is. It has the potential to drastically improve your life. The remaining 23 hours of the day are for your work, your family, or whoever or whatever you deem important. But this one hour is yours and yours alone. Cherish it and keep it for yourself. You will realise that you are a much better person after- Energized and rejuvenated, like a toy with a new battery, whizzing past with a renewed fervour.

Were you a painter in your college or school days? Take out those paint brushes gathering dust. Did you perhaps enjoy photography? Invest in a new camera and shoot the world. Whatever is your liking, do it. Even science suggests that scheduling some time just for yourself is crucial to staying happy and balanced.

Don’t know where to start?  Here are a few suggestions

  1. Join an exercise class. Yoga or Pilates, whatever you fancy.  It will help you to both relax and stay fit at the same time. Exercise releases feel-good hormones in the body and forces you to focus on the job at hand.
  2. Pick a hobby Knitting, gardening, craft or painting.  Spend one hour a day doing it. In case you sign up for a class, it ensures regularity and gives you a sense of accomplishment after seeing the fruits of your hard work.
  3. Read a book  A good book will take you places. it is rightly said that ‘a good book is a dream that you hold in your hands’. Go on and dream…
  4. Walking  Go for a long walk with only your music for company. The seeds for many a ideas have been planted while thinking calmly on a long solitary walk.
  5. Learn a Musical Instrument Music is the common language of the entire world. Learning a new skill can be super exciting, and gratifying. not to mention it will make you a star at your next party.

Whatever you choose, the key is to stay regular and make it a habit. You might have to enforce it in the beginning, but before you realise, it will become your sanctuary. Somewhere you will long to go if the day becomes a bit overwhelming.

I have realised that people around you will only respect and value you if you do it yourself. It is human nature. Everyone around you will pick up on this and decide whether to take you seriously or not. if you are constantly putting yourselves last, that is what everyone else will do too.

Never miss real stories from India's women.

Register Now

Most importantly let’s not forget that our children are watching us. if they see us taking good care of ourselves, they will learn from it and do it for themselves when adults, without feeling guilty for it.

So go ahead and start. Would love to hear what your favourite ‘me’ time activity is! Go, ladies. Claim your time.

Image source: pexels

Liked this post?

Join the 100000 women at Women's Web who get our weekly mailer and never miss out on our events, contests & best reads - you can also start sharing your own ideas and experiences with thousands of other women here!

Comments

About the Author

Suveera Sharma

I am a free lance writer and columnist. Having seen the world sailing from port to port, have finally found home in Hong Kong. I am an avid reader and enjoy writing read more...

1 Posts | 1,254 Views

Stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter or Daily Summary - or both!

All Categories