Make Time for Yourself: Getting Back to You
Maybe you’re constantly thinking and worrying about work. Or perhaps childcare and other personal commitments are making you stressed. How do you manage the day-to-day while carving out time for yourself, your health, and your needs when you’re “always-on”?
Some people feel guilty and that their own needs don’t matter as much as everyone else’s. I’ve definitely been there. But that can’t be further from the truth.
When I was a partner at a CPA firm and had young kids, I worked 10 or 12 hour days. I felt like I wasn’t doing anything right. I wanted to be home more, but I also wanted to do better at work.
Then I started yoga. In the beginning, I felt guilty. It meant another hour not at home and another hour not at work.
But after talking with my family, they helped me realize how important it was to take that time for me. Whenever I practice yoga, my family notices that I am calm and more peaceful throughout the day. It helps me approach my work and personal life in a healthier way.
When learning to make time for yourself, the key is to speak up and ask for support from those closest to you—making the time for you gives you a sense of balance and awareness in your life that leads to a better understanding of yourself and your surroundings.
Learn what drives you, excites you, and inspires you. It will have a positive effect on both yourself and the quality of your relationships.
Slow down
Slow down. Pause. Take a deep breath. Be mindful of the moment.
We live in an age of constant communication, with many of us glued to our devices several hours a day. It’s hard to slow down and appreciate the little things in life when everything in the digital world changes minute-by-minute.
Make changes in your life, so you are not always connected, both professionally and personally. Sometimes you have to let go of control and trust that things will work out. More often than not, when you slow down, the people around you can help you more than you think. All you have to do is ask.
Set boundaries
Set boundaries at work and home. Say “no” or “I can do it another day” to last-minute requests given to you by your boss or clients. Be open and honest about your needs and what you can or can’t do. Do you need work assigned earlier or longer deadlines? Set boundaries and advocate for your needs to make time for yourself and prevent burnout.
Check-in with yourself
Being “always-on” can have benefits, but nothing wears you out quicker than not giving yourself a break. You don’t have to sacrifice your career or family. Just make sure to take the time to focus on yourself. With so much news and information surrounding you, it’s hard to filter out everyone else’s thoughts and emotions. Make sure to take the time to listen to what your body and mind need.
Let go of the guilt
If you spend all your newfound time feeling guilty about how you spend your time, it defeats the purpose. Make small daily changes to make sure that you put your focus and attention on practicing self-care each day. If you feel guilty taking time for yourself, take a moment to understand why and try to rewrite that narrative.
If you’d like to learn more about practicing self-care during the busy work day, listen to my podcast episode on how to set up your calendar with what I call B3 Breaks (B3 = Business, Balance & Bliss) so that you can take time to renew your energy and show up as your best self for whatever is on your schedule.