‘I never find ‘me’ time’ is a phrase I hear often. The statement is as true as it can get. I never find ‘me’ time either. Do you?

The moment I hear this phrase escape someone’s lips, I ache to say exactly what’s on my mind. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don’t, depending on the circumstances. Me bluntly stating the truth might make me sound insensitive or patronising, especially if I do not know the person making the statement very well.

I can very well say what’s on my mind here, and it’s actually the perfect place to do it.

You will NEVER find ‘me’ time.

Why?

Because you have to MAKE it.

I can guarantee that all the busy mamas that indulge in a little R&R do not revel in it because they stumbled across a free slot of time and claimed it as ‘me’ time. Uh, oh. Quite the opposite in fact.

‘Me’ time, like anything else, needs to be prioritised.

This is where a lot of us get this prioritising thing wrong. We let other needs and necessities take over and claim that everything else but ‘me’ time is more important.

Heck no!

“You cannot put from an empty cup, take care of yourself first”.

Here are 5 simple ways to make ‘me’ time

1.Wake up 10 minutes earlier

Set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier and enjoy the silence. Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and drink it mindfully, meditate, or read. Whatever it is, start your day slow and appreciate the time you have to yourself.

2. Give yourself 10 minutes before turning in

Don’t call it a night before you allocate a teeny slot of time for yourself. Draw a bath, light some candles and soak in it, read, watch some TV…do anything you want to do as long as you do it.

3. Sneak in some shopping

Who doesn’t love buying a little something to add to their wardrobe? I do the occasional online shopping at my own pace, but I also manage to get a slot of time for myself during the weekend. Like all other kids, Nina goes nuts at the sight of a play area. She also needs to burn off that energy in between errands. Daddy also loves coffee breaks. But mama loves shopping.
This is where I get very wise. Right next to LIDL in Qormi, is Burger King, which has an outdoor play area. Right opposite is Kiabi. Oh, and Marypaz (which carries the most stylish, comfortable shoes!) I can easily get some time to myself and shop – alone – bliss! Oh, just in case guilt starts creeping in, there’s plenty to buy for the kids too, and the hubby!

4. Put it on the calendar

Think about something that you would like to do for yourself – and then put it on the calendar. It might be as simple as checking out the new cafe in your village. Putting it on the calendar gives your fleeting wish importance, and ensures you WILL do it.

5. Go to a fitness class – with a friend

The secret here is not the fitness class, but the friend. Making plans with a friend to exercise, or anything else for the matter, means you are more likely to follow through. Accountability works like a charm!

If you needed more reasons or inspiration to make ‘me’ time – here are a few quotes I have gathered.

“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”
– Edward Stanley

“Love yourself enough to set boundaries. Your time and energy are precious. You get to choose how you use it. You teach people how to treat you by deciding what you will and won’t accept.”
– Anna Taylor

“Caring for your body, mind, and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It’s about listening to the needs of your soul and then honoring them.”
– Kristi Ling

“We need to replace your vicious stress cycle with a vicious cycle of self care.”
– Dr. Sara Gottfried