Work commitments, getting the kids to school on time, dedicating time to your partner, dealing with life, having a social life… The list goes on. Life is busy and it can often feel like we’re rushing from one end of the week to another, living for the weekend when we might have a breather amongst all the other weekend busyness. 

But ‘me time’ is crucial to all of us, especially if we spend so much time looking out for other people. Without time for ourselves we can feel exhausted, emotionally drained and stressed.

Finding time for ourselves is tricky but important. Here’s how you could squeeze in some extra you time.

Get up earlier

Ok, we get it, when you’re busy, tired and stressed thinking about setting that alarm half an hour earlier sounds horrendous. But actually, it can be really advantageous. Getting up before the rest of the house allows you to spend some time quietly contemplating the day ahead and indulging in a coffee break before the day has even started.

If you can, create a little oasis that’s your morning place. This could be your favourite armchair with a plush new cushion on it. Or a tiny corner of the garden with a few trinkets in it (or moving that armchair near a window you can open).

Being outside or simply feeling fresh air on your face has enormous benefits for mental wellbeing. If it’s cold, wrap up in your dressing gown! Make this a regular thing for you. You could even add in a few minutes of mindfulness practice too.

Keep it a secret though or the whole family will get involved. Before you know it, your time will become everyone else’s time.

Join a local club

Having a set time each week where you have an hour or so at a local class learning a new hobby or getting back into a new one will give you purpose.

Plus, having paid for an evening class also means you’re more likely to stick to it and go.

Call a friend

It can be so easy to just send a quick text or email to friends and family every now and then.  But when was the last time you actually spoke to them? Taking 10 minutes to pick up the phone and have a good chat with someone can make all the difference to your day. Maintaining a positive relationship with your loved ones is good for your soul and sure to put a smile on your face.

Tech detox

Taking some none tech time and reaching for a book, doing a crossword, having a bath or listening to music can make you feel so relaxed and centred.  Ban all gadgets, phones and TV for 15 minutes and do something just for you that does not involve looking at a screen.

Pull on those trainers!

Exercising can give you the headspace you want and helps with whole body fitness. It doesn’t if you have 10 minutes spare or 30 minutes spare; what matters is that you move your body and spend some time doing something for you.

Each week, you’ll know that at that time, you do your thing. Just like going to work or doing the food shopping, it’s a thing that happens, no matter what.