Tips for Taking Time for Yourself
By Randi Morse
Imagine a mom who is working multiple jobs, taking care of her children and husband, and attending online college full-time. That mom is me. After 20 years away from school, I am finally earning my bachelor's degree. When I began this journey I was full of dreams and excited for the future. Now? Now I'm just tired. The reason I'm so tired is because I haven't been taking care of myself properly.
This is a problem many people have. We work hard so that we can provide for our family, or better ourselves, completely forgetting that our bodies and minds need time to rest. Learning how to take that time, however, can be difficult. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you learn how to slow down and take some much-needed relaxation time for yourself.
Schedule time - This can seem like a boring thing to do, but if you don't schedule time to relax, you likely will continue working. If you're someone who likes to schedule your time daily, make sure you block out a specific amount of time to relax.
Just say no - Learn how to say "no" to things that you really don't want to do, or things that will take up more of your time and energy than you can spare.
Learn to delegate - How much of the housework do you do? Are there things at work that could be done by someone else? Delegating can be difficult, especially if you prefer to have control over things, but if you learn how to delegate you will be able to have more time for yourself.
Buy in advance - If you purchase tickets for something in advance, you will be much more likely to take time to go to that thing. Buy tickets for something you like: a sports game, a museum event, or a musical. Not only will buying the tickets ahead ensure that you're more likely to attend the event; it will give you something to look forward to as well.
If you begin to feel guilty for taking time for yourself, stop and think about what you would tell your best friend for advice. You'd likely tell them that they deserve to have a little time for themselves. Take that advice for yourself! By giving yourself time to relax and enjoy the world around you, and the hobbies and activities you enjoy, you are helping to give your body and mind the break that it needs to keep you in tip-top shape.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Seminole, Fla.