How to Find Time for Yourself and Your Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
We don't take enough time for ourselves. Over the years, we learn to give and give and give to other people. Our family. Our kids. Our job. While it's certainly noble and sometimes even necessary to put others first, it's also incredibly important to think of yourself sometimes. But how do you do that when it feels like there's no time left at the end of the day? How do you create more time for looking after your own needs? If you need to spend a little more time on yourself, take a look at these ways to sneak in some time for your own health needs.
Say No More Often
We're all a little bit guilty of saying yes to everything. Your kid wants to do a new activity? OK. Your boss wants you to stay an extra hour? Fine. Why do we do this? We, as individuals, are important too! If you don't have enough time to take care of yourself, start saying no. Say no to the extra time and extra effort, and instead use that time to take care of your own needs and health.
Get Up Earlier
Too often, we squeeze every ounce of sleep into our mornings. But this just leaves us flustered, late, and running around. It's chaos, and it's unnecessary. Instead, go to bed a few minutes earlier at night, and get up a few minutes earlier in the morning. This gives you a few minutes to yourself -- to work out or read or soak in a little silence -- before your kids and spouse and everyone else wakes up. If this seems like too small of a change to actually make a difference, just give it a try. You'll likely be surprised at how one tiny change in the morning affects the rest of your day and your health in general.
Put It On the Schedule
If you're serious about finding time for yourself, put it on the schedule. And preferably, put it on a schedule that everyone in your home can see. Let both work and family know that you'll be unavailable between certain hours on certain days. And then don't give in. Take those hours for yourself just as you'd take them for a meeting or a child's event or work. Take them, use them wisely, and be selfish about making time for yourself once in a while.
If you're not making time for yourself, you have to start right now. Don't wait. Don't expect someone else to do it. Make it a priority. Caring for yourself is not a luxury; it's a necessity! Get on top of your own health and wellness with these little tips starting today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Mo.