Everyone needs a little time to themselves. No matter whether or not you are a full-time professional, full-time stay-at-home mom, or a busy mix of the two, you need to find ways to relax and recharge so you are the best you can be and handle whatever comes your way.
Watch a Favorite Show
If there is one thing that can help people relax, it is a throwback binge-watch of a favorite show. If you came of age during a certain era, there are TV shows that resonate with you. And, you probably remember having to wait each week for the next episode to come out, or “drop” as is now the vernacular. One show full of comfort and nostalgia is filled with your favorite friends. You can find where to watch Friends online, put on your pajamas, and settle on the couch with your favorite beverage or a comfy blanket.
Book a Spa Day
If anything truly says “Me Time,” it is a spa day. Spas are all about serving others and helping them to relax and feel good. You could definitely use some of that calming spirit and pampering. Book a full day away from your responsibilities alone or with a friend. Select services to help you feel good about yourself and reduce stress. Some of the most common spa offerings include massages, facials, waxing, manicures and pedicures, and detoxification treatments. You will leave your day of leisure feeling refreshed and reenergized to take on whatever is waiting for you at home.
Sing It All Away
If you enjoy singing or belting out a few tunes for fun, having a karaoke night with your significant other or gal pals is the way to go. Find a large venue or one with private rooms so you do not have to show off your vocal stylings unless you want to. Have a drink or two, or abstain. Whatever works for you. The point is to allow yourself a little release by way of fun music and a little performative action.
Watch this video for helpful tips on how to karaoke.
Take a Class
Regardless of your age or stage in life, there is always something to learn, new skills to obtain, or old ones to hone. If there is something you have always wanted to learn, such as oil painting, pottery making, dancing the tango, or how to scale a mountain, there is probably a class for it. Try to take the classes on-site instead of virtually from home to have more time for yourself and the opportunity to immerse yourself in learning the skill without any distractions. Even better, if your class runs for several weeks, you have built-in time “me time” for the foreseeable future and will have a new hobby to show for it.
Go to a Bookstore
If you have not set foot in a bookstore for quite some time or have never been, now is the time. While there are people around, you still get the calm and solitude you seek in this environment. There is a generally held rule that people are quiet in this space, a little less so than in a public library, but everyone seems respectful of their fellow patrons. Bookstores often serve coffee, tea, and even food. Grab a coffee and then walk through the selections of books. Pick one up and sit down in a quiet corner to read. Maybe you purchase the book. Maybe you put it back. One thing you do get is time to yourself while exploring treasured tomes and new classics.
State Your Intentions
This item on the list is not an activity, per se, but is something you should do. If you need a break or already have one planned, remember that those around you do not read minds. Kindly inform them of your upcoming “me time” activities or tell them you want to be alone for a few minutes. Be specific about your needs and expectations. If you are staying in your home and the rest of your family is present, let them know that you want undisturbed time in the bedroom for X number of minutes. When they know what to expect and understand your needs, it works better for everyone.
Gather your friends for a party and watch your favorite TV characters. Schedule a special day of respite at your local spa, or take some time just for you to do whatever makes you happy and allows for a little recharge. You deserve to be taken care of – but sometimes you have to be the one who does it.
