Five Quick Ways to Make Time for YOU

Earlier today, I wrote about how I often have trouble remembering the day of the week because I’m so busy with freelancing. Ok, maybe saying “often” is dramatic, but when you work at home (and often on weekends), it can be really easy to get caught up in work every single day, never really taking time for yourself. And that’s really not healthy.

Image: sxc.hu

I guess I should consider myself lucky, since I don’t have kids or a husband to fill my time, but I do have obligations, like a boyfriend and a pet, as well as a part-time job at a day care. Throw in the fact that I seem to catch every fever, head cold, flu, and other illness that makes its way through the day care, since my immune system is shot, and it isn’t a pretty picture. So, some days…ok, many days…I feel like I’m burning the candle at both ends. I’m sure many of you can relate.

Making time for yourself can really help to recharge your energy. There have actually been studies that show the happier and less stressed you are, the less often you feel sick and the more productive you are, in general. So yes, it pays to take time for you. But how can you do so if you’re short on time?

1. Take a bath instead of a shower. You have to get clean, so consider making it special. Light some candles, play some quite music, and (most importantly) lock the door. Time: 30 minutes
2. Be proud of your appearance. As a freelancer, it is easy to spend three or four days straight in sweats. Get into the habit, instead, of waking up and putting on “real” clothing. You don’t have to wear a suit and you can even stick to comfy clothing, but jeans instead of pj bottoms can just make you feel good. Time: 10 minutes
3. Once a month, go out to eat for lunch just to break up your day. Think you don’t have the money? You probably do. There are tons of affordable lunch options if you really are on a strict budget. For example, Subway only costs $5 for a great, healthy meal. Time: 30-60 minutes
4. Start walking or running, with a friend if possible. Four times a week, I run with my best friend for about 45 minutes, and it’s one of the best changes I’ve made in my life in the past year – and I’m definitely NOT a runner! Of course, you don’t have to run, but just getting up and walking around the block a few times can really get your juices flowing. Time: 45-60 minutes
5. Get a foot massage machine. It’s a little money out of pocket, but it only takes five minutes to set up…then you can work as you get a nice warm foot massage. Yum! Time: 5 minutes

What do you do for you?