4 Ways to Get Some Much Needed Me-Time

Make breakfast, check.  Get the kids up and dressed for school, check.  Get to work on time, check. Run errands, check.  Pick up dinner, check.  Check, check, check – and that’s all before the 6 o’clock news!  We’re so busy checking everything off our lists every day, but have you stopped to take the time to check on you?  With so much to do, sometimes life can feel a little… no a LOT overwhelming – but guess what, that’s okay!  Each of us are spiritual beings who need a moment to recharge and renew; and recently I realized that it had been a long while since I had taken the time to stop – and check in with me. 

Thankfully, I had the blessing of taking off on a much needed “mom-cation” with my best friend.  We rarely get to see each other and when we finally got the chance, we packed up and (for lack of a better term) – Ran Away to share a weekend that focused on some me-time for us both!  We left our kids in good care with our husbands (gotta love a man that can hold it down when you are away) and had a great time with great food, lots of laughs, in depth adult conversations, our fair share of Strawberry Frosé’s and most importantly, time to reconnect with ourselves and each other. 

It’s that quirky time of the year, smack dab in between a hectic summer, back to school and (according to the retail stores) the holidays just around the corner.  But before diving head-first into the bustle, it’s the perfect time to take a pause to refresh and rejuvenate with some much needed [Insert Your Name Here]-time!  Just a little weekend worked wonders for me, and I encourage you to do the same because I came back feeling brand new!  And listen, if you don’t have the time or money to go to another city, check in to a hotel, and order room service, I’ve got you covered with some easy ways to take a little time out – just for you, right where you are. 

1. Ask yourself, “What do I do to relax?” 

And I don’t mean a 5-minute break eating a cookie while leaning on the kitchen counter.  I mean really relax.  The letting-thoughts-escape-you-and-time-does-not-matter kind of relax.  Would you love to really unwind with a massage or facial at the spa?  Or how about a visit to a salt room? Never heard of that?  Salt rooms improve your health and mood using the calming and detoxifying effects of pure salts – do a quick search for a salt room at a wellness center near you.  Mediation class maybe?  I found a great FREE meditation class at my local community center; I never even realized the importance of just being still and breathing until I realized that I was never doing it. Whichever you choose, it’s time to add some real relaxation into your routine. 

2. Wash your feet. 

Now when I say wash your feet, I don’t mean soaking your feet in that cute little bowl in the pedicure chair (although that’s nice too!).  I mean taking the time to acknowledge your blessings and wash your feet in a ceremonially spiritual way.  In the Bible, the washing of feet was a ceremonial act symbolizing humility, honor, and respect.  And while sitting still long enough to wash your feet is a moment in itself; I see this act as a spiritually cleansing moment.  The feet are so important and it is crucial to honor them as they walk us through this journey called life – carrying us each day from our dreams into our reality.  The preparation is simple; a basin, warm water, your favorite fragrance or oil, a soft towel – soak, massage, breathe, and repeat. 

3. Write it down.
We take pics with our phones to remember brief moments throughout the day, but a phone pic can’t capture and absorb how you feel or what you need at the moment.  I find journaling to be freeing since you can literally write down whatever you want.  Feeling angry – write it down.  Over the moon with happiness – write it down.  Have a dream or aspiration – you must write it down! Journaling is a positive way to self-reflect and express your feelings.  I always have several journals, and I keep one with me in my bag all the time.  Take the time to write how you’re feeling down on paper, and watch your world transform. 

4. Find a hiding place.
We all need a place where we can just hide from it all.  It may be a secluded bench in the park, or in your car during your lunch break – for me it is my closet.  When things are getting a little overwhelming for me I retreat to my closet, close the door and take a few breaths.  Maybe it is the comfort of being surrounded by my favorite shoes, or my soft Fall sweaters that calms me.  There’s something about taking a few moments to shut out the world, even if for just a little while – release the thoughts of yesterday, or my laundry list of to-do’s – and take the time to just breathe and be present.  You’ll be surprised to see you’ll come out much calmer than you were by simply spending a few minutes for just you. 

What I’m Celebrating! 
This post, I’m celebrating all of the busy folks who get it done but need a moment to sit back and sip.  Cheers.