Life can be overwhelming, and it can often feel like the craziness will never stop. They might as well add it to the quote; nothing in this world is certain except death and taxes… and ridiculously busy schedules. Whether we mean to or not, we tend to schedule our own selves completely out of the equation. In the midst of going to work, making sure to eat and sleep, taking the kids to where they need to be, fitting in the social obligations, and taking care of all the home chores, where in the world do your needs fit in?
The most unfortunate part of bumping yourself to the bottom of the list? Alone time, “me time,” comes with so many positives: it increases empathy, productivity, and creativity; prevents burnout; builds mental strength; allows your brain to sort through thoughts; develops resistance to stressors; and has even been shown to be a common factor in reducing high blood pressure. The list goes on! Imagine how much better you could function by fitting in more time for yourself.
The good news is that even just 15 minutes of “me time” a day can increase all the factors mentioned above. That’s it – just 15 minutes. What’s even better? The options are vast.
You could take a traditional route and work in some quiet time or meditation and be alone with your thoughts and breaths. You could also spend time with your creative side – therapy and adult coloring books can be found pretty much anywhere these days, or you could test your crafting abilities. Taking nature walks or hikes, listening to instrumental music, and going crazy in the kitchen could all count, too.
Me time doesn’t have to happen in complete seclusion, either. People watch at a coffee shop, treat yourself to dinner and a movie on your own, or grab a book and find fun reading spots in your area.
With all those positives to catching alone time, along with the endless amount of options for accomplishing it, why not try it for a week and see how helpful it is? After all, like the flight attendants say, you have to put your own mask on first.
The opinions expressed in this article are of the author and not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any mental or physical condition. If you are struggling or in need of mental health services, please contact your health care provider, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or Stepping Stone Community Services at 330-577-4099.