ME TIME: Incorporating Self-Care Strategies Without Feeling Guilty

by | Sep 8, 2024 | Uncategorized

Staying healthy is not restricted to what one eats or how often one engages in physical activities. Health mainly relies on the delicate connection between one’s mind and body, which allows them to function optimally. According to psychology, the art of understanding one’s body and mind messages can be obtained successfully if one regularly undertakes “Me Time.”

Me Time is the conscious effort to recharge by indulging in activities one enjoys. It can be anything like taking a bubble bath, reading a book, walking, practicing mindfulness, or going to the salon. However, many people struggle to incorporate self-care strategies as they feel it is selfish or a waste of time. 

BENEFITS OF ME TIME

There is no golden rule for how much time one needs. For some, 5 minutes may be enough, but others may require 24 hours or more to reset the body and mind. The benefits are endless. Here are 6 significant benefits of me time.

  1. SELF ASSESSMENT

Some questions need to be answered every now and then for mental satisfaction and peace. For instance, What are my true values? What are my goals in life? What are my interests? Finding the answers will give people insight and help them align their actions with their objectives. Hence, they can achieve their goals and master a happy and more fulfilled life.

  1. BE PRODUCTIVE

Take breaks while working. No brain can work for extended periods of time. Take short breaks to concentrate better and exhibit more creative ideas.

  1. UNWIND STRESS

It is unavoidable to experience any level of stress throughout the day. But releasing the mind’s pressure for a while is possible. So, when one prioritizes their Me Time through self-care strategies, it gradually reduces their stress levels and prevents burnout. 

  1. IMPROVE PROBLEM-SOLVING

Overexerting a tired brain to focus on completing a task or solving a problem will often not lead to a solution. Let the brain enjoy a little break and then watch it work effectively towards problem-solving.

  1. IMPROVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

When one is looking after their needs along with their responsibilities, it creates a better work-life balance. It allows one to be better at setting boundaries and saying “NO” when they need their space. Hence, through self-care strategies one can safeguard their mental peace and improve their professional growth simultaneously.

  1. IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS 

When one prioritizes personal space, it allows one to be in a better position to love and support their partner. So, if your partner announces that they need space, do not confuse it with a break-up or loss of interest. 

SELF-CARE STRATEGIES TO CELEBRATE ME TIME

Me Time is a simple self-care practice that may seem challenging to implement, but realistic boundaries are possible. Here are 8 ways to get there!

  1. CHOOSE ANY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Indulging in a sport or exercising in a gym is a Me Time activity. Apart from the physical benefits, this is a great way to spend time with yourself. A short walk in nature can also be taken as a simple exercise.

  1. DATE ONESELF

One can mark a date in the calendar to enjoy a solo date just as one would do it for their partner. They must respect this commitment. Book a table at your favorite restaurant or even buy tickets for an amusement park or anything you love to do.

  1. GO SHOPPING ALONE

No need to spend money, you can also window shop too!

  1. PAMPER ONESELF

Get your nails or hair done, or even create a spa at home. For a soothing experience, take a refreshing bath using aromatic candles, bubbles, and soft music.

  1. DO NOTHING

One doesn’t always need to spend too much energy planning their me time. Sometimes, just sitting, ideally, or taking a 10-minute nap in silence is also good. 

  1. READ A BOOK

Be it a classic or latest bestseller, curling up with a good book is a great way to relax. This can also be paired with a cup of tea and soft music.

  1. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing to bring one’s focus back to the present. Guided meditation, if done consistently, will also be helpful.  

  1. LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Sign up to learn a new activity you’ve always wanted to try. Some ideas are knitting, wood carving, gardening, cooking, or learning how to make crafts. 

CONCLUSION

We often want a break from our busy schedules, and we need it! Never feel guilty about taking some Me Time. The benefits are endless and will improve your quality of life for years to come.

Download the JOYSCORE app to accelerate personal growth and self-understanding.

FAQ’S

Q1 How do you feel happy alone but not lonely?

A1 Being alone but not lonely involves engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. It can be anything you choose, like gardening, cooking, knitting, or making crafts.

Q2 Is Me Time healthy?

A2 Me Time has benefits that can improve one’s mental health. It regulates mood, reduces stress levels, increases productivity, and improves problem-solving and work-life balance.

Q3 Is Me Time beneficial to a relationship?A3 When one prioritizes personal space, one’s partner benefits too, as the person transforms to be in a better position to love and support their partner. This is why most loving relationships involve a decent amount of alone time.

Dr. Bob Singhal

Professor Bhupendra 'Bob' Singhal, has taught creativity by joy and right-brain thinking, is a renowned international architect, won major design competitions, has over 70 awards, publications, and media mentions, and served as President of the American Institute of Architects South Bay. In 2011, in his book Joy in Health and Happiness: Your Optimal Path to Success, Professor Singhal wrote about the transformative power of joy and helped readers learn to enhance their daily experience of it.

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