eremedies

ME Time

Sometimes all we do is think about others. What do they think, will they like me, what are their expectations, what do they need. If you're overwhelmed with doing things for other people, it's time to schedule ME time.

* ME time is time ONLY for yourself. No one else. You do what you WANT at that time - nothing necessary, nothing expected, nothing like a chore or work.

* Put it in ink. Put it in your planner, a reminder on your email, a post-it on your medicine cabinet. Whatever it takes, make sure you set aside a specific time for it. Give yourself at least 15 minutes (if on a daily basis) or at least an hour once a week.

* When you have the time, decide what you'd like to do. Make it something you wouldn't do otherwise, that you'd wanted to do for a while.

* Some ideas: soak in a tub, give yourself a facial, go for a massage, read a racy novel, sit around and eat ice cream. In short, indulge!

* Allow yourself the freedom of accomplishing nothing. It's ok if for this time, you do absolutely nothing. You don't need to FINISH anything!

* Warn others that this time is only for you. Don't allow yourself to be distracted by thoughts of planning and worrying. Tell kids, friends, and relatives to stay as far away as possible. Unplug the phone and take off your watch.

* When the time's up, you don't have to stop. Let yourself linger, and then slowly work yourself back into the rest of your day, a little more together.