Why "Me-Time" is More Crucial Now Than Ever
In a society where hustle culture continues to blur the lines between health, well-being, and even relationships, a moment for yourself has become an unnecessary concept. For some, it is insignificant. Others see it as a mere distraction or worse, a procrastinating tactic to relieve oneself from an unfinished workload.
But, this is not the case. Making time for yourself is the best form of self-care you can ever indulge in. Compromising yourself for the sake of work, money or a promise of advancement in your career is the worst trade to make.
If you’re unconvinced as to why you need a moment away from your dedicated workspace to slow down and feel the grass, this article will discuss the benefits of me-time and how it helps you perform even better than now!
What is Me-Time?
Before anything else, it is important to understand that me-time varies from one person to another. For example, your friends may view indulging in a full-body massage once a week as a form of me-time. On the other hand, you enjoy sipping a cup of freshly-brewed coffee from your favorite café, uninterrupted with a book in your hand as me-time.
Whatever the method or form may be, as long as you’re doing something for your well-being and enjoyment, it is considered me-time. Re-reading a favorite book or even giving your room quick makeover counts!
Me-time is all about prioritizing yourself. But, beware. Doing so doesn’t mean you have to resort to grand and expensive gestures like going on international travel or splurging on a shopping spree. What matters most is giving yourself time to break free from a tedious to-do list that is imposed by your work or societal expectations.
Why Me-Time is More Crucial Now?
Various research and studies that taking a moment to de-stress and prioritizing yourself positively affects your health. Me-time paves the way for relaxation – making your body better repair itself. Moreover, it helps lower the risk of mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
Aside from these major health benefits, treating yourself to a much-needed me-time gives you the following advantages.
Reset/reboot your brain
Provides an opportunity for self-discovery
Detaches yourself from daily work/chores/tasks
Improves concentration and focus
Allows for self-contemplation and self-resolution
Improve decision-making
Achieve clarity and sound thinking
Enhances relationships with family, friends, and life partner
Gives the opportunity to be more self-aware
Flourishes creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
Needless to say, prioritizing and giving yourself routine me-times help you achieve the very best of yourself. It’s a win-win!
Me-Time is whatever you want
Whatever it is, the way you want, or how you like it, can make all the difference. Believe in your rituals and keep the boundaries surrounding your “me-time”.
How Me-Time Affects Different Aspects of Your Life?
The rundown of me-time benefits mentioned above is general and for someone as busy as you, it can be a bit vague. In this section of the article, we’ll elaborate on how me-time positively impact various aspects of your life.
Family Life
Running a household while holding a job is like juggling two glass balls – every tiny bit is fragile and if you mishandle one aspect, life can lead to chaos.
If you don’t have enough me-time to treat yourself, you can feel extreme stress leading to health and well-being concerns. Also, this can affect your interactions with family members.
When stressed, you can be extremely moody, easily irritated, or cranky. You wouldn’t want to lash out at your kid, right? Or, at least, shout at your partner because he forgot to buy extra toilet paper for the restroom.
Scheduling regular me-time allows you to be rejuvenated and refreshed. This makes your interaction with family members welcoming and overall positive.
Loving Relationships
Did you know that lack of me-time or privacy between couples is a bigger cause of marital dread than a lackluster sex life? Yikes!
While we understand that strengthening your couple's identity is a massive part of your happiness as a pair, preserving your self-identity should never be neglected. Why? Because me-time elevates each person’s emotional, physical, and mental levels.
Plus, me-time allows each of you to reset, break free, and come back together stronger! Despite having each other in your lives, you must pour love into yourself. Otherwise, you’ll be sharing love from an empty cup.
Work and Career
No matter what your job is, working is bound to be exhausting. Such a condition is inevitable. However, routine me-times help you to avoid such a predicament.
Me-time helps you unwind, de-stress and recharge your whole being. Aside from making your brain rest, you’re giving your body its much-deserved rest!
Quality me-time provides you with advantages such as enhanced efficiency and productivity. Also, it helps you be more engaged with people at work. The next time you’re dealing with a cranky officemate, take it as a sign that you need to indulge in a me-time immediately.
Remember that work wellness and effectiveness are only a me-time away!
Tips for Your Upcoming Me-Time
Now that we’ve elaborated on why you need regular me-times, you might be wondering what activities might inspire your unique version of a me-time. We compiled helpful tips listed below for affordable, quick, yet effective self-love sessions.
Physical activities like dancing, Zumba, yoga, or walking your dog not only help you stay active but gives your mind a quick reset.
Calling a loved one (especially if you live in another state because of work) does wonder!
Waking up 30 minutes earlier to enjoy (and by enjoy, we mean, taking a sip and savoring flavors intently) a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, uninterrupted free from daily buzz (such as social media, internet, or family members).
Getting lost in the act of creating an artistic piece (DIY paint guides are great ways to start).
Regularly scheduled facials not only boost your self-confidence but also makes your face refreshed and rejuvenated, wiping away stress from your image!
Journaling or keeping a diary allows you to express pent-up thoughts healthily.
Leaving your house or your home office for a quick lunch or dinner in a restaurant or eating dessert in a café or bakery before resuming work/chores.
Watching comfort media like fuzzy romcoms, tearjerker movies, funny cat videos, or memes to break the serious monotony of work or home life.
Enjoy tech-free activities like game night, cardboard games, or drinking games!
Me-Time is a Necessity, not a Luxury
Prioritizing yourself is a must – no more, no less. It is essential to keep yourself from breaking. But, self-love doesn’t have to be extravagant and expensive. Me-time can be as simple as enjoying your favorite meal, guilt-free!