My main resolution for 2016 was to get more “Me” time. So far, I’ve been doing a pretty good job, especially with the one thing that makes me the happiest… reading. I have managed to stay on track with my reading challenge to read 2 (or more) books per month. When I talk about it on the blog (and in real life) the most common response I get is, “How do you find time to read?” The answer is simple. I don’t find time… I make it.
You see, if I waited around to read until I had a ‘free’ moment, I would never get to it. There is ALWAYS something to do. Let’s be real. So how do you get everything done? For me, I write a to-do list. I love a good list. I have monthly, weekly and daily lists. For the longest time, I would write down everything I needed to get done for that day, and if there was any time leftover, I would enjoy some “Me” time. But that rarely happened. I would always think of one extra thing I could finish, maybe it would give me more time tomorrow? It’s a slippery slope. This year I made a simple change that has made a huge difference. I include myself in the to-do list. Me time is no longer a bonus, it’s on the schedule. (and I never like to leave a to-do list item unchecked)
At least 3 nights a week, I set the alarm on my phone to remind me to get to bed early so I can read. And it makes me SO HAPPY. I also make a point to schedule some quality “Me” time in a few times a month. I’ve been seeing my friends more, enjoyed some date nights with my sweet hubby and my nails look nice for the first time in years. All because I have decided that “Me” time is non-negotiable. There you go. My secret to getting more “Me” time is to schedule it.
Now after years of focusing on your career, your husband, your children… you may not exactly remember how you want to spend your “Me” time. As we grow up, it is easy to forget what brings us personal joy, beyond family and friends. I recently read a book that helped me put things in perspective. The Busy Mom’s Guide to Creativity was written by a fellow blogger and friend, Bev Feldman. She is a work-at-home mom who manages to blog, create her own line of jewelry and write a book… all while caring for her family.
The Busy Mom’s Guide to Creativity is a quick, fun read. It is full of activities and worksheets to help you find exactly what makes your happy… and how you can make time to actually do these things.
Here’s part of the summary from Amazon:
As a mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, isolated and like you have no time for yourself. There are mouths to feed, seven loads of laundry piled up next to your washing machine waiting to be folded, and little people to usher around. With a mile-long to-do list and expenses up the wazoo, it’s all too easy to forsake the things that make you happy.
What if you could find ways to take care of yourself and make time for those creative activities that fulfill you and bring you immense joy? What if not only can you make time for your creative interests, but doing things that make you happy also make you an awesome mom? (Not that you aren’t already!)
I really enjoyed this book and I think lots of busy moms could benefit from it. The best part? Right now, you can snag the Kindle edition for only 99 cents! So grab Bev’s new book and schedule yourself some “Me” time.
Yes! I have to force myself to stop working in the evening and focus on me. I try to go to bed between 9-9:30 and read for a bit. It actually helps me to fall asleep more easily!
This is exactly what I needed to read. I'm always looking for ways to get some "me time". I just need to figure out what I want to do during that time.
My secret to 'me' time is that I love hanging out and visiting with friends at playgroup. We used to sing and do crafts and now we just kind of ignore the kids and have our 'me' time together. It is awesome.
Oh how I miss the "me" time. And usually when I get it, I spend it sleeping lol
I totally agree! Having "me" time is so important and reading is a great way to get it (especially if you are taking a bath at the same time).
Hi from an old friend Lauren 🙂 thought of stopping by today. Lovely and very useful post. I have observed time and again that preparing a to do list helps me make the most out of my time. And your tip of putting me time on it is excellent. I am gonna implement it right away. I always loved your blog and love it now too. You go girl 🙂
We are so much alike when it comes to our to-do lists! I need to cross every single item off every day! It's kind of an addiction 🙂 This would definitely help me out in getting some me time in. Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Schedule it. That is brilliant!! So simple, but would make all the difference!!
I really should schedule some me time! With work, the kids, and trying to keep the house clean, I haven't read a book in months.You and Bev are an inspiration to take time for yourself.
Oh girl I need to schedule some ME time soon! Great post and motivation! I need to pick up Bev's book!
Awesome, time for me to makes some more dates with MYSELF!!
Great read! I myself have made it a goal of mine to find ANY me time with two little ones just 18 months apart. I did a poor job of it with my first daughter and it definitely affected my mood/overall demeanor.
I love me time as well! I have bene reading right before falling asleep each night and it's been wonderful.
xoxo, Jenny
I am actually proud of my self and have been kicking butt at me time lately! I always thought me time and being a mom didn't exist. Totally can if you just switch things around!
I need this!
Totally getting this book. LOVE IT
Love this! I've always made sure to make time for running, that's my ultimate me time and ultimate sanity saver. This book looks great! Now I just need to finish the other 234324 on my nightstand…:)
Such great tips!
xx katie // a touch of teal
Love this! We all need a little more "me" time, and this book sounds great!
I know what you mean! Me time is so important and you NEED to schedule it in! Otherwise as moms, we burn out!
Schedule it! That is exactly what I'm going to do. I love to read, but haven't been as much lately. I NEEDED this post!
Thank you so much for writing this piece. I thought I was Super Type A and organized to the extreme but never felt I could get on top of my to do list. Thinking of this post when planning my work day, I set time limits on my schedule. It helped me stay focused and feel more accomplished as I make my way through the list. I even scheduled a hard stop time. Before I would just work until I was tired or had to cook dinner – or you know – sleep.
This helped me so much in taking charge of my list and control of the time. Thanks again for sharing this!
Jeannine
ME think ME time is a good idea! Good job YOU!
Scheduling it is such a great idea! And I used to love reading before bed, but I haven’t done that in ages! I think it’s time to start that up again. 🙂
Yes, I am doing really well with it since I ENJOY reading so much. It makes me happy to take that little time for me each night. 🙂
I get asked the same question a lot and give the same answer you did. And, I say no more than I say yes to events, parties, etc. This sounds like such a fun book!
I need to schedule me time. As boring and routine as it sounds, it really forces me to stop and take care of myself. It’s so easy for me to push off that time because something else comes up, but this seems to work for me.
I could definitely use more me time! My biggest asset right now is the gym. I’m currently in the lobby reading this blog post while my kids are in child watch. Once baby number three arrives, I’ll have to come up with a new solution until she is old enough. 🙂
I usually have me time when my boyfriend goes out with the guys one night of the week, kind of nice for us because I get some time to catch up on blogging and do my thang! xx Adaleta Avdic