It’s easy to feel overwhelmed between work and other life responsibilities. If you feel close to burnout, it’s a sign that you need to lighten that mental light and spend more time to yourself. Don’t worry: the whole world won’t fall apart. Downtime can help you better plan for the future, relax, and get mentally stronger.
You just need to find new ways to consciously set aside time for yourself and yourself alone. Even if the urge to be productive arises, over time, if you practice these important tricks, you can learn to take time for yourself, the best way to care for yourself.
1. Express your needs
No one can guess this, no matter how beautiful it is. Expressing your wishes can be difficult, but it is the fastest route to improving your mental health. Your support network knows that you need to take time for yourself; if you ask them to help you find time for yourself, it can be a big help.
2. Learn to say no
Saying yes may seem easier right now if you don’t enjoy the confrontation, but you’ll probably end up overcommitted to a lot of things. Instead, learn how to say no politely without feeling guilty. Just saying you can’t can help you find more time for yourself.
3. Set more limits
This can happen in your personal life and at work. Still, even if you want to make your employer happy, it’s important to set realistic limits, like not answering emails after 5 p.m. Finding a healthy work-life balance is essential and can help you get that much-needed downtime. It will also make you more productive when you are actually working.
4. Start ordering groceries online
Especially if you can make this a recurring service or opt for a meal kit subscription service, you can save a lot of time in the process of shopping for groceries, finding recipes, and preparing meals. Always check the reviews first.
5. Consider implementing an exercise routine
Don’t do it for the looks, do it for the mental health benefits. Get your heart pumping and your endorphins flowing with this clever way to dedicate some me time while keeping your mood uplifted. You can do this in a studio and connect with locals, or complete a virtual training class from home.
6. Spend lunchtime alone
Instead of hanging out with your coworkers during your break, consider eating alone. Lunch doesn’t have to be a time when you bond with your teammates. If you need some time to relax and decompress, consider taking your lunch for a walk in the park or to a nearby restaurant or cafe. If you can’t do this, find a quiet corner in the office with a packed lunch from home.
7. Spend some screen-free time
In your spare time, you may be tempted to turn on the television or use the phone. Try some screen-free time instead. Take a walk in the park, meditate, write in a journal, or paint something. You can even try a temporary social media detox. This will allow you to clear your mind and de-stress. Take a deep breath and stay present in these moments.
8. Hire a babysitter
Doing all this sometimes makes you feel like a superhero and other times it leaves you very exhausted. Adult-only time is necessary, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting it. Whether it’s a solo spa day, date night with your partner, or hanging out with the best of friends, letting a trusted babysitter take the reins can free up your physical time and is imperative to your sanity.
9. Feel comfortable outsourcing and delegating
As women, we are very used to taking on the main workload at home, even if we have full-time day jobs. But teaching your children and partner to help with chores can help free up some time and also teaches your household members to be more responsible. This goes for work too, if you have a network that can help you be more productive without burning yourself out.
10. Overwhelmed? Start with mini breaks
While getting some R&R should be a chance to decompress, it can be overwhelming to start out with a big vacation or lots of time to yourself. In that case, start practicing personal time with micropauses, which can be a more manageable introduction. Start a puzzle, call a friend, read a few chapters of a book, or just get up from your desk and do some stretching.
