If you are like most of the people I know then you’d probably like to have more time for yourself in your busy life.  I call this “Me Time” – you know, that time that replenishes you – that time that you carve out just for yourself to slow down or do something exciting and fun.

How much time do you spend on yourself each day?  Where do you fall on your to-do list – at the top, in the middle or dead-last?  Most people put themselves last and think that they can’t afford to make time for themselves.  They think their work or family will suffer if they take time out of their busy schedules for themselves.

Actually it is just the opposite.  The more rejuvenating time you carve out for yourself the more energy you’ll have to give to your work, family and anything else you choose.  When you fill yourself up first you have exponentially more to give. Here are some Me Time tips to slip into your work-day.

1. Date. Make a date with yourself at least once a day.  Go for a walk around the block, go for tea/coffee, sit on your front or back stoop for 5 minutes and watch the world go by.  Get creative.

2. Connect. Call one friend/family member that you like to talk to during your drive home from work each day (or during your lunch break if you work from home – have a lunch date over the phone).  This can be a great, structured way to stay connected.  Or, email a friend/family member just for fun each day.

3. Breathe. Set a reminder in your calendar once a day to breathe.  Then take 30 seconds to close your eyes, maybe even put your hand on your heart and focus only on the sound of and feeling of your breath.

4. Listen. Put music you love on in the background while you work.  Or, take a break, play a song you like and sing along.

5. Dance. Get up and do a little dance. Get movin’ anytime you want a break or feel really tired.

6. Read. Take 5 minutes and read a chapter from a fun book or a few pages of your favorite magazine.

7. Me-Time List. List any/everything you could possible do during Me Time. List all of the things that you’ve heard yourself say “some day I’d like to (fill in the blank).” Put anything on your list that you’ve seen others do and wish you could do. Then, pick one thing from your list to do each day.

Try it for just one week.  Take some time for yourself every day this week - just 5 minutes will do. See what changes.  I bet you’ll be infinitely more productive.  Just a little Me Time each day will help you live the work-life you’ve been looking for.

llustrations by Jordan Awan