A little while ago, I posted a photo on my stories of me unwinding after a particularly long day and asked how often YOU take time out of your day to do something for just yourself. I was pretty disappointed to find out that 43% of those that answered the poll said not enough.
I initially was just going to rant about the importance of “me-time” the next day on my stories, but then I felt a strong urge to take it one step further and create a Real Talk blog post about it. Why? Because I whole-heartedly believe that allowing yourself “me-time” at least a few times a week (if not every day) is an imperative component to truly living your best life. So if you fit into the 43% group from my poll… listen up girl, because this one’s for you!
Here are the top 5 ways I practise “me-time” regularly:
Taking a Bath.
This is one of my fav go-to ways to give myself a little mini break when it’s needed. I go ALL out when the purpose of my bath is to relax – bath bombs, bubbles, my favourite candle, and a playlist of my favourite songs. I often gravitate towards this type of “me-time” if I’ve been having a hard day at home with Violet, feel like I’m getting sick, or feeling stressed AF. I tell my husband when he gets home its a bath night and he knows that means he is in charge of keeping Violet entertained/out of the bathroom. I always come out of there feeling calmer, recharged, and grateful that I took that time for myself.
Playing the Guitar / Singing.
Lots of people don’t even know that singing is one of my most favourite hobbies! That’s because most of the time, I’m pretty private about it. Though I used to sing quite a bit in choirs and music festivals, these days I enjoy singing and playing the guitar in the comfort of my bedroom with my door closed! 🙂 I’ve gotten through lots of intense emotions – both happy and sad ones by playing and singing songs. I get this exact “me-time” activity isn’t for everyone, but for me personally, it’s one of the best ways to get out of my head and just enjoy the moment I’m in!
Shopping.
Are you surprised this is one of my favourite “me-time” activities?! lol. To some people, shopping is stressful, but to me – it’s a complete joy! I love just walking around a store without a set agenda or timeline. Mind you this activity isn’t as relaxing as it used to be now that I usually have a toddler in tow.. but it’s still a fun way to get my mind off of things. There’s a reason they call it “retail therapy”! 😉
Eating (GOOD) Food.
I just laughed out loud to myself thinking about how most people’s “me-time” activity would be exercise.. not food. But you may have noticed by now I have a SERIOUS love for good food! I’m not big into cooking, (though that is another great “me-time” activity for some people!) but looove me a delicious, fancy meal the odd time. Food legit just makes me happy. If I haven’t had a good meal in awhile, my husband starts to notice by my “hangry” attitude lol. Have you ever had still warm, fresh out of the oven homemade bread followed by a steak & lobster meal!? Ain’t nobody can be sad after indulging in THAT.
Going for Coffee/Talking with Friends.
Sometimes the best way to relax/get out of your head is by talking through whatever you are struggling with with one or some of your closest friends. Every time I get an opportunity to have a good ‘ol deep chat with my bestie, my troubles seem lighter and my heart is happier. I’ve always been a talker – I’m not sure if that comes from having a counsellor for a mom growing up, or if it’s just in my DNA. But when I am feeling emotional, stressed, defeated, overwhelmed, … I need to talk it out. To a good friend, my husband, you guys, heck sometimes even poor Violet gets to hear about my woes lol. But talking is literally how I “get things off my chest”.
There you have it – my favourite ways to unwind and take some “me-time”. Though I realize my exact list won’t work for everyone, I hope you can get some ideas or at least start recognizing the importance of taking time for yourself after reading this! Mental health is just as (if not more) important than physical health – so be sure you’re constantly tuning in to find out what you need. As my mom would say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. So fill that cup of yours up to the top GF.
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