The days are filled with chores that keep our households running—laundry, dishes, marketing, bills and picking up toys, just to name a few. The kids pack the calendar with lunches, carpool, homework, tutoring, soccer practice, games, dentist appointments, haircuts, and the list goes on and on. Need we continue? You may also work at an office or at home and somehow all of this has to happen day in and day out.

 

With our ability to multi-task we do make it all happen except for looking out for one person. All the way down at the bottom of the list (if we ever get there) is you.  The problem is, when you don't take care of yourself, you can't continue to take care of the ones you love.  Here are some strategies and tips for taking a little time to recharge your battery. Get yourself back to feeling in control and feeling good about yourself. Carving out "Me Time" will give you the energy that you need to do all your jobs well.

Begin by setting your alarm clock earlier. It could be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes before anyone else moves a muscle. This can be the best way to slowly ease into the day. Take a hot shower and embrace the quiet. While you’re in your robe, take a few minutes to use your favorite body lotion and actually let it sink in before you get dressed. You’ll be amazed at the calm that comes over you. Another great way to keep your "Me Time" date is to give yourself one night off a week. This can mean getting a sitter so you can go over to the local coffee shop and sip your favorite brew while doing a little people watching. If you need to skip the sitter, then mark your calendar and get the kids to bed and don’t do regular chores. Instead, pull out your favorite hobby, read a book, or take a bath with a relaxing bath salt. Everything else can wait. One of the best ways to create more "Me Time" is by turning off your cell phone and unplugging the land line. Make the decision that this is your personal time and you won’t be interrupted. You’ll be surprised at how relaxed and calm you get from this private time to yourself.

 

Try to incorporate some of these ideas into your lifestyle. Most of us tend to take care of others to the detriment of ourselves. We must learn that we need to take care of ourselves first, so that we can take care of others.