How to Make "Me Time"

(Repost May 2018)

This week's theme is the lack of "Me Time" or filling your own cup first, putting your oxygen mask on first, and so on, and so on...

We have heard since the 70s with "Calgon, take me away!" that we all need a little time to ourselves to relax and recharge. Unfortunately, society keeps us glued to gadgets that keep us busy every minute of every day. We're always on call and checking in some way or another. We forget about "me" and fulfill all the needs of the daily grind, depleting ourselves a little more each day until we are sobbing on the inside or outside and feel hopeless. Hopeless... Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "hopeless" as: a : having no expectation of good or success b : not susceptible to remedy or cure c : incapable of redemption or improvement Without hope is a terrible state to be in. Life is all about hope! Our dreams and hopes are what keep us motivated to carry on! Hence why we need to create "me time" no matter how busy the schedule gets or who else is depending on you. Without YOU having your "me time," there will not be anything to give to those that depend on you. How do we create "me time" in a busy world, busy life, busy family? Sometimes it's five minutes in the day that you take to meditate, shower, call a friend or write in a journal. Other days, you might actually schedule that "me time" and go take a long bath, a walk on the beach or get a mani-pedi! These are not selfish things and this is not selfish time. This is SELF CARE and we are each deserving of that! Even if it means that you have to negotiate with your significant other to carve out time and carry a little more one day and then take your "me time" the next day. It is vital to the success and fulfillment of ALL your relationships and especially your relationship with you. Here's my pick for your top 10 self-care options for your body-mind-soul "me time" in no particular order:

1. Get a massage! A massage is good for your body, mind and spiritual health--period.

2. Go to a yoga class. Go to a restorative class if you need soothing and nurturing. Go to a vinyasa class if you need to work out your frustration or anger.

3. Go to the beach! Watch the waves and listen to the sound of the ocean. If weather permits, dip your toes in the sand or water. Ground yourself.

4. Take a walk in the woods. Fact: Forest Bathing is good for your health! The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku and they know that any amount of time out in nature is beneficial to our health. Even urban parks have soothing sites and sounds if that's as good as you can manage. Watch the birds or butterflies. Be in the moment.

5. Go for a run or bike ride. It is a fact that exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good! When we're angry, sad or feeling hopeless, vigorous exercise can help reset our mood.

6. Crank up your radio, Spotify, Pandora or Alexa and sing! It is a fact that singing can change your mood and mind! It doesn't matter if you can't carry a tune all that well; it's the act of expression that is healing. It's free and freeing! DO IT!

7. Write! It doesn't matter if it's a journal entry, a poem or a letter to yourself. Writing helps you clear your head of the mental clutter. Often just seeing the words, saying them or reading them back can help make negative or even hopeless feelings diminish.

8. Draw, paint or color. Adult coloring books have become huge in the past few years! It doesn't matter if it's coloring with your kids, painting rocks or actually going out and sketching realistic portraits. The act of creating something is an expression of the soul and that is incredibly healing and generous to ourselves as well as everyone around us (even if no one else ever sees it)!

9. Meditate. Yes, I know it's not easy for all of us to do! There are classes to go to and guided meditations to download or even apps to help. There's no excuse! Anyone can do it. It's just a matter of finding which way resonates with you to find that peaceful place in your own mind.

10. Reiki. Last, but certainly not least, if you haven't experienced Reiki, I ask you to give it a chance before you dismiss it. Reiki has been a gift to me and my family. Whether I'm on the receiving end or the guiding that energy to someone else, I'm always grateful for it. We are energetic beings and we respond to energy. Just as you may be around a negative person and feel their mood rub off on you, the positivity of Reiki (the positive life force energy that exists in the universe) balances negative, nervous energy into calm and more peaceful energy. It can be a very sensory experience and I've seen people have some incredible results.

#metime #selfcare #healing #balance