I don’t know about you, but I love spending time with myself. I have great friends, most of them are far from me in Brazil, and I just have the chance to see them once a year now. The truth is that we love being around our family, friends and our loved ones.
But I also love spending time on my own. Now that I work remotely, I can see how important and healthy is focus on my own to improve my wellbeing.
I also know that time is a luxury these days! Especially for parents out there. We all tend to feel guilt when thinking about switching off for a while. I know what you thinking. After all, where are you going to find time to yourself when you have kids, anyway?
First things first, just go for it. Don’t look back and remember that self-care is important, and it should be done frequently.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to relax and enjoy your own company. So here 7 ways of taking time out for yourself without feeling guilty.
#1. Treat Yourself
It may sound obvious, but I’m also reluctant when talking about spending too much money on myself. It seems just wrong ad selfish. And I am trying to cut down my expenses and clutter in general. But sometimes, I treat myself with a new skincare product that I want to try or splash some cash on my favourite chocolate on special occasions like Easter.
C’mon! Do something to improve your self-esteem. A spa day? Manicure or pedicure? It doesn`t matter. Do it and do it now. 😊
#2. Spend Time to Write a Journal
Putting your thoughts on paper is always a powerful mindfulness exercise. I like keeping notebooks with my thoughts since I was quite young, and now it’s also one of my main tools at work.
A mindfulness journal is a great reminder about the important things that are happening now. It helps you to live the present moment and be grateful for simple things in life. I just can’t have enough of them. I do recommend you writing as a self-knowledge exercise. The best time for doing it is exactly when you have time out for yourself.
I personally gave myself an edition of “A Book That Takes its Time” some years ago and I can say it’s still an inspiring one when I need to have some “Simone time”. It’s an inspiring book for those looking for that “calming the mind” moment that never comes!
#3. Choose A Quiet Space for Meditation
Your home should be your sanctuary. It’s also a safe space to bring peace of mind on trouble times. So, why not investing in a quiet space where you can keep the external thoughts of modern life out.
Having a quiet space for meditation in your house will also work as a reminder – You have that space for yourself.
You know you have that safe area to put your thoughts in order and start a fresh day. I would recommend leaving it clean and decorate it with candles, incense and a yoga mat.
Meditation is a powerful tool to beat stress and it will help you to bring complete attention to the present moment. You wouldn’t believe the benefits that 15 minutes of meditation can improve your health in general.
#4. Go for a Walk in the Countryside
If you know me, you already noticed I am a huge fan of outdoors. I love being in contact with nature and I always look for countryside spots where I can disconnect from my daily life and enjoy only the benefits that nature can bring.
Luckily, I live in the Midlands, wherein only 20 minutes we can be in touch with commission forests, woods and nature reserves. But if you can`t reach the nature easily and can`t join any stunning Walking in the UK, bring it to your home. Listening to some relaxing music and use your imagination. There are a lot of soundtracks made just for it.
#5. Do Something Nice for Someone
Last but not least, it’s not because you’re having some time off that you can`t think about others. Use your time wisely and think about someone that would be happy with your gesture of kindness. After all, we all should only wish and do to others what we want they do and wish to ourselves, right?
Featured Image | Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash
*This is a collaborative post
