3 Small Ways to Carve Out MORE TIME FOR YOURSELF
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At the ripe old age of 27, time feels about 3x faster than it did when I was 17. I wake up, go through my daily to-do’s, go to sleep, repeat. Let’s just forget about the fact that the earth is moving faster on it’s axis at the moment and pretend like we still have the same 24 hours in a day. How do we do all the things we do - work, workout, play with the dog, see friends, call your parents, work on your side hustle, help a friend one when they call, and the other infinite miscellaneous things that pop up consistently throughout the week - and still find time to silently do something for yourself? And yes, technically half of those things can be considered as “something for yourself”, but once we move through everything like a routine, even things like meditation can feel like just another part of a procedure.
My definition of “doing something for yourself” involves breaking routine. Finding a Saturday to lie out in the park with a good book and no other company (furry friends don’t count), or visiting a museum by yourself. Finally attempting that banana bread recipe you’ve had saved for over a year. Attending a cocktail making class, spending three hours at the bookstore, teaching yourself taekwondo… whatever tickles your fancy. Breaking routine and feeding yourself fresh inspiration is vital for a healthy mind and soul. The question only is: when?
Many well intentioned people might answer “just wake up earlier!” But if you’re anything like me and protect your precious sleep like a golden egg, let’s get into some other, more plausible, options.
1. Say “no” more often
Find yourself saying yes to any and every invite that comes your way? Sure, they’re probably even things you genuinely want to do. But the thing is, those invites seem to never stop, and you quickly find every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday taken up with brunches, events, and picnics. Say “no” not because you don’t want to go, but because right now your priority is you and your needs. I’ve had many moments where I declined an invite with a simple reasoning of: “I want to stay in. I’ve been doing too much”. And most friends completely get that, and commend you for choosing you. Remember that your time is in your power, you can choose how to spend it.
2. Block out time on your calendar
We tend to give priority to things that feel “official”. You know, promises we’ve made to friends, appointments we’ve made with our gyno, etc. Treat your self-care time with as much seriousness as all your other commitments, and block out that time on your calendar. Of course, I don’t mean during work hours, when someone call you and asks if you are free on Friday but you calendar says:
Friday: Spend 4 hours biking around the river
You’re less likely going to say yes.
3. Keep your eyes peeled for open opportunities
Did you just find yourself face to face with that elusive free hour? DON’T spend it on your phone scrolling through Tiktok or Instagram. You’re welcome to stick on a facemask, do a coffee scrub, and pour yourself a cocktail however. Maybe this is your hour to go outside and journal. Got only 15 minutes? Blast your favorite tunes and dance. Or perhaps it’s your moment to do something kind for your future self. Book an appointment to get your nails done next week. Make a reservation at that restaurant you’ve been wanting to go.
