There is a distinct difference between loneliness and alone time. Loneliness is not good – it makes you feel sad and disconnected from the world and those around you. On the other hand, spending time alone can actually improve your mood and help you manage your mental health if done correctly. Me-time activities must be enjoyable to you as well as make you feel good about yourself. Here are some me-time activity suggestions you should consider penciling into your schedule.
Journal Your Plans and Thoughts
Me-time can be even simple. Find time each day to journal lists and your plans. Being a busy mother means that scheduling me-time activities is the only way you can be sure you’ll get the time. Consider writing down a list of things you need to do each morning or night, such as taking vitamins, washing your face, and perhaps doing some deep breathing exercise. If you’re 50 years old or older, it’s particularly important to add an Omega-3 supplement to your daily regimen, which helps with blood pressure and reduces the risk of a stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. If you don’t get enough iron or calcium in your diet, purchase supplements for these areas, too.
Alongside writing down dietary and hygiene-related to-do lists, journal your thoughts, too. This can be a great way to express your thoughts and feelings and relieve yourself of any anger or sadness you may be feeling. If it’s difficult to write it down, consider drawing in your journal. These forms of expression are healthy ways to utilize me-time and reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
Visit Your Favorite Café
Does your busy life inhibit your ability to go get a coffee by yourself at your favorite café? Schedule some me-time and go. Get your favorite iced coffee, latte, or hot tea, and find a seat to yourself. Bring your favorite read or a book you’ve purchased but haven’t found time to read yet. Use this opportunity to take time for yourself and enjoy the tranquility of peace and quiet while sipping your favorite brew. This me-time will allow your brain to unwind and relax.
Wash Up and Get Dolled Up
Once you have children, it can be hard to find and take time for yourself, especially when it comes to getting dressed up and feeling put-together. Get your kids out of the house for a night or have your partner or a babysitter occupy them while you spend some time to yourself. Draw a bubble bath, light some candles, and play some soft music and enjoy some time in your tub. If you don’t prefer baths, take a long, hot shower. Consider giving your hair a deep wash; if you have fine hair, an apple cider vinegar or deep moisture hair product rinse can do wonders for your hair. Did you know that a typical Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure takes around eight hours? To keep your hair healthy and to keep its volume so you can avoid a procedure such as this one, take time to cleanse your hair. Perhaps it’s time to purchase some new products, too.
Taking the time to care for your own body is important. Your hair may seem like an unimportant aspect of yourself to keep up with, but you’ll be happy you did down the road when you feel good about your hair, which in turn will make you feel good about yourself.
After washing up, doll yourself up. Pull out some makeup and perhaps try out a new style you’ve seen online. Put on your favorite dress or outfit, some cute shoes or heels, and maybe a glamorous pair of earrings, too. Make yourself feel pretty, and perhaps use this opportunity to go shopping and find some new items you’ve been eyeing.
Try Yoga or Zumba
Working out is a great way to spend time alone doing something that will make you feel accomplished in the end. If you’re not a fan of jogging or if the weather is too cold to walk around your neighborhood, consider trying out yoga or Zumba in your house. With an abundance of free videos online for both of these activities, you can surely find one that matches your skill level and abilities. Try a beginner’s yoga video. If you don’t have a mat, find a comfortable spot in your house. Be sure to schedule this time so you are alone. Yoga provides an opportunity to stretch, self-reflect, and get in a minor workout that can get your heart pumping as well as destress your entire body.
Go On a Mini Road Trip
A final me-time activity to consider pursuing is getting out of the house and going on a mini road trip – alone. This may seem like something you wouldn’t particularly enjoy. However, if you enjoy driving, listening to music, and munching on your favorite snacks, this may be a great way to spend some scheduled me-time.
First, fill up your gas tank, perhaps at a Sunoco. For 125 years, Sunoco fuel has been keeping generations of drivers and their cars happy. After this, buy some of your favorite snacks, your favorite soda, lemonade, or coffee, and some water to keep you fueled. Then, get your music queued up and decide on a destination. Perhaps you’ve been wanting to visit an outlet mall, park, or lake a few hours from home. Pick somewhere you’ve been wanting to go and set out on your mini road trip. Not only will you have time to think and reflect, but me-time is destressing and provides a sense of empowerment.
As a mother, me-time is often forgotten about. Between family schedules and the busyness of everyday life, it’s important to self-reflect and manage your mental health properly. Schedule time for yourself, get consulted through occupational health services, and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone, either.
