Years ago when my daughter and nephew would ask me what I wanted for Christmas my answer was always “peace and quiet”. It’s not that they were particularly noisy children but rather I was always busy. So busy in fact that I can vividly recall lying across my bed without a telephone, TV, or radio and my middle school daughter asking me what was wrong because she had rarely seen me doing nothing. When I wasn’t out and about fluttering around like a busy bee my home was filled with people. Honestly I think there was a full year when I wasn’t home alone for even one day of the 365 days on the calendar. As I look back over that time I realize that I was absolutely exhausted and my car was my sanctuary. Driving in my car was my only alone time. I drive many more miles than the average person and my drive time allowed me to have peace and quiet or blast my favorite tunes as I sang really loudly. Those days are over – never to return. I understand the value of quiet time and that I don’t need permission to do what’s best for me..
“Me time” is a necessity for busy wives, mothers, daughters, employees, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and sister friends. We are often pulled in many different directions and spend a lot of time taking care of the needs of others that it is easy to forget to take care of ourselves. It’s true that you have to take care of yourself in order to be available for your family and friends but the reason main reason to nurture and pamper yourself is because you deserve it. That’s right, YOU as an individual deserve to be taken care of just because you’re you. You have to take care of yourself first – without any guilt or shame. Do you do yoga, exercise regularly, or take a daily power nap? Well, it’s time to take charge of both your physical and emotional health.
You get to set your own priorities and take care of what is important to you. Here are a few tips to lead you down the road to a healthier you:
- Say no to things and people that don’t uplift you
- Exercise at least 30 minutes three times a week
- Avoid tobacco and illicit drugs
- Don’t overuse or abuse alcohol
- Strive for 8 hours of sleep each night
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Get an annual physical exam
- Slow down and pay attention
- Get a hobby
- Ask for help when you need it
- Learn to delegate
- Create a daily routine
Nicki Sanders, Chief Visionary Officer of Packaged For Success, helps both youth and adults discover their personal power, dream big, and achieve success on their own terms. Ms. Sanders is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager who holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Ms. Sanders has over fifteen years of direct experience with diverse populations in residential, school-based, and community based agencies.
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