How To Make Time For Yourself

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Has it been ages since you were able to take a nap, read a book, or simply catch your breath? Finding "me" time isn't easy, but it can be done.

Step 1: Learn to say No
Let’s face it: We all have friends we’ve outgrown and favors we do for lack of backbone. Learn when to put your needs before others.

Step 2: Make appointments with yourself
When you’re planning your week or month, block chunks of free time for yourself, then honor them as you would a business meeting or a date with a loved one.

Step 3: Get organized
Get yourself organized both at home (clean your closets, take care of mail as it comes) and at work (clean off your desk, create a filing system) so you don’t waste time looking for things.

Tip
Studies show we wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time, so getting rid of the excess will make selecting an outfit much faster.

Step 4: Start delegating
See what tasks you can slough off on others – junior employees at work, your spouse, kids if you have them. If you can afford a housekeeper a few times a month, do it.

Step 5: Buy in bulk
Cut down on trips to the store by buying as much as you can in bulk. Invest in a second fridge or a stand-alone freezer if you have the room.

Tip
When you do shop, go at off-peak times, like the early morning, after the lunch hour rush, and shortly before the store closes, and group your errands by location.

Step 6: Cut down on computer use
Checking your email compulsively and surfing the web can eat up enormous amounts of time. Check your work email at a few set times during the day, and leave your home computer off except when you have a specific task to accomplish.

Step 7: Streamline errands
Put an end to writing and mailing checks by paying all your bills online. If your health plan allows it, get your prescriptions by mail.

Step 8: Relax
Relax and put your feet up – you’ve earned it!

Did You Know?
American men do 2.7 hours of home-related work per day, versus 4.5 hours for women.