Good Afternoon! I’m currently coming to you from a Panera since I felt like working outside of the house today.
I guess the food had something to do with it too… I am loving the You Pick 2 and especially this vegetarian summer corn chowder paired with half a chicken cobb with avocado salad!
Being here makes me realize how much I miss seeing and interacting with human beings more than just a small portion of my day.
I know I have mentioned it a few times already, but as the summer comes to a close and the fall approaches, I am hoping to pick up work at a studio or gym to be able to put my CPT to use by teaching and/or coaching, and really can’t wait for it.
For now, I am pressing on by studying as much as I can to get there, while getting the most of my summer. I realize that earned vacation time also comes with a job, so I am trying to soak up as much flexibility in my schedule as I can while I still have it.
I received an intriguing question on Tuesday’s Ten Reasons to Start Running post and thought I would answer it through another. It was about what I do and how I fit in “me time”, and how that affects my relationship.
This should be fun!
The Importance of “Me” Time
Going off of how I opened this post, I’m sure you can gather that I get plenty of “me” time in these days. With family and childhood friends states away, Scott at work and out of the house, and zero (un-furry) kids to take care of, I actually spend a lot of my day with me, myself, and I. It’s great. I think I’m either a blast, or super lame. Usually one of those two extremes.
That being said, I don’t have to put much effort into getting my “me” time which is both a blessing and a curse. But I used to. Back in Orlando, I worked two and sometimes three jobs on top of blogging which was always a challenge to fit in anything “me” into my schedule.
I know it’s hard for a lot of you (and believe me, I give extreme kudos to both the working and stay-at-home parents out there!), but finding even a hint of “me” time is so important both for you and your loved ones.
I’ve found that if I’m overstressed, run down, or even letting my mind wander to a million places for too long, I’m not the most pleasant person to be around. It’s kind of like when you’re hungry and cranky because of it… but for days and weeks at a time. Not the best situation.
Whenever I realize I am getting close to a breaking point, I make fitting in some kind of “me” time a priority. Even if it is for thirty minutes. No matter what you tell yourself, folding the laundry can wait, the dishes will still be in the sink when you return, and your attitude of completing the often annoying tasks life requires of you will seem like less of a burden. Promise.
How To Get It and Fit It Into Your Schedule
I already shared that running is a huge mental release and excuse for “me” time with you, and just behind that is any form of fitness, really.
Whether it is going to a group fitness class with my friends or hitting the weight machines with my ear buds in, I choose to break a sweat for myself and nobody else. (Well… maybe this guy from time to time.)
On the busier weeks where I just “don’t have time” to workout, I notice a huge change in my overall health and attitude. I intentionally quoted “don’t have time” because there is always time if you make it a priority. You may have to wake up before 5 a.m. to do it, but still… that’s time. (I know, I’m being really unforgiving here… but am I right?)
When I take a break from working out on a regular basis I feel tired, weak, and extra slow doing every day normal things. Like climbing stairs, for instance. It’s crazy to think that something physically demanding actually makes me feel more energetic and rejuvenated, but it’s completely true.
So there is the long answer to why I love working out so much! It makes me feel great, and also allows “me” time. Two birds with one stone.
The biggest trick to fitting “me” time into your schedule is to look for it in things or activities you already do.
You don’t have to have a day of pampering at the spa to enjoy time to yourself. There are small things you could do every single day that you might be overlooking. Things that if you made a point to do on your own or without distractions, could be just the “you” time you need and are longing for. Here are some of my suggestions:
• go for a walk
If you are dog owner, you already have a reason to get out of the house, up to three or four times a day! Even on the days where I think I’m too busy to go for a thirty minute walk, I do it anyways and always return in a much better mood. I am one who truly thrives off of being outdoors.
When I used to teach barre classes in Orlando, I always took my break between classes to walk ten minutes to get a smoothie and back. I could have easily packed a lunch, but instead, I craved the sunshine and outside environment. I miss my daily walks in Winter Park every day I don’t take one!
• live in the moment
This is something I constantly try to get my mother to do, and need to listen to my own advice on as well. Enjoy what is happening in your life at that moment in time, and drop your worries about anything else that may be going on or coming up.
I used to hate Sunday nights with a passion when I worked a full time 9-6 Monday through Friday office job. I literally became irritable and grumpy by 7 p.m. every single week.
Instead of enjoying the final hours of down time at home and getting ready for the work week, I would wallow in my own brought on annoyances about having to go to work and it would totally ruin my night. Silly, right?
Blogging has been an interesting turn in a career for me. It still isn’t completely full time, but it’s definitely a job that I take with me on vacation. It used to stress me out to have to plan a ton of posts in advance just to keep it running while I was away, or even worse, blog while I am trying to refresh and disconnect.
But the more I’ve traveled, the more I’ve realized that blogging in real time while I am away is actually fun!
I love sharing my experiences with you guys. And if I don’t get around to posting twice or even once a day when I am gone, it’s really not the end of the world.
I have finally learned to just enjoy a day off instead of thinking about everything I need to do on the next one.
• meditate
Confession: I have never really meditated… outside of a yoga class, anyways. I have heard that taking even five minutes of your morning to sit or lay in complete silence to reflect on your own thoughts and self can be life changing. I really should try it, and think you should too! Five minutes!
• get ready for no reason at all
This may not seem fun for some of you, but as someone who basically lives in yoga pants eighty percent of the time, I love getting ready to go somewhere. It’s annoying to think about (at first), but once I start blow drying my hair, getting an outfit picked out, and doing my makeup, I absolutely love it.
I turn up the jams in the bathroom and truly love every minute of getting ready to go somewhere.
Even if I don’t have anywhere to be, I sometimes take the time to style my hair or put on minimal makeup just because. Part of me misses having to do it on a regular basis.
I realize that for some (especially new) mothers out there, even getting a shower is a luxury. I am the furthest from speaking from experience here, but if you are like me and enjoy your getting ready time, take the pack and play into the bedroom or bathroom with you. I’m sure your child will get plenty of entertainment from you singing along to the old school throwbacks.
• stay in your pajamas on the weekend
On the other end of the spectrum, and to those of you who have have jobs that require you to get dressed up or look presentable every day, try not doing that on the weekends. Even for a couple of hours.
As an NBA dancer who constantly had to do my hair and makeup what seemed like every single day, I valued the mornings I could leave my pajamas on for half a day, or even go to the grocery store with my hair in a bun and without my face on. It’s liberating!
• have a glass of wine or make “coffee time”
I throw this into the meditation category, since you can do something as easy as enjoy a beverage in five minutes time.
I really, really value my coffee time in the mornings. I will get up an extra ten minutes earlier just to assure I can pour a hot cup o’ joe in a mug and either catch up on emails and blog comments or sit by the window and watch the squirrels with Roadie.
I realize this time will most likely disappear when we have children, and when that time comes I’m not quite sure how I will handle it. I might actually start looking like Grumpy Cat.
But, if that happens, I will probably switch to decaf or cash in my pass for one glass of red wine a day. After the day slows down and the kids go to sleep, that’s my (insert hot or cold beverage of choice) time. If you don’t already, please, try it!
• take the scenic route, on purpose
This is one I don’t get to do all that often. I have the time to myself, however, I don’t currently have my own set of wheels.
Some of my favorite drives have been by myself on the way home from work in Orlando, just aimlessly driving. I would roll down the windows, put my sunglasses on, and belt out whatever was playing on my car speakers. It was the best and doubled as a form of therapy.
It wasn’t uncommon for me to take the longer route home, on purpose, either. I did that all the time. I made my fifteen minute car ride ten extra minutes by taking the back roads instead of the highway and absolutely loved it!
• get a workout or hobby buddy
If you have someone you have to meet somewhere, you are more likely to follow through with it. Whether it’s going to a group fitness class or joining a book club, grab a friend or a group of them and commit to something that gets you out of the house on a regular basis.
Although you aren’t technically alone, knowing you have that time scheduled in to get away will be good enough!
• learn to say no
Over the past couple of years, I have finally understood the concept of saying no. I used to agree to do anything, even if I didn’t really want to, but these days I take a good look at what is going on in my life and my schedule before I commit to things.
This could even include outings. Sometimes I’m just not feeling going out on the town with Scott and his buddies, even if there will be other girlfriends or wives there. Occiasionally, I need to catch up on pointless television like Hit the Floor (seriously… it’s ridiculous and over-the-top dramatic) and just exist. Preferably in sweatpants with some form of ice cream.
Scott has learned this about me, and accepted it. If it is an important event, I will always be there for him, but if it is something he really doesn’t mind me missing, I will opt out if I feel like I need time to decompress alone. Our relationship has only gotten better because of it!
***
While it may seem like a challenge, it really is essential for everyone to get a little “me” time in every now and then. It’s during this time where you can fully let go of everything that takes up your stress or worry and just enjoy things for what they are.
Read a book. Take your child to the playground (preferably one that isn’t crowded!). Take a nap. Lie in a hammock. Try out a new recipe. Do something you want to do that doesn’t have to involve a babysitter and a full day off from life.
Take the effort to enjoy the little things you can fit in every day that will instantly enhance you, your producitivity, and your mood!
Questions of the Afternoon
• What is one thing you enjoy doing for “you” time?
• To the mothers (both working and stay-at-home mommies!): what are some tips for fitting in desperately needed “you” time?

Love this! I definitely value my “me time”, especially now that I’m a mother. I was worried that a lot of my “me time” would go out the window once Hunter was born, but if you make it a priority (just like anything else), it can still happen. The first few months of the newborn phase when I wasn’t getting much sleep and Hunter was attached to me nonstop, it was a little more difficult, but it’s all temporary. Right around the 4-6 month mark, it seemed like everything got a little easier. He was sleeping through the night, so I made a point of starting to get up before him (still do this) every morning to have my coffee and devotions and do some blog work. It’s so crucial for me to have that 30-60 minutes in the morning for me. Teaching group fitness is another one of my favorite “me time” activities. I can step away from being a mom and wife for an hour and do something I love with fun people – it’s the best!
That’s comforting to hear! I’ve always been selfish in thinking that once we have kids I won’t have ANY time to myself and that kind of freaks me out. And I know what you mean about teaching! I miss it so much. No matter what was going on in my life, when I am in the studio I’m so positive and happy. I can’t wait to get back into it!
love!and agree! me time is so precious. if i don’t have it feel out of whack. i love my coffee time, blogging, and a workout. alot of people i know are co dependent but i tell them to enjoy their own company! its truly the best! 🙂
Great post! I am definitely one of those people that need “me” time. Working out is great therapy, but I also love spending time reading a book or indulging in some TV or movie. I completely agree with taking the long way home to enjoy the scenery and unwind. When we lived at home (NW Indiana), I did that often. It’s something I miss as there isn’t much to look at in Texas, haha.
Me time is really important to me as well. Sometimes I just need peace and quiet and nothing to do with nowhere to be. It helps keep me sane!
Sane and honestly just as good for my husband as it is for me! 😉
Puppies, fresh air & books in bed = my kind of “me” time! This makes me extra happy for the weekend. 🙂
Puppies! Any kind of furry house pet always makes me smile 😉
Thanks for answering my question! I loved the post. Some of my “me time” activities are to read all of my favorite food blogs at night before I go to sleep, sit and have tea, read a fashion mag, and working out while blasting some good music : ) I work a lot, so I’m learning how to balance quality time in my relationship and quality time by myself. Definitely a learning process!