Simple ways to make more time for yourself

By Swindon Link - 6 December 2022

Health and Beauty

Modern life can be hectic, and over the course of a day, most of us are lucky to get 10 minutes to ourselves to relax. But when those days turn into weeks, months, and even years, you can become tired, irritable, and exhausted. So, how can you avoid repeating these issues until you completely burn out? Here are some simple but effective ways of making more time for yourself.

Get one small gift for yourself

 

Are you a dad that’s overworked and tired? How about buying a fresh pair of pyjamas for your next night’s sleep? Are you a mother who loves to garden in the sun? Treat yourself to a new pair of womens sunglasses. These small gifts represent your recognition of your own time and how important it is to do the things you love when you make that free time for yourself. 

 

Set boundaries 

 

From employers and friends to family members and partners, boundaries are a healthy part of any relationship. No one should have to work late every night or be an unpaid therapist for someone else night after night. And while being a good friend, partner, or parent is important, so are you. 

 

Good relationships need to have mutual respect between both parties. Don’t allow anyone to overstep your personal boundaries. 

 

Make the time 

 

For those of you with full-time jobs, children, and other obligations, this is easier said than done. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. Making time for yourself is a vital part of being a better friend, parent, employee, and overall better person. 

 

You’re not doing anyone any favours by running yourself into the ground, especially your own well-being. Aim to find one hour per week at the very least, and book yourself some alone time. Read a book, take a long bath, or just sit and do nothing. As long as it’s something for you and you only, that’s what matters. 

 

Learn the word ‘no’ 

 

Whether it’s at home, with friends, or at the workplace, some of us are just naturally inclined to say yes to people and put their needs before our own. But there’s a difference between being someone who likes to help others and someone who is using all of their free time to appease others. 

 

While it may feel uneasy at first, learn the word ‘no’ and become good friends with it. Always be polite but firm with your use of this word, and try starting small and building up to some of those bigger no’s. 

 

Express yourself 

 

It’s only natural to need some time alone. But while it’s important that others respect your wishes, it’s equally important that you express and communicate these needs clearly. The better you express yourself, the easier it will be for others to respect and understand what you are saying. 
 

Sometimes, we can find ourselves feeling guilty about the need for some alone time, and this can make us shy away from communicating these needs. But if you can learn to speak up a little and set clear boundaries, you’ll feel an instant relief as you begin to make plans for those precious moments of solitude.

 
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