Taking Time for Yourself

We live in a fast-paced world that focuses on always going and always doing. If we are still or unproductive, it seems like a bad thing. I tend to have every hour planned out before the week even begins. If that’s not a sign of a fast-paced life, then I don’t know what is.

One thing that I have had to learn is that it is okay to relax and do things that you enjoy doing for no other reason than you enjoy them. Some days this may not seem possible, but there are plenty of ways you can get in a little time for yourself without straining yourself too much.

I’ve put together a list of 5 reasons why you should take time out of the day for yourself. This can range anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour.

Why should you take the time to do something you love?

1) Give yourself some solitude Taking time for yourself allows you space to reflect on your day and things that have been going on in life. Or, it may help you to not think about your responsibilities for a short period of time. When you move on from this time, you hopefully will feel refreshed and ready to move on to the rest of the day. This can be particularly helpful for those who are introverted. Time away from social situations recharges you. Even if you are extroverted, solitude gives you a time to calm down before you enter into another social situation.

2) Have time to relax As this time is simply for your own benefit, there is no pressure in how well you do. It’s something you do for your own sake and something that benefits you. There are no limits in what you can do during this time, simply something you find enjoyable.

3) For creativity By doing something you love, you may find yourself in a more creative situation. Many authors go off and spend time in solitude and these times allow them. Henry David Thoreau went and spent time writing by himself. This time alone inspired many of his famous works, such as Walden and “Civil Disobedience.” You don’t have to go off alone in the woods to spend time doing something you love, but it may get your creative juices flowing (which could help with papers).

4) Your betterment You can improve yourself through doing things you enjoy. Time away from obligations allows for a new perspective on things you do. You can take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

5) For enjoyment Why would you not want to do something you love?!

If you’re having trouble thinking of things you can do to spend time on yourself, here are some ideas:

• Exercising

• Reading

• Writing/Journaling

• Walking

• Painting

• Hunting

• Meditating

• Cooking

• Shopping

• Listening to Music

• Driving

• Napping

• Netlfixing

Just make sure it’s something that will not be a burden and is more than something you simply check off the list to get done.

Enjoy your time for yourself today!

-Madison