Me-time

I don’t know about you, but I cannot believe that we are already in the middle of October! Where has this year gone? It is as if life is getting busier as we are heading slowly (or faster) to the end of another year….

Already Christmas decorations are popping up all over! Many people say now is a good time to start thinking and buying all those presents, before prices go up and before stores get flooded with customers.

Not a bad idea, what do you think? As we move closer to the end of the year, not only are students buckling down, but adults can also feel stressed. It is quite natural to go through a dip, as it were, when your bio-rhythms are off. Thus it is important to take time-out, to relax and unwind, and not to neglect yourself.

The well-known doctor Phil McGraw a.k.a. Dr. Phil, once said “if you don’t take care of yourself first, then who will?” Something to always keep in mind; especially if you are head of a company, have a family to look after, or are single but living a busy life.

You might be thinking, by now, this is all good and easier said than done. No, it is not that difficult and here are a few tips to help you to have more me-time, feel less tired and have more energy for everything and everyone around you.

1. Keep a journal – even if you write short sentences / words down; a journal is like that best friend that you can spill your heart to without being judged.
2. Schedule “me time” every week – whether it’s going for a walk, to the gym, reading a book or just snuggling up on the couch with a cuppa and listening to your favourite music; take time off to just be with yourself.
3. Eat healthy, regular meals and drink enough fluids (especially water). 
4. If you find that you don’t have time to sit down for a meal, make sure that whatever you eat “on the go,” is healthy: whether it is a smoothie, a health bar, fruit and nuts. Eating processed and junk food, and drinking soft drinks, will only deplete your body from vitamins and minerals and will not provide you with the energy you need. You might feel you have more energy for a short while, but then your blood sugar drops lower than normal, and you are more tired and stressed than before.
5. Diarize time to socialize with friends and family – a good supporting system can go a long way and, let’s face it, humans like to socialize!
6. Remember that you are unique – value yourself the same way you would value friends, family, clients, colleagues.
7. Even if you were “superwoman” or “superman” you cannot do everything for everybody!  Do your best in everything you do and that will be enough.
8. Make time for meditation (quiet time) – switch off the phone, the laptop, take the phone off the hook, close the door and just breathe.  Slowly in, slowly out.  Focus your attention only on your breathing and block out any thoughts / sounds.  Doing this just 10 minutes a day will make a world’s difference.
9. Get enough sleep! To keep up with today’s pace you need to make sure that your energy levels are up, your immune system is strong and that you give the body all the help it needs to stay healthy and fit.
10. Deadline looming?  Instead of buckling down and working until you want to fall asleep, take a break from your desk, get up and get some fresh air.  Not only will it clear your mind, but it’ll give you energy to finish the task(s) at hand.
11. Treat yourself once in a while.  Have a facial or massage, go on a short break or to your favourite restaurant with your favourite person(s). It will help you not only to relax, but to recharge your batteries too! Remember; you are worth it and deserve deserve it!
12. Laugh more! In today’s world things are not only hectic, but also quite morbid – especially if you think of the news that we are bombarded with. Instead of listening to only the bad news, switch channels, watch a comedy, go out with friends, and laugh. Laughter is the best medicine…not only true but the cheapest way to lift your spirits, put you in a better mood and help you to get a more positive outlook on life in general.
13. Struggling to “switch off?” Listen to relaxing music or listen to nature. Depending where you live, birdsong can be just as relaxing as instrumental or classical music.
14. Make sure you take your multi-vitamin, vitamin C and extra vitamin B6 & B12, especially if you are stressed. When your immune system is run-down, then your chances of catching a cold / flu doubles.
15. Lastly, if you feel great on the inside, it’ll show on the outside.  If you want to be successful, you have to dress the part (as the saying goes).  Thus, if you want to be your best at work, at home, at social events, then start by taking care of you…and the rest will follow!

Taking care of you – starts with you. Even when your financial situation is not in a good state, you can still laugh, you can still treat yourself to something you can afford, you can still be in nature and you can still get together with family and friends! We all know the saying: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! An attitude of gratitude (one of Dr. John Demartini’s favourite quotes, and books), helps you to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Deep breathes in, deep breathes out. Just breathing in for 8 – 10 counts and exhaling for 8 – 10 counts, automatically slows down your heartrate (especially when stressed) and, as more oxygen enters the body, the mind starts to unwind, the muscles start to relax, and you can carry on!

Chin up; all things shall pass!! Remember, it has to rain in order for a rainbow to appear; never give up on yourself; you are the only you there is…