Taking Time for Yourself

Posted by Brenda Lane Aug 18, 2007

If you are like most people, you run yourself ragged in "doing things" whether it's work-related, taking care of your spouse and children, picking up the house, doing errands and maybe at the end of the day, falling into bed into a stupor out of exhaustion. Taking time to do something just for you and making time in your day for refreshment and renewal is so important, but it can be very hard to do. During pregnancy or in the days and weeks that follow birth, there is never a more important time to get mental and physical rejuvenation.

Here are some suggestions you might find helpful as you walk through your own pregnancy or you are a new mother:

1. Find a consistent time for private moments that works for you. Perhaps it is a midnight or at 5am or at afternoon nap time. Use that time to pray, journal, meditate or enjoy some quiet reading. Ideally this should be at least 30 minutes of alone time.
2. Set your alarm clock for 20 minutes before your wake-up time to do some stretching or light exercise.
3. Arrange for an occasional massage. Either have your partner help you or seek a professional. If finances are an issue, contact a massage school near you for massage therapists in training who offer reduced fees.
4. Plan a weekend getaway with your spouse or a close friend.
5. Meet your best friend for coffee, dessert or lunch on a regular basis.

Remember that if you neglect yourself, it will be very difficult for you to be effective at anything else in your life.

Do you have ways of finding renewal that have worked for you? Share them.

Brenda