"Me Time" - The Magical Reset Button!

I haven't seen my friend Minnie in a long time. So, I decided to pay her a surprise visit today. While driving, I remembered about how I first met Minnie, the most gorgeous lady I'd ever encountered, who was always lively and had a million-dollar smile on her face. When I knocked on Minnie's front door after ten years, I was hoping to see the same Minnie. But there was another. No, that's not the Minnie I remember. So, after greeting one another and getting some coffee, we sat down to have that long conversation. So, I inquired, "What happened to you, Minnie? There is a lot of change, in my opinion. What happened to the one I knew? "

She stated, "I feel like a different person nine years into my marriage... My life revolves on the alarm clock, morning exercise, housework, office work, family care, and sleeping late... Every day has been the same... I'm not sure what I'm missing. Why am I dissatisfied despite having a good family and a good job? I just don't feel like myself. I'm weary all the time, don't want to eat or go out, and the thing I despise the most is my perpetual pouting look. I'm at a loss! "

As I got to know her day-to-day routine, I realised what she was missing. She required a magical reset button dubbed "Me Time".

So, I explained, "You can always be the person you were back then, Minnie. Why, back then, you could be a better person than you have ever been... You simply need some 'me time'. It's as simple as that ". And I went on to elaborate.

“Me Time” is time set aside to focus solely on yourself, your mind, body, and spirit. In order to preserve general health, happiness, and efficiency, it's vital to prioritise self-care.

“Me Time” can be spent in a lot of different ways; what one person believes to be "Me Time" may not be the same as what another views to be "Me Time". For example, one person may spend his/her “Me Time” alone with his or her thoughts and engaged in mindful practices, while another may spend it with friends and family doing something they enjoy. The common string here is that “Me Time” magically reconnects your mind and heart bringing your best self forward(2).

What are some “Me time” triggering points?

• You're wrecked by small things

• People in your life are putting suggestions in your direction

• You're bored, uninterested in anything and just plain depressed

• Anxiety about social situations

• Feeling overburdened

• Inability to concentrate

• Sometimes you just have a gut feeling

"Me

"Me Time" is a necessity rather than a luxury. Its absence can result in burnout, tiredness and frequent illness, and your brain and body need to relax and re-energise in order to serve you properly. You may find that it takes 24 hours or more to totally reset, but even 5 minutes of "Me Time" on a daily basis can be beneficial(2).

What do you gain from “Me time” (3)?

• Alleviates stress and allows you to relax

• Reboots our minds and makes us more productive

• Improves our attention and helps us solve problems

• Allows for profound reflection and self-discovery

• Makes you feel healthier and happier, which puts you in a better position to love and support those you care about

• Helps you achieve a better work-life balance by instilling the value of prioritising your needs and saying no rather than taking on every activity that comes your way.

• Enhances your well-being and self-esteem

Minnie had been listening so intently till now, and as she served me a slice of cake, she added, "Didn't realise until now that I had been ignoring myself all this time... So, Radha, now that you've informed me about it, why don't you offer me some suggestions for how I may spend my "Me Time"?

So, Minnie... here they are(4)...

Some "Me Time" Ideas

• Make a bucket list and work on it one by one

• Go to the movies or watch your favourite shows.

• Organise and redecorate your room

• Make an appointment for a massage or a makeover.

• Attempt a new exercise routine.

• Explore new places

• Write a letter to your younger or future self.

• Connect with loved one and family

• Disconnect from social media.

• Reconnect with your passions or try something new.

• Get some rest

• Reflect on your actions and create intents, goals and timelines for yourself

• Go shopping

• Practice meditation

Minnie has some plans in her head now that she knows about the magic reset button, and I'm glad I was able to help.

So, when was the last time you took time for yourself? In the comments below, tell me when and how you did it, and if you didn't, how you plan to do it.

References:

1. (470) Pinterest [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 13]. Available from: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/821625525750705030/

2. What Is “Me Time” and How Can You Get More Of It? - Anne Shoemaker [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 13]. Available from: https://anneshoemaker.com/me-time/

3. 7 Benefits of Me Time | Life Coaching Blog | Claire Buck [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 13]. Available from: https://www.clairebuck.com/benefits-of-me-time/

4. (470) Pinterest [Internet]. [cited 2022 Jan 13]. Available from: https://in.pinterest.com/pin/406379566380549990/