With family and business obligations keeping you busy, do you have a hard time finding any time for yourself? Over the past few years, there has been an increasing emphasis on ‘taking time for yourself’ and giving yourself permission to get some rest and relaxation.
Setting aside time for yourself doesn’t mean being selfish. In fact, the theory goes that by giving yourself time away from your other commitments (including other people), you’ll be able to give more to your family and business when you return.
The problem that may arise is how to put this plan into action. Here are a few tips:
- Convince yourself that you’re worth it.It may sound like an advert for hair colour, but view yourself as one of the most important business assets you have – if you’re not working at 100%, then neither is your business.
- Teach your family and colleagues that you need your time alone. Let them know that it doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t love them any more or need them any less. You just need a break. This also helps you act as a role model for others in effective stress management.
- Make a formal appointment with yourself. Schedule your breaks in your work calendar. You schedule meetings with other people; why not schedule some with yourself? Writing your breaks in an appointment book makes them seem more formal, which reduces the chance that you’ll break the appointments.
- Make your time meaningful. It might be awalk around the block, savouring a quiet cappuccino – anything to remove you from your everyday stresses and give you a break. Hanging around the office doing nothing in particular won’t give you the same benefits as removing yourself from the environment.
It’s okay to feel unproductive during your break. It’s unlikely your business will fail while you’re out for 15 or 30 minutes.
It may take some practice before you can take time for yourself without feeling as though you’re slacking on your duties. But remember: who looks after you if you don’t?
