“Me Time” Dates
Me time dates and how to make sure you make time for YOU.
Have you ever had trouble doing things on your own? What about doing things for yourself? Self-care and “dating yourself” can be some of the hardest choices you can make in a world full of other obligations and responsibilities. Work, family, aging parents can all make you feel like you are last on your list of to-do’s. It feels like choosing yourself is wrong, and selfish…But that is the wrong mindset. Choosing yourself is right. Choosing you first is what is able to help you help others in your life. What is the saying… ” you cannot pour from an empty cup”? I know choosing yourself can be so difficult and it takes practice to learn self love and to put yourself first. Try to follow these tips, to be able to choose you first.
1. Choose a day that is yours
The hardest part about making time for yourself, is making sure that it is not interrupted or changed by anything and anyone. (unless it is an emergency). Choose a day, a morning, afternoon or evening and stick with it. Schedule it in… it is your “Me time”.
2. Decide what YOU want to do
This time is used to do what YOU want to do. Not your husband, kids, sister, brother, parents. What do YOU want to do? It will feel overwhelming to decide, when you are used to doing things for everyone else. Start small, a cup of coffee, a trip to Tjmaxx, or even a short walk can do the trick until you are able to decide what are some hobbies you like to do.
3. Keep reassuring yourself
During scheduled “me time” your thoughts will constantly think about everyone else. ” What can I do for my parents during this time?” “What could I be doing for my kids or my husband during this time?” All of these thoughts distract you from your alone time. You feel like your alone time is not a priority so you will constantly think of doing other things to try and clear a little more off your plate. The truth is, there will always be things on your plate, you will always feel like you did not do enough. You have done enough, you have gone above and beyond for everyone else. This is your time to dedicate to yourself. So keep those thoughts at bay with mantras.
I have done enough.
I am a great mother, wife, daughter, sister.
I deserve time to myself.
4. Choose take out or dine in
Plan a nice dinner for yourself, weather that is cooking for yourself, or getting take out. Plate your food on an actual plate, have a glass of wine or a special drink. Make it a date for you. Make it special.
5. Earbuds = Courage and Confidence
When you feel comfortable… I want to challenge you to go to lunch with yourself. Choose a small restaurant or a chain with plenty of seating. The choice is up to you. I have always struggled with this one. What helped me the most was buying myself a pair of airpod pro’s with noise cancellation. LIFE CHANGER. I would always be so scared to eat out by myself. Mainly because I did not want to be the person sitting by themselves and eating alone. I thought I would physcially feel lonely and thought others would look at me and think “Wow that poor girl eating by herself… Que the air pod pro’s.
By having ear buds in, you are able to listen to a podcast, video, audiobook and eat in peace, without the feeling of someone who may want to approach you. Do you ever want to interrupt someone with ear buds in? EXACTLY! It gives you something to listen to, or watch, and you can enjoy your food in a new and comforting way. I definitely did not feel lonely doing this.
6. End the day with reflection and relaxation
At the end of your me time, always take some time to reflect and relax. Take a hot bubble bath, or shower. Think about what some of your personal goals are or some hobbies you would like to work on. Schedule your next “Me Time” day and put it on your calendar. Doing this helps you to continue to stay motivated and to not forget about yourself with the crazy day to day life.
Now that you finished your first “Me” date.. what do you think? How do you feel? If you could help someone in the same situation.. What would you say to them? Please leave your comments down below =)
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