How to Get your Leisure Time?

When was the last time you took some time for yourself?

Me time is the last thing we think about when things are busy. For those of you with kids in the picture, it can be even tougher. Not having time for yourself can leave you feeling tired and unfulfilled.

I have a hard time with this and I always have. I find it difficult to find time for myself. When I do find time, it is usually interrupted. My daughter can be clingy. She always wants to be near me or have my undivided attention. Honestly, I can’t even go to the bathroom without interruption. And if she doesn’t follow me to the bathroom the cat does.

So how can we make having alone time a priority?

Step One: Stop Feeling Guilty About it

Let’s face it, if you can’t feel good about me time, it isn’t going to be helpful anyway. So let go of that guilt and take care of yourself. Taking care of your self is not selfish. You aren’t just helping yourself. You are making life better for everyone around you. When you are recharged you are better able to take on your responsibilities. Nobody is at their best when they are stressed and cranky.

For parents, we are not going to be the best parents we can be, if we aren’t in a good place. A parent who isn’t under stress can be more present with their children and can respond better to a child’s challenging behaviors when need be. And honestly, it’s your job teach your children that it is important to take care of themselves. What better way than to model the behavior yourself?

Step Two: Look at How You Use Your Time Now

We are all busy people. Take a look at what you do during the day. Make a to-do list. Are there tasks you could cut out? Or maybe delegate to someone else? Can you combine tasks to be more efficient?

When I first started planning this post out, I looked at how I spend my time. I waste a lot of my free time on my phone looking at Facebook or Pinterest. I love social media as much as the next person but it can be a huge time waster. Research shows that on average people spend 135 minutes on social media sites a day. That is over 2 hours of time that could be used reading, meditating, or spending time on another hobby.

Start small. Find just 15 minutes you could free up.

Step Three: Find Something Fulfilling to do With Your Free Time

Everyone is different. Spend some time reflecting. What activities leave you feeling content? Do you feel happy when you read a book? Does taking a walk clear your head? Is there an old hobby you would like to pick back up? Does baking give you the warm and fuzzies?

If you aren’t sure what hobby is for you, try taking this quiz for fun ideas.

Step Four: Schedule it

Make an appointment with yourself. Write it on your calendar, set an alarm, or do whatever you need to do. I know that it can be tough to find free time but there are ways to make it happen. If you have a partner let them know you need some time alone. Ask for what you need and don’t feel bad about it.

Try waking up early, even if it is just 15 minutes earlier. Sit and enjoy your coffee. Read a chapter of a book. If you aren’t a morning person, use your lunch time. Walk away from your desk. Eat lunch with a buddy. Maybe neither of those works for you? After the kids are in bed, go in your room and shut the door.

I know it can be hard but it’s important to make me time a priority. Failing to do so can really affect our well-being. What do you guys think? Any other suggestions on ways to find free time? Leave a comment and let us know.

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