6 Ways Busy People Can Make Time for a Personal Life

Question. How busy are you? Is there so much on your plate that by noon you find yourself saying “Where did the time go?” Is there so much going on that sometimes you skip lunch or breaks at work? Do you come home every day feeling so exhausted that all you can think of is getting a quick bite and going straight to bed? (Oh, if only you could!)

Most of us have lives that include tons of plans and obligations. But you know what? You should NEVER be so busy that you can’t seem to find time for yourself. In order for you to give your best to your job, your family and friends and all of the things that need to get done, your self-care has to be a top priority.

Don’t know how to find the time? We’ve got a few ideas.

1. Walk before breakfast or after dinner

If you feel like you don’t have enough time to exercise (or you simply don’t like it), set your clock a half hour earlier in the mornings to do some walking. It burns calories, strengthens your bones and muscles and will instantly improve your mood. If you can’t squeeze it in before going to work, do it after dinner. The fresh air will do you some good and it will give you a few moments to be alone and collect your thoughts.

2. Take baths

If you have a spouse and kids or even a roommate, sometimes the only way to get time to yourself is when you’re in the bathroom. Treat yourself to a bubble bath. It’s extremely relaxing, but there are other health benefits that come along with it. Bathing in warm water can soothe muscle pain, relieve skin conditions, break up congestion (if you have allergies or a cold) and make for much better sleep. It can be even more therapeutic if you put a few drops of essential oil into your water. (Read more about that here.)

3. Set hours for your phone

No longer are cell phones just for making calls. They are handheld computers to check email, social media accounts and conduct all kinds of business. If you’re on your phone all day (and night) long, it can overwhelm you with information. It can also put strain on your eyes and make it difficult to rest at night. If you want personal time, “shut out the world” by setting hours for your phone. For starters, power it down about an hour before going to bed and leave it off or set to “do not disturb” until you wake up in the morning. Just an hour to yourself each evening is a miracle cure for treating stress.

4. Leave one weekend open

No matter what you have going on, never be too busy that you can’t get one weekend to yourself. It has that name for a reason (week-end). You need to give yourself at least two days a month when you can sleep in, go hiking or sailing or read a book. Anyone who can’t remember the last time they had a Saturday and Sunday off is someone who needs to do some reprioritizing as soon as possible.

5. Schedule pampering dates

A misconception that a lot of people have is believing that pampering is a luxury when it’s really a necessity. You deserve to get a massage or a mani/pedi. It will make you feel and look better. It’s also another rare time when you can have time to yourself without being disturbed by the demands of the world.

6. Go out with friends

Friends are true blessings. They cheer us up when we’re down. They celebrate us when we do something great. They offer advice and a shoulder when we need it. They’re also so much fun to hang out with! If it’s been weeks since you’ve had dinner or checked out a movie with some of your friends, what are you waiting for? If it’s for your workload to get less, that’s probably not going to happen. Go out with your pals and have a good time. It will refresh and relax you. It’s the perfect remedy for people who have a busy life and need to learn how to have more of a personal one.