subject: How To Give Your Body And Mind A Boost Anywhere [print this page] Are you working so hard that you cannot wait for the weekend, or your next day off? Are you too tired to enjoy the break and find yourself 'catching up' on much-needed rest? Have you enough time to pursue your personal goals and hobbies? If you find yourself wondering 'where does my time go', then ask yourself: "am I really giving myself time and attention?"
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO . . . real "Me time"? You may be responsible for earning a living to provide for yourself and others; perhaps you are a full-time carer - or even combining both roles - the concept of "me time" sounds like a joke, or worse, a selfish act.Perhaps when you do get it, 'me time' comes in the shape of a special purchase: a day at a Spa or a weekend away. Maybe you enjoy a quiet night in with a bubble bath and a glass of wine, a beer,or a cup of tea. Perhaps relaxation for you is a night out with friends now and again or a round of golf?
Nothing wrong with any of the above of course, but there is also a way that you can get extra, low-cost 'me time' and you can have it, here and now. You don't always need to wait, especially if waiting means you are getting more tired and drained. That way, the price of waiting is often greater than the benefits. It can become a drain on you if you find that the COST of earning money which you then spend simply to make yourself feel better, is taking a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Here's a little challenge for you. So right now, I'd like you to promise to take five minutes in which you are going to do nothing (provided that it's safe for you to do so). Or at the very least, promise to do this as soon as you can. I mean by nothing that you don't check your mail (any of it) or pick up a paper or magazine, or go make a drink, or talk to someone else. Just sit and breathe quietly. If you are in a situation or place right now, where someone else is likely to want your attention, or the phone will ring, then just leave that space or let others know not to disturb you. Just for five minutes. Do you know that the mental discipline it requires to 'do nothing' is at least equal to keeping on 'keeping on?'
A QUICK PRACTICE FOR YOU. When you've done nothing for five minutes, grab a piece of paper and a pen. Without thinking too deeply, write down the top five priorities in your life on your paper. Then come back to this page. I'd like you to look at the list you just made and see if your health and wellness feature on it. If so, create some time in your daily 'to do' list to make absolutely sure you are getting some attention and 'me time'. If your name isn't in the top three on your 'priority' list, I invite you to consider why not? After all, the most valuable asset you will ever have in your life is you! And the time and space that you create for 'you' is what is going to help you to thrive, flourish and enjoy the process of living as much as possible.
