How To Make More Time For Yourself

Does it feel like you are running around from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.? You’re not alone. These days, people are busier than ever, and it may feel like you have no “you” time. Fortunately, while time is a limited resource, this is most often less of an issue of not having enough time and more of an issue of not prioritizing self-care.

What you focus on is what fills your time. If you are solely focused on your job, for example, you will fill every free hour with work. Yet if you want to prioritize time to yourself, you will find it.

Here are some ways you can make more time for yourself.

Delegate

One reason you might feel like you don’t have time is that you’re taking on more responsibility than you need to. If you are a people pleaser, you may be used to doing everything for everyone else, feel like no one else can do what you do, and maybe on some level, you worry what would happen if people didn’t need you to do everything for them. In reality, they are capable of much more than you give them credit for, and delegating your responsibilities is the simplest thing you can do right now to give yourself more time.

In your family life, consider what responsibilities your children could assume. Of course, your infant child can’t contribute, but your four-year-old could help with some chores, and your teenager is certainly capable of, for example, making dinner. It’s possible that your spouse could be assuming more of the household responsibilities as well. In addition, while you may be fully capable to do a lot of chores such as cleaning the house, sometimes, you need to pay for time, so don’t hesitate to hire help if you can afford it.

At work, there’s nothing wrong with talking to a coworker or your boss about delegating some tasks if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Speak up before it consumes you.

Let Go Of Perfectionism

Some people have trouble finding time in their schedules because they can’t accept just a “good” job — everything has to be perfect. This is not only exhausting, it is time consuming. Most things don’t need to be done “just right” — dishes can be left in the sink overnight, work emails can wait until Monday, and you might have to order a pizza instead of cooking your family a healthy meal every once and awhile. It’s okay not to strive for perfection, especially if you’re sacrificing yourself by doing so.

Say “No” More

Sometimes, you just have to say “no.” You don’t have to spend your precious time on things that drain your energy. If it feels like an obligation when it’s not essential, just politely turn down the offer. You don’t have to feel guilty about not attending your work friend’s daughter’s school day if you have no desire to.

Schedule It In

When you have a meeting at work, you schedule it on your calendar and honor that time by not making any other plans during it. Why not do the same with your free time? Even if your plans aren’t with anyone else, when you have plans to do something that fulfills you, write it on your calendar and don’t be flexible about it. You deserve your own time.

Wake Up Earlier

If you have a jam-packed schedule, a simple way to make more time in the day is to wake up earlier. You may benefit from adopting a morning routine that’s just for you so you can start the day in a tranquil way. Whether it’s working out, journaling, having a conversation with your spouse over coffee, or taking a nice long shower, wake up earlier so you can do the things that make you feel good.

Put Down Your Phone

One thing that may be sucking up your time without you realizing it is your phone (or tablet, or laptop). Have you ever gotten home from a long day at work, relieved to finally have time to yourself, and then hours later, realized that you have just been scrolling through social media? You can avoid this by setting rules around your phone. Put it away for at least an hour a night so you can focus on something that will aid your mental health instead, whether it’s having face-to-face time with your loved ones or enjoying a good book and a cup of tea.

One great way to make time for yourself is through seeking cognitive behavioral therapy in Palatine. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!