Taking Time Out to Be by Yourself

Taking time out for yourself is one of the most important aspects of self-care. You need 
to find time in your day to relax, unwind, and recharge before anything else. Even if 
you’re busy with work or family life, giving yourself time to relax can help you fulfill your 
responsibilities more efficiently and without stress. This guide will help you find the time 
to relax along with tips for what to do during your short breaks.

Finding Time for Yourself

Whether you work in an office all day or are at home taking care of kids, it’s important to 
find at least 15 minutes to give yourself some breathing space. At work, you can wait for 
a lunch break to sneak to your car or a quiet space outside. At home, wait for your 
partner or kids to calm down before focusing on yourself. Once you have a few minutes 
without excessive distractions, you can then utilize the following tips to make the most 
of your time.

Focus on Your Breathing

When alone, focus on your breath and posture to completely relax yourself. Inhale 
slowly and deeply, and then exhale completely to feel at ease. This will help to calm 
your mind and body very quickly, and it can give you a lot of energy later in the day.

A Short Activity

Even if you’re pressed for time, you can find ways to get in a quick exercise to stay 
healthy and calm your nerves. Choose to walk to the store instead of driving, or quietly 
jog in place if you can’t go outside. Stretch your body, shake out your limbs, and get 
your blood flowing so you can stay loose and calm throughout the day.

Read Something Special

Keep a small book of poetry or prose nearby so you can dip into it when given the time. 
A well-written poem can liven your spirits and give you the perfect boost throughout an 
otherwise monotonous day. If you prefer, you can also choose something like a 
crossword puzzle or sudoku. 

Buy Yourself Something Nice

You don’t have to buy yourself something expensive, but treat yourself to something 
nice every now and then to boost your mood. It could be a dark chocolate or a cute 
keychain. You could even buy yourself a beautiful postcard to pin on a wall at home. 
Give yourself gifts and treat yourself with love to always have the best mood possible.

Practice Positive Thinking

It’s easy to fall into the trap of negative thinking throughout the day, but it’s extremely 
important to break that trap before it becomes self-fulfilling. Instead of worrying about 
errands, chores, or work, think about how nice it will be to complete your tasks. You’ll 
have to complete them anyway, so it’s better to think of the positives instead of the dull 
negatives. Instead of worrying about how long a project will take, try to imagine how 
pleasant it will be to complete it.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to take time for yourself throughout the day 
without worries. Give yourself a gift every once in a while, and do something positive for 
yourself whether it’s thinking happy thoughts or getting in a small amount of exercise. 
Once you make a habit of this, you’ll be able to see the positive results immediately!

