15 Ideas for Quality “Me Time” That Will Leave You Feeling Refreshed
Spending time with yourself can clear your mind and leave you feeling rejuvenated. But, finding the time for “me time” can seem like a chore. When is there time to pencil yourself in between work, errands, home responsibilities, a social life and family time? It may be tough, but it’s essential to carve out a little time for yourself each week.
Here are 15 suggestions for quality “me time”:
1. Go for a walk or a hike.
Taking a walk or going for a hike allows you to get some exercise while also clearing your head. You can submerge yourself into your surroundings, taking in all the nature around you. After about an hour or so, you’ll be ready to enter back into reality.
2. Take a trip to the park.
A trip to the park will not disappoint when it comes to relaxation. Take a blanket with you, and enjoy being outside in your community. You can read a book, people watch or simply lie down and watch the clouds pass overhead.
3. Read a few chapters of a book.
That new book you started was really captivating, so why not dive back into it? Curl up wherever you feel cozy, and let your mind wander through the pages. After spending a little time catching up on a good read, you’ll feel accomplished and at ease.
4. Make your favorite dessert recipe.
There’s something therapeutic about baking. You can carefully follow a new recipe or whip up a recipe you know by heart. Regardless, you get to eat the fruits of your labor. It’s a win-win.
5. Take a nap.
Never underestimate the power of a good nap. You may not be spending time inside your thoughts on this one, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need. And don’t feel guilty or unproductive when you want a nap – because you’re doing it for yourself.
6. Get a mani-pedi.
Mani-pedis make me feel polished (pun intended). Plus, it feels good pampering the parts of my body that do a lot of the work. Head to the salon for a carefree pamper session, or turn on your favorite playlist and give yourself a mani-pedi at home.
7. Go shopping.
“Retail therapy” is definitely a thing, if you ask me. There’s something freeing about trying on new pieces that look great on you and adding them to your wardrobe. So, go grab your favorite drink on your way to the stores, and spoil yourself a bit.
8. Take yourself to the movies.
Have you ever seen a movie at the theatre by yourself? I have, and I absolutely loved it. You pick the movie, you pick the snacks, and you don’t have to share with anyone.
9. Go on a bike ride.
Like taking a walk, a bike ride is multi-purposeful. You’ll burn some calories while blissfully feeling any worries leave your body. And since many cities now offer free bike programs, access to bike rides are easier than ever.
10. Watch your guilty pleasure TV show.
It’s called a guilty pleasure TV show, but don’t allow yourself to feel guilty! Sometimes you just need to unplug and throw your mind into someone else’s life, joy or problems. (For me, it’s Real Housewives.)
11. Spend time on your hobby.
Hobbies act as creative outlets, and it’s important that you channel that creativity as much as possible. Whether it’s antiquing or DIYing, spend time doing your craft. You’ll thank yourself afterwards.
12. Go for a drive.
Going for a solo drive can be one of the most rewarding activities. Turn up the radio dial, roll down the windows and drive. Whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour – the only thing you need to think about is driving.
13. Get a facial or massage.
A facial or massage (or both!) go a long way in reviving your spirit. Think you don’t have enough time to go to a spa? See if there’s a mobile service in your area so you can be pampered in the convenience of your home.
14. Relax at your local coffee shop.
Coffee shops are great because everyone there is doing something different. Whether you want to read a book or simply enjoy sipping coffee, the quiet bustling of people chatting and working will help you zone out.
15. Take a bath.
Bubble baths are one of my favorite “me time” activities. With a glass of wine in-hand and some soft tunes in the background, my body instantly thanks me for the warm, bubbly downtime.
Life keeps us busy. But it’s the little things, like quality “me time,” that make us feel like ourselves. After all, we must first feel connected with ourselves in order to feel connected to everything else in our daily lives.
