Take out guilt-free 'me-time'

MEGHA JHA / Mar 7, 2009, 08:00 IST

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From cooking meals, helping kids, to office... modern day women are constantly on the go. Here are few tips for carving out that precious "Me Time" on a regular basis...

From cooking meals, helping kids with homework, to arranging that business presentation for her boss... modern day women are constantly on the go. A woman, no doubt is a multi-tasker in every sphere of her life.
But this constant role-hopping can be quite exhausting and the only way to sustain your energy is to create some pockets of "Me Time" where you can get in touch with who you are as an individual.
Here are few tips for carving out that precious "Me Time" on a regular basis:
1. Give yourself at least one night off per week

Part of what you need in your life is some time in your head �� time to think, to plan, to dream. This is one of the most rejuvenating gifts you can give yourself! So at least once a week, give yourself a night off.
��After the kids and your hubby have gone to bed, resist the urge to do things you would normally do. Instead, spend some time pursuing a hobby you love, like reading a book, sewing or reconnecting with a friend, watching your favorite TV show,�� recommends Dr Jitender Malhotra, a physiologist.

2. Use your shower time
Those few minutes you spend in the shower each day are probably the most regular "alone time" you get. Plan to use it well!
��Purchase some energising aroma therapy products that you enjoy, and make the most of the few minutes you have to yourself. While you're there, take some deep breaths and let the water wash away some of that tension you're carrying,�� says aromatherapist Dr. Nisha Verma.
3. Maximize your commute
Most of us spend a considerable amount of time in our cars. Instead of cribbing and sulking about the traffic, disconnect with everything and enjoy a brief period of quiet.
��Every morning while driving my way to office, I reconnect with myself. I play my favorite CD and while enjoying the melodious numbers, I feel one with myself,�� adds Pratima Ishpunani, a web designer.
Anu Goel, a relationship expert, adds, ��Use your time at hand judiciously by making time for doing things that interest you.��
4. Take a walk on your lunch hour
Let's be honest. You don't need to hear another story about your co-workers and her mother-in-law��s latest face off! At least once a week, break away from the usual lunch gossip and go for a short walk in your lunch hour.
��With my kind of work schedule, waking up early for a morning walk is out of the question and by the end of the day you are too tired to think of exercise. So, when I��m not too busy in office, after a quick lunch, I take a half a kilometer walk. The fresh air outside charges me up for the rest of the day,�� says Kiran Rana.
Fitness expert Swati Ghai advises, ��Going out for a brisk walk is a great way to clear your head and get exercise.��
5. Have multi-functional meetings
By the time you reach home, your local grocery store is shut or you��re too tired to do any shopping. Well, those outdoor client meetings are a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
��Once you are done with your meeting, do your groceries shopping before you get back to work to save time later in the day,�� suggests Anu.
Manraj, who works with an advertising company divulges, ��When a meeting is cancelled, I don't rush back to the office. Instead, I make a mental list of things that I will need for dinner and buy them from a shop in the vicinity. This way, I get to save a lot of time once I��m home. Time saved is time gained for yourself.��
6. Make a date with yourself
Why don't you have time for yourself? Most likely, the privilege of regular, sustainable "Me Time" won't become a reality until you actually schedule it on your calendar. So grab a pen right now and mark at least one "Me Time" date for this month.
��Be it joining the weekend salsa dance classes or that hobby class that you always wanted to enroll into or going for that luxurious spa. The motive is to reserve that exclusive time all for yourself,�� says Dr Malohtra.
7. Indulge without guilt
Once in a while, it��s okay to treat yourself by doing things that please you. Be it devouring that sinful chocolate truffle sundae or going on a shopping spree or getting a manicure/pedicure. Go and pamper yourself and don��t feel guilty about it.
Anu Goel proposes, ��Once in a while, indulging yourself by fulfilling your small desires, like buying yourself that beautiful pair of slippers, or ordering that delicious cheese pizza never hurts anyone.��
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