Whilst on the subject of R&R, I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Easter, and relaxed, enjoyable time with your children during the school holidays. There are so many exciting opportunities available now and coming soon at Yes 2 Life. Perhaps grab a cuppa', sit down, have a read and take some time out for you!

Spending time on YOU is critical! It helps you to feel rested, calm, stress-free, and fulfilled. When you've had proper rest, you can accomplish more and maintain the energy to continue.

On the other hand, if you neglect to make time for yourself, you're more likely to become depressed, stressed, or unhappy.

Perhaps you feel that there's just not enough time for you. Somewhere in the mix, you lost any time you ever had for yourself. However, the good news is that, with some creativity and perseverance, you can recapture some of that critical you-time!

Consider using these strategies to reap some rejuvenating time for yourself:

1. Pencil yourself in. Make time for yourself by adding it as a priority in your schedule. As you fill out your planner, include it along with your other important tasks and stick to your schedule! If you have young children, perhaps you can swap time with another mother: she looks after your kids for an hour every Tuesday, you look after hers for an hour every Thursday! Or ask your partner, relatives or friends to "cover" you on a regular schedule so that you can have some proper "me" time.

2. Give yourself 15 minutes when you get home.
Insist on at least 15 minutes of recoup and rejuvenation time when you get home from work. If you have to lock yourself away from stressors or even family members, than that's what you must do! This time allows you to properly transition from your work life to your home life. Explain this new technique to your family so that they understand its importance. This way, no one feels like you're just avoiding them! One simple strategy is to soak in the bath for 15 minutes. The water will relax you, and you'll feel refreshed after a long day.

3. Take advantage of your lunch break.
If you are a working parent, remember that your lunch break is there for you to do what you please. After you eat, make good use of your time by going for a walk, exercising, listening to inspiring sound, or even get in a bit of shopping if that's what relaxes you.


4. Enjoy a break while the kids nap.
Here's a good advice for stay at home mums. Give yourself some much needed "me" time whenever your children sleep. You might be tempted to get as much work done as you can while they're asleep, but try to resist the temptation to rush around like a mad thing and instead give yourself a chance to rest and rejuvenate yourself. Explore new ways of accomplishing things like household tasks while your children are awake. For example, turn chores into learning games that you can all participate in.

5. Go to sleep earlier.
Going to sleep earlier at night will make you to get up in time to enjoy some morning "me" time. Just think how pleasant it would be to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning without having to look at your watch.



6. Take a vacation day.
Take a vacation day to just relax and do whatever you like. You don't have to take a trip to take a vacation! Time spent reading a book, participating in a class or workshop, having a massage will also rejuvenate you. Your renewed energy may surprise you!


At first glance, these strategies may look difficult to implement into your busy routine. A good way to get started with them is to incorporate just one at a time. That way, you only have to adjust to one small change. As you become accustomed to that one strategy, you can add another, and then another, until one day you'll find that making time for yourself is easy.

Once you learn to make time for you, you'll have more energy and time to enjoy the good things life has to offer, of which there is an abundance.