Giving Time to Yourself

Giving Time to Yourself

Rejuvenate and Reconnect: The Art of Giving Time to Yourself

Individual growth is an indispensable first step in the formation of enduring relationships with others. Only when we have found the unique self, will we have a true self to give to another in a deep and meaningful way.

This unique self is achieved when one is able to take time out in the midst of a rat race, look within, introspect his/her priorities, and also look at the direction where life is leading.

How well do you know yourself? Your strengths and weaknesses? Are you comfortable with change or are you bored with routine? Are you in touch with your feelings of anger, resentment, and hurt as well as love and affection? Do you have an interest that you can enjoy yourself?

Are you able to sit quietly for a few minutes without any gushing thoughts in your mind? OR how familiar does this phrase sound to you that ‘I wish I could just relax in bed with the music in the background and doze off to sleep as I am trying to finish my favorite novel or I have been planning for months to catch my with my friend on lunch, but have been not able to? If so, then it is time for you to take a break reschedule your activities to some extent, or prioritize your wanting to be yourself.

In this harsh, inconsistent world where people’s sense of esteem stems from degrees of workaholism, there is an intangible, sinking feeling of emptiness. We need to fill this with a sense of inner quietness. But inner peace and an outer, perfection-obsessed attitude are incompatible companions. And there arises a decision to be made on our part.

When is it time for us to realize that we give time for ourselves or how can that be done? Look within yourself! Take a moment to think about how you take care of yourself- both physically and emotionally.

Do you get time to eat three moderate meals a day, time to do the work which you enjoy the most,  Do you exercise each week, and get a check-up once a year?  Answering yes to these questions means that you take care of your body. Now think about your emotional well-being.

Do you regularly set aside “quiet” time for yourself, meditating, writing, thinking, or praying?  Do you make time regularly to enjoy nature or other quiet, restful places?   Giving time to oneself covers all these aspects both physical and emotional. All these activities can help you recover from life’s stresses.

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In the present-day scenario, the credit for the lack of time to oneself goes to the advent of technology. Most of us have an addiction to E-mail — to quickly check if there is any message even late at night. This is an “unknown” invite to stress here.

In addition to that, there are so many channels to watch, various gadgets and games to be played on the net, constant ringing tone of the cell, that we have literally been the slaves of technology. Little do we realize that we need to unplug ourselves and be able to relax and enjoy the calmness of our surroundings until all this stressful life takes a toll on our health.

When we reach home, we need to be cautious not to allow ourselves to be a slave of technological glitz unless there is something too urgent to attend to. When we avoid the urge, and get on with something more comforting, we will surely feel calm and more family-centered.

It helps us to connect with ourselves. It also gives us room to unwind ourselves and gives us the time to make personal phone calls, maybe to go for a quick walk or window shopping.

We need to do the balancing act in every aspect of our lives if we need to be able to enjoy our company.  Most of us have many demands placed on our time and energy.  Spouses, children, in-laws, and social commitments are important and make living worthwhile, but can make finding time for oneself a challenge.

The key point is balancing the time we spend with others as well as the personal time with ourselves can help us become happier and more productive. Reaching out to others i.e.: sharing with others like your family, co-workers, friends, or a nonprofit organization can give life great meaning and joy.

But at the same time reaching outside all the time would leave one exhausted.  Living only for oneself would also make us feel lonely and empty.

Finding the balance between the two is the key to a rich and contented life. To find our personal balance, we need to look at how we spend our time and energy.  We need to write down the main activities each day for a week or two. Then add up the hours spent “for me” and “for others.” One might realize that he/she ought to give more to others or take more time for oneself.

When one is creating balance, it is also important need to decide what is most important to you.  Finding balance is a day-by-day matter.  If one is more adaptable to change such that one will be able to change as one’s life circumstances change, caring for oneself and others will make our life healthy and satisfying.

Looking at it from a philosophical point of view, to know oneself or give priority to oneself, we must love ourselves. For it is only when we are filled with love that we can share this gift with the world.  Giving time to oneself is also connecting with our inner selves and this is possible only when we peel off all masks.

To accept the totality of our being, we must become compassionate towards ourselves. Accepting our negativity is an integral part of the human experience and Striving for authenticity in thought and action is the first mature step in connecting with the inner self. There is not a single person in this universe who leads a problem-free life.

Yet we encounter people whose lives appear dynamic and joyous. What sets them apart? The answer: they do not allow themselves to be immobilized by little things. They respond to problems with ease, change things that can be changed, and accept those that can’t. In simpler words, they give thought or priority to their inner self.

Contemporary wisdom would have us believe that packing each day with things that need to be done is the secret to success. But life isn’t all about getting things done as much as it is about enjoying each step along the way. Keeping this in mind, if we give priority to ourselves, in the process of achieving our goal, the journey will indeed be an enjoyable one.

Also Read: Time Management

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Giving Time to Yourself

Q1: What does “giving time to yourself” mean?

A1: Giving time to yourself means intentionally setting aside moments in your day or week to focus on self-care, relaxation, and personal well-being.

Q2: Why is it important to give time to oneself?

A2: Taking time for yourself is essential for mental and emotional well-being. It allows you to recharge, reduce stress, improve focus, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Q3: How can I find time for self-care in a busy schedule?

A3: It’s important to prioritize self-care by setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and scheduling regular self-care activities in your routine.

Q4: What are some examples of self-care activities?

A4: Self-care activities can vary widely and include meditation, exercise, reading, spending time in nature, practicing a hobby, taking relaxing baths, and more.

Q5: How do I determine what self-care activities are right for me?

A5: Experiment with different activities to discover what brings you the most joy, relaxation, and stress relief. Your preferences may change over time.

Q6: Is giving time to yourself the same as being selfish?

A6: No, giving time to yourself is not selfish. It’s necessary for self-preservation and overall well-being. When you take care of yourself, you’re better equipped to care for others.

Q7: How can I overcome feelings of guilt when prioritizing self-care?

A7: Remind yourself that self-care is not selfish but essential for your health. Communicate your needs to loved ones and establish boundaries.

Q8: Can giving time to yourself improve mental health?

A8: Yes, self-care practices can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout. Regular self-care can enhance emotional resilience.

Q9: How can I incorporate self-care into my daily routine?

A9: Start with small, manageable steps, like setting aside 10-15 minutes for meditation or going for a short walk during lunch breaks. Gradually build on these practices.

Q10: What are some self-care techniques for managing stress and anxiety?

A10: Techniques include deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, journaling, progressive muscle relaxation, and seeking professional help when needed.

Q11: How can I create a supportive environment for self-care at home or work?

A11: Communicate your self-care needs with family members or colleagues, create a designated self-care space, and establish routines that prioritize your well-being.

Q12: Are there self-care resources or communities that can provide support and inspiration?

A12: Yes, there are many self-care books, apps, online communities, and local support groups that can offer guidance, inspiration, and a sense of community.

Q13: Can self-care be tailored to individual needs and preferences?

A13: Absolutely! Self-care should be personalized to align with your unique needs, interests, and circumstances.

Q14: How can I make self-care a lifelong habit rather than a temporary practice?

A14: Consistency is key. Treat self-care as a non-negotiable part of your routine, and regularly assess and adjust your self-care practices to ensure they remain meaningful.

These FAQs provide insights and guidance on the importance of giving time to oneself and how to incorporate self-care practices into daily life for improved well-being.

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