Spend Time With Your Self

Yesterday I took some much needed 'I' time; that's time with myself to do whatever I feel like doing. As it happens, yesterday I spent my time going surfing and then I read a book for a while. After that I made a yummy lunch and had a rest. Other times I might go to the movies, sleep, lie on the beach, go to a yoga class or do some writing. What you do with your 'I' time is completely up to you...

Spending time with yourself is super important and yet somehow we seem to underestimate its value completely. Life can get so busy and everything but 'little old me' seems like a priority. But consider this: Time alone helps us unwind from our otherwise stressful lives, it allows us to 'check in' with ourselves emotionally and physically. We might use the time to journal or write down our priorities or needs or have quiet reflection or meditation time. We might simply use it to relax, sleep in or rest at length and without interruption.

Taking alone time communicates an appreciation of self; a high self-value, and in doing so it helps to recharge our battery through 'putting some energy back in' rather than always giving energy out to others. Having time alone when you need it means you then have energy available for the other important people and events in your life.

When you are living with your partner or family, it is especially important to make time just for you! If you live alone, you might have plenty of time alone - but perhaps, through having so much, you do not use it effectively. Either way it is important to make a clear choice to spend time with yourself. When I lived alone, I would take myself on dates to the movies, or for a 'coffee' or even for a bike ride or walk. There are so many ways to spend time with yourself! Now I live with my partner and we both respect each others need for time alone; we don't take offense and actually encourage each other to look after our needs in this way.

Wisdom No 4

Set aside time regularly to spend time with your very own self. After all - you are the only person you will spend the rest of your life with - so it's great if you actually enjoy your own company. Spending time alone will almost certainly make you better company for you partner, children, family and friends.