5 Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself as a Busy Woman
Women often ask me, “How do you find time for yourself when you have so much going on?” My response is always, “How do you not?”
I understand having goals, responsibilities, and a list of things that need to get done. But it’s imperative that I make myself a priority, too. If I don’t, I find myself exhausted and unable to operate at my best. And no one benefits from that. I decided to respect my health, my time, and my abilities enough to give myself the care I need.
As busy, ambitious women, we can get so caught up in what we’re building and who needs us that taking care of ourselves becomes something we’ll get around to later. But you deserve some time in your own schedule. Time to relax, enjoy your own company, and do something simply because it makes you feel good.
You don’t have to wait until everything is done to take a moment for yourself. Here are five simple ways to make that time a regular part of your life.
1. Give Yourself a Quiet Morning
Sometimes, waking up a little earlier than everyone else in the house can give you the quiet time you’ve been looking for. You can enjoy your coffee while it’s still hot, write in your journal, stretch, or simply sit without anyone needing anything from you.
You don’t have to turn this into an elaborate morning routine. And you certainly don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. to prove anything. Even fifteen or twenty minutes can give you a little room to breathe before your day gets going.
When I am calm and can take my time getting ready, my day seems to go so much better. I’m able to approach it prepared and with intention, instead of immediately feeling like I’m trying to catch up.
If an earlier morning works for your schedule and still allows you to get enough sleep, try giving yourself that quiet moment. Before checking messages or jumping into work, see about yourself first.
2. Take Yourself Out to Lunch
Enjoy your lunch by yourself sometimes. Whether you work from home, go into an office, or spend your day running around, lunch can be an opportunity to slow down and enjoy your own company.
Bring something from home and find a nice place to sit, or take yourself to that restaurant you’ve been wanting to try. Choose somewhere intentionally. Somewhere you can sit comfortably, enjoy your food, and take your time.
You don’t always have to eat at your desk while answering emails or squeeze in another errand during your break. Order something you actually want. Put your phone away for a little while. Let yourself enjoy the moment.
And if you usually eat with coworkers or friends, it’s okay to let them know you need a little time to yourself that day. You can enjoy their company and still want some quiet time of your own.
3. Plan a Solo Day Out
Give yourself something to look forward to that isn’t another obligation. Once a month, if possible, plan a day or even a few hours to go out and do something you want to do.
Visit a bookstore. Try a new restaurant. Book a massage. Take a class you’ve been curious about. Walk through a museum or spend an afternoon exploring a part of your city you rarely visit.
The point is to get away from your normal routine and have an experience you chose for yourself. You don’t need to wait until someone else is available to go with you. Don’t be afraid to create memories on your own.
If you want to take it a step further, plan a solo overnight stay or a weekend trip. Sometimes, a change of scenery and a little breathing room can feel amazing. And if what you’re craving is time with your girlfriends, plan that, too. Make room for the kind of time that helps you feel like yourself again.
Put it on your calendar and arrange what you need ahead of time. Give your plans the same consideration you give everything else you commit to.
4. Create a Reading Nook You Actually Want to Use
There is something so nice about settling into a comfortable spot at night with a physical book. Turning the pages, getting into the story, and giving yourself a break from looking at a screen.
Create a little reading nook that makes you want to sit down and stay awhile. It doesn’t have to be an entire room or an expensive setup. A comfortable chair, a soft throw, a nice lamp, and somewhere to set your drink can be enough.
Make it cute. Make it comfortable. Make it feel like a space you put together for yourself.
Then choose a book you’re excited to read. It doesn’t always have to be about business, productivity, or becoming better at something. Read a novel. Pick up a memoir. Get into a story simply because you enjoy it.
Even a chapter before bed can become a little part of the day you look forward to. Let yourself get comfortable and enjoy it without feeling like you should be doing something else.
5. Romanticize Your Evening Self-Care
Make your bath time an event. At the end of a full day, a nice, long soaking bath is one of my favorite ways to relax and wash away the day.
Put on some nice music, add your favorite bubble bath or a bath oil made for soaking, and light a candle. The warmth of the water and the soft lighting can make your bathroom feel like your own little spa experience.
Then take your time afterward, too. Use the lotions, body butters, balms, and oils you love. Enjoy how they feel on your skin. Put on a soft robe or something cute and comfortable to sleep in. Really make this time special for yourself.
And on the evenings when you’re taking a shower, you can still create that same feeling. Set out your favorite products, grab a fresh towel, and give yourself a few extra minutes to enjoy your body care routine.
To me, this is a top-tier way to get in some self-care without having to do the most. You’re taking something that’s already part of your evening and giving yourself the time to enjoy it.
However you choose to do it, make yourself a priority on a regular basis. You can be ambitious, care about your goals, and still make room to enjoy your life along the way. Have the quiet morning. Take yourself to lunch. Read the book. Use the good body butter.
Make time for you.
How do you like to spend time with yourself? And which of these could you make room for this week?
