Put Yourself on Your Priority List & Summer Giveaway Day!

clockWhen school gets out each June, I think I’m more excited than my kids.

I can’t wait for them to be home everyday and get a break from our regular busy schedules, but the last couple weeks I’ve been feeling like I needed a little “me” time and because of how things turned out, I actually got a whole week’s worth!

My college age daughter was in class and working and then went to the beach for a few days, my husband was traveling out of town for most of the week, and my other two children were on an all-week mission trip.

When I first realized I would be all alone at home for several days, I felt a little sad. But then it hit me….. a whole week of “me” time!  Whoo hoo! I worked at my own pace without any interruptions, played some tennis, cleaned the house (and it stayed clean), spent a day at the spa with my mom and had lunch with girlfriends. It was awesome!

I missed my family terribly while they were away, but having all this “me” time did my heart good. I usually put everyone else at the top of my priority list instead of myself.  So I realized that I had spent so much time this summer taking care of the kids, husband, house, chores, taxi-ing to sports practices, and playing referee to arguments, that I hadn’t really had any time to just relax.  Unfortunately for most of us, that is our normal reality. It’s a rare opportunity to have an hour of “me” time, much less a week, making it all the more important that we deliberately plan to make time for ourselves.

Even though it might seem selfish, the truth is that taking time out of our busy schedules to focus on our own needs and desires every now and then will help us a live much happier and healthier life.  And remember that old saying which says “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”?  It’s so true! So taking time for ourselves really benefits everyone, not just us.

If it’s been a while since you have put “you” on your priority list, start thinking about some ways that you can do so very soon. Your family and your job matters, of course, but “you” and your needs matter too.

Below are a few ideas to get your brain thinking about how you might schedule some “me” time into your busy summer:

* Call a few friends and start a “me” time group. Set up a schedule to watch each other’s children for a couple hours a week so you can each enjoy some time alone to do what you need to do, or just take it easy.

* Get lost in a good book. Instead of doing laundry and dishes after the kids go to bed, snuggle up in your favorite spot, put on some soothing music, and read to your heart’s content. The laundry and dishes will be there tomorrow, plus some.

* Get up before the sun rises and go for a walk or a run, or have some quiet time with God. Although sleeping in seems like what we are supposed to do during the summer (if kids don’t wake us up), there are great benefits to having some “me” time to start off our day. Try it for a few days and see if it makes a difference in your attitude and psyche.

* Sign up to take a class you’ve always wanted to take like cooking, cake making, pottery or art and arrange appropriate child care if needed.

* Put aside guilt. For moms who work full time, guilt over feeling like you need to hurry home after work may prevent you from ever going out to dinner with co-workers or stopping by the mall or nail salon on the way home. Every now and then, put aside that guilt and enjoy a few hours to yourself. The kids will be there when you get home.

* Rent some movies to watch with a friend or spouse that are not G-rated. There are some hilarious movies out this summer that are not really kid-appropriate, but that would bring on a good laughter that’s good for the soul.

* Pop plenty of popcorn, then rent a new Netflix or DVD movie for the kids.  Once they are all settled in to watch it, go run a hot bubble bath, including candles, soft music, the works. Tell the kids not to bother you unless someone is bleeding or the house is on fire. 🙂

* Use scented oils and soaps in the shower, and take a long drawn out shower. Consider using lavender to help you relax, or peppermint to make you feel happy, or cinnamon and cloves for a feeling of harmony. A drop or two of these oils in your shower or bath can help you relax. Do some research about which fragrances would best cater to your own personal needs and senses.

* Consider taking a day off of work to do something you want to do, like lay at the pool and read a book, run some errands, or do lunch and shopping with friends. Every day off of work doesn’t have to be spent at home, so commit to pushing aside any guilty feelings that try to creep into your mind.

These are just a few ideas, but I encourage you to give some serious thought to scheduling “me” time into your daily or weekly routines. You may want to start a new habit of taking a few minutes at the beginning of each week to determine what day and time you can have some time to yourself, and for yourself.  Then remember to treat your “me” time as you would any other appointment. Make it a non-negotiable, and explain this to your kids (or anyone else who vies for your time).

It may take some time for you and your family to get used to you taking time for you, but it will be well worth the effort.

Today’s giveaway is a $15 gift card to Bath and Body Works so you can pamper yourself! 

To enter to win, leave a comment answering one of questions below. 

How do you make time for yourself each week?  What tips can you offer others for how to schedule “me” time when life is busy?

79 Comments

  1. SandyN on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 8:16 am

    As my kids have gotten older (now 14 and 12), I have much more time for myself. But for me, getting up earlier than anyone else is my “me time”. Those quiet hours in the morning make my day go much smoother, even if I only sit and do nothing but listen to the quiet! 🙂



  2. Kristen on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 8:16 am

    I love to get up early and walk/run or just have some alone time. Even when life is super busy, I can always get up a little early to get my day started out right.



  3. BethA on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:05 am

    I get together with my friend and we walk and usually eat lunch. It’s so much fun to have “girl” time and we have the bonus of some exercise!



  4. Charlotte O on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:09 am

    I head out shopping or to the gym. This weekend I needed even more of “me” time so I talked my hubby into going fishing while I spend some river side cabin porch sitting.



  5. Sandy on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:13 am

    I so totally agree with you! It’s something I preach to the families I work with. We have to pour into ourselves so we have more to pour out into our families and friends.
    I scrapbook and have a few friends who I get together with on a monthly basis. It’s great when we crop late into the night. We rotate homes depending on the age of the kids and babysitting needs. I often sleep over (can’t beat a slumber party–no matter our age!).



  6. Jeannine on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:13 am

    I like to work out with my close friends in our life group – they’re always so encouraging!!



  7. Kristy on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:13 am

    I try to go the gym after work at least 3-4 times. This helps me to unwind and get some stress out before I go home. I also love sitting outside and reading a good book.



  8. Jeanie Kelley on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:14 am

    It is so much easier to make time for myself in the school year than in the summer. For me, it is reading a good book–When Women Say Yes to God–which is beginning next week. Also for me, I do love to shop at thrift stores since Warren has only a part time job. I have one store that I frequent a lot. Savers. I have found so much there that it is not even funny. Also for me, aquatics has become some me time. I have loved doing it and it gets me out with others as well.



  9. Lori A. on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:18 am

    Me time is visiting with friends, reading a book or cross-stitching which I try to do at least one of these for a few minutes every day.



  10. Christina Burrell on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:20 am

    My husband gives the kiddos a bath so I have 20 minutes of “me” time. I usually take a quick bath.



  11. Ellen on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:23 am

    I walk in the neighborhood each morning and listen to books I’ve downloaded onto my iPhone. I’ve never been a lover of exercise…but I love to read and audiobooks changed my life. A complete couch-potato for my first 45 years, I now get 30 minutes or so of exercise each day because it allows me to “read” when I otherwise don’t find the time. When I had to undergo a stress echo-cardiogram last year, the doctor asked me if I exercise. I told him that I just walk in the neighborhood a little. He said, “I can tell…I’m having trouble getting your heart rate up!” Who would have ever thought that my little walks would make such a difference!



  12. Magriet du Plessis on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:23 am

    Here in South Africa it is winter now! I am a grandmother already but “me” time still seems to be a problem. The children are all grown up and out of the house and I think the most mportant for me is to realise that the world will not come to an end if I take a little time off of work, even more difficult because I work from home!

    Thanks for a message I really needed. I think the reading idea is just what I have to do, I love reading so I am going to make time for reading. Learning to say “no” is going to be the most difficult, I seem to just fall in with what ever anyone wants me to do.



  13. Tammy on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:28 am

    I try to go to bed a half-hour early at night so I can read or sometimes just think and I also like to get up in the morning a half-hour earlier to exercise, read my devotions and enjoy the sunrise. My me-time is mainly reading; but sometimes I enjoy to do some mindless coloring in coloring books.



  14. Carissa D. Huffman on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:31 am

    This is a reminder I really needed! I am a working mom, and I do feel those guilt pangs if I don’t constantly use non-work time to do something with/for my son.

    I don’t have the available money to get my nails done anymore. I need to get back to going to Curves regularly–it benefits my health, and is fun. Zumba is free at my YMCA, too. I have paid for a couple of massages when the technician was offering them 2 for 1–that is so NICE.

    Your words are just such quiet, straitforward wisdom. Thanks again!

    Carissa in eastern Iowa



  15. Paige on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:31 am

    Does sitting in the closet with the door closed count? Ha! This summer I decided to find an exercise class with Groupon that meets at 6am before work. I chose Kick Boxing and it has been awesome! Definitely me time for an hour. And during a time where my self confidence in my outward appearance is a little low, this has really made me feel more kick-butt! Plus, my boys think its very cool that their mom is a cardio fighting machine! Cooler than Ninja Turtles! Well… almost!

    Paige



  16. Melissa Cook on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:34 am

    I get “me” time be getting up early before everyone gets up. It’s peaceful and quiet!!!



  17. Jenny Rutan on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:35 am

    My “ME” time is spent with God first thing in the morning…my husband is up and out the door at 7am, kids still asleep, so I head out to my porch swing, coffee in hand with my two doggies enjoying some quite time with God. Love it! 🙂



  18. Janet Jackson on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:38 am

    I like to schedule Girls Night Out or Girls Day In times. What that looks like varies from week to week. It could be lunch or dinner with friends, a netflix or board game social at home with girl friends, a shopping excursion, a day trip to somewhere fun or even just soaking in a relaxing bath after putting kids to bed or curling up with a good book. Find what works for you be sure to write it in on your calender and then actually DO IT!! 🙂



  19. Annalisa Walker on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:41 am

    I never used to take any me time – felt too much guilt about doing that. I then contracted Lyme disease. I became bedridden and dependent on everyone as I couldn’t take care of myself. I have been in treatment for two years. I am still in healing and not back to 100%. This disease has taught me how important it is to slow down, rest, and take time for myself. I now get up a little bit earlier than the rest of my family to read my bible and devotionals. This helps my day get started on a positive note. I also go to the gym 6 days per week without feeling guilty anymore! The biggest lesson I’ve learned after going through this horrific illness is how important it is to take care of ourselves. I literally took care of everyone else in my life (even though they were perfectly capable)and the toll it took on my body literally almost killed me. I thank God every day for my life being renewed, regaining health, and him changing me in ways I never thought could happen. 🙂



    • Sherry on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Praying for you this morning! You are an inspiration!



    • Elaine on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 3:08 pm

      Prayers for you!



  20. Elaine Segstro on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:04 am

    I LOVE “me time”, and I often feel guilty that I look forward to everyone leaving for work or for school! It is refreshing and it does make me a MUCH happier mama and wife 🙂 Just so I don’t feel guilty, I intersperse tidying/cleaning projects with reading. I just LOVE reading, and especially if it’s a good book, I can read for hours. A cup of tea with a book – YES!



    • Stacey Weiss on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 7:07 am

      Hi Elaine, I just love His time too;). early in the morning when there’s no sparkly youthful eyes to distract me! I di in to His word,in the secret place…How are you?



      • Stacey Weiss on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 7:08 am

        oops! that is dig! not di



  21. MissyB on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I usually do my grocery shopping on Saturdays since I work during the week. I am a big couponer so I usually go to 3 different stores so that sometimes is a job in itself. It usually doesn’t bother me to go cause I am usually by myself but it doesn’t feel like “me time”. So I will try to stop by a real cutsie or girly store (as my husband calls it) that I enjoy going in taking my time and just look, smell and take in all the neat things in the store. And then maybe one Saturday every 4-6 weeks I take a break from doing all that grocery shopping and I don’t do it. Instead my husband and I may go hiking or take a day trip – that’s usually a good one cause I feel like I get some “me time and us time”.



  22. April on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I make it a habit to take a long bath a few times a week. My husband is an awesome man!! He knows that bath time is my “me time” and he takes over with the kids to let me have that time!!



  23. Gina on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:11 am

    after 16 years of a stressful full time job I quit on July 3 for a lower paying substitute teacher’s aide job (with summers off). I have been off the last 3 weeks and feel the best I have in years!! Life is too short to not slow down and enjoy it. I still feel guilty and blessed both at the same time. God is Good!!



  24. Kathie on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I go upstairs after dinner every so often and just chill with a good book or my ipad and my dog. The family is used to this and usually leaves me alone for an hour sometimes even 2! It helps me calm down after our very hectic summer days and then I am able to sleep so much better.



  25. Sherry on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:49 am

    Love to take my Bible, a devotional and find a quiet place with a coffee frap like drink, sometimes I go to a coffee shop, Wendy’s or McDonald’s, but most of the time the quietest place is in my own living room or on my deck



  26. Denise Wojcik on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:53 am

    I get up at 4:30 to hit the gym for some me time before heading to work. That is my hour to do something for me. I also schedule an hour massage once a month. I realize the importance of taking time for me and know it makes me a better mom and wife.



  27. Heather on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:59 am

    Doesn’t happen often enough, but . . . Ask grandma to watch the kids. Ask daddy to take them to the playground or fishing. Make time to go to the gym. Take a bubble bath. Watch tv or a movie to veg out. Would love to win the prize :-).



  28. Nancy Jo on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I go to the Y and exercise. Good for body, mind and soul!



  29. Cammi Waggoner on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:09 am

    I wake up at 5:00 a.m. every morning, get my bible, devotional and read a little, then go a watch the sunrise, water the flowers, do a little gardening and then get ready for work! I find if I take the time in the morning I have a better day!

    Cammi Waggoner



  30. Peggy Clement on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:24 am

    Every morning I have my quite time with God, I get up while everyone else is still asleep, grab cup of coffee, and like this morning I listened to worship music.



  31. Courtney on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Every morning I get up before my husband and read a devotional, my bible, and pray for God to give me the strength for that day and let m be a blessing to someone.



  32. Lisa F. on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:10 pm

    Every so often (not quite once a week… Maybe once a month, though it needs to be more), my husband will run me a bubble bath with candles around it and then he’ll take care of putting the kids to bed and make sure no one bothers me for a solid 30 minutes (or longer if possible)! Other “me-time” I take I grocery shopping after the kids and hubby are in bed or going out for coffee with a friend after all of our children are in bed and our hubbies are willing to stay home too!



  33. Donna J. on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:15 pm

    The first thing I do when I get up every morning is make my coffee and then sit and have my Bible Study/Devotional time with God.

    I’m a grandma now so I don’t have my children at home but I am a full-time wife, student and leader of various ministries at church so I think I am busier now than I was when my children were home! We are reading “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryan Smith in our Community Group and one of the chapters we just covered was about having “margins” in your life. In other words, not being overextended and having time for yourself, family, etc.

    I love to crochet and do other crafts. It is actually therapeutic for me. I started a blanket two years ago on a cruise that I am still not finished with!! We have decided as our busiest time of the year is just around the corner that I will stop working no later than 8:00pm and sit and crochet while watching something my husband and I both enjoy on television.

    There will be no more working right up to bed time and never feeling rested! Thank you Lord for giving me the rest and allowing me to be a better wife, mother, grandmother, friend and leader.



  34. rachel on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    I exercise — if I’m on the elliptical, I read or watch a fun show. Running helps me empty my mind and relax.



  35. Tera on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:20 pm

    I run 3 to 4 times a week! It helps keep me same and just puts me in a better mood. 🙂



  36. Sarah M on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:22 pm

    A hot bath is one of my favorite ways to spend my “me time”. Also, when the kiddos are in bed, I love to curl up on the couch and catch up on my favorite blogs!



  37. Stephanie on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:53 pm

    My favorite “me time” is getting together for an evening with a friend. It’s so nice to share that time doing whatever (walking the track, going to the mall, getting ice cream, seeing a movie). Helps me to keep life in focus and encourage me! And of course there are always laughs shared and fond memories relived which helps me to destress!!!!



  38. Diamond Jernigan on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    I make time for myself each week by getting the kids scheduled down doing something they enjoy such as outside playing on the trampoline, etc. and then I steal away and enjoy tending to my rose bushes or just sitting in the shade and reading a good book. I still have an occasional eye on them and my daughter who is 12 watches them for me sometimes if I need to get away for a few minutes alone away from the area. Just a few minutes is all it can take sometimes to refresh your mind and pray or just get yourself back together to finish out the day. The tips I would have for scheduling “me” time for those who have busy schedules would be to either get up earlier than usual or during a lunch break take time to do something you may enjoy if you are at work. Other ideas would be to let your husband take care of the kids for awhile after he has come in and had time to settle down. Let him give baths or finish up supper while you run to do something away from the house or just go outside and listen to the radio away from the crowd. These are just a few ideas that may be of benefit. Also for single parents, it could be that a friend may agree to watch the kids for you for awhile for you to get away alone and refresh your mind and do something you enjoy for yourself. Great topic today!!!!!!



  39. Anna on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 1:48 pm

    Me time—–every morning I spend time with our Lord, and have made it a point not to answer phones, or check emails. After my devotion time I go outside and enjoy my garden and Gods beauty, other days I sit outside and crochet or read.. I have also started to invite friends over for lunch. I’m so excited about that, me time with friends.
    I love your idea about signing up for a class, I have always wanted to take a ceramics class. I also sit with my husband after dinner, and the teens are settled in their rooms, and crochet while he watches a movie, I watch too, but then have to undo a mistake or two in my project… :o) Thank you ladies for all the suggestions, hot bath, that sounds so good, with scented candles, so relaxing!



  40. LRF on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I will be honest, I do not schedule “me” time each week~I can tell I need some b/c I have been getting frustrated to easily.
    However, I do occasionally get a little bit of time. If you are married & have young kids then here is the one way that I get any time alone. My husband takes the kids in the pool (during the summer) or outside to play for a little while in the evening. (I do join in sometimes:) Other times, I am able to to be alone in the house for an hour while they are outside & that is an amazing feeling! So my tip is to enlist the help of those closest to you.



  41. Lynn on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:03 pm

    I wake up at 5:15 to get on the treadmill and read my daily plan “reading the bible in 365 days” through the bible app. Most days start out with this and if they dont I feel off the whole day.
    Even though my ideal “me time” would be curled up with a book drinking coffee for a whole day I take what I can get :).



  42. Momma Shoe on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    I like to meet my besties for coffee or milkshakes, conversation and a good laugh–it does wonders for this weary momma 🙂



  43. Jessica on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    I really haven’t had time for myself in a while, The only time the kids know not to interrupt is when I am having my quiet time at night for about 20 min. Wish I could do more.
    Guess I need to allocate some time for ME time.
    Thanks for the post.



  44. Jenny d. on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    Iam with my 3 kids all the time, and for my me time I buy a white chocolate mocha . And sit a drink my coffee and my kids know when mom has coffee it’s relax time!



  45. Elaine on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 3:54 pm

    Oh my Tracie this is such an important post! I am primary care giver for my husband and it is imperative that you take me time. I am bad about not taking enough. I realized last week that it so makes a difference to just have a few hours to do nothing. I read and had spa time and am so much more energized ands less stressed. Many of those have posted about feeling guilty, and I usually do but our awesome God put a support person in front of me and the Dr that cares for my hubby didn’t give me a.choice.



  46. Kim Heredia on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    It is important to reguvinate & take time to do things enjoyable to me. Sounds simple, but sometimes I just enjoy taking time grocery shopping & stopping to enjoy samples! No one pushing me through the store. Also just reading time is nice:)



  47. Whitney on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 5:20 pm

    As a mother of a 4 year old daughter, with a full time job, I dont find much time for myself 🙂 Sometimes I suggest a “sleepover” at Nana’s house for a few extra hours!



  48. Ann : ) on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Get up earlier – before anyone else is up.
    Sometimes go for a walk alone.



  49. Jane on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 6:02 pm

    Daily time first thing in the AM before my husband gets up – but since he and I work together all week – I take a day off for myself each week.



  50. Diane on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm

    I get up 1-2 hours before everyone else to have peace and quiet for devotions, a run and coffee and paper! My family thinks i am crazy but its been a habit now for over two years!



  51. Susan on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 9:51 pm

    Tomorrow is my day off, and the kids are sleeping in this summer, so I plan on a quiet morning. If all goes well it should include coffee in my quiet back yard and a nice long walk. And of course, time spent in reflection and prayer. It’s actually been a long time since I had me time, so I’m hoping it all works out as planned!



  52. Tyrina Cittrich on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    My husband makes it a point to push me out the door to get a mani/pedi every couple weeks or so. I also teach Zumba classes so it forces me to workout which I love to do but sometimes I need motivation. When you have a room full of 30 woman waiting for you, everything else can wait, I.e., dishes, cleaning! I teach 3x a week and take a couple other classes. Every night I watch my shows (DVR), read, or OBS. Night time is my time so I wake up with the kids. Not a morning person at all!



  53. Mary T on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 11:20 pm

    Tracie, I love summer! I try to get to the beach at least once a week, my favorite place to relax. I also spend at least one hour each night reading my emails from all of my Proverbs31 ladies and reading my Bible. I usually pray myself to sleep. And once a month, I take a day to just rest in and with the Lord praying and reading and thanking God for my many blessings! And of course my monthly salon appt! I am truly blessed!



  54. Lucretia s on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 12:20 am

    I really need to work on this. I tend to feel guilty because i work full time…and thus not take time for myself. I am going to try to stay up after all are in bed for a bit of me time…it is so peaceful then. I could use that time for me time, not chore time.



  55. Lori on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 2:32 am

    I love to read, so my me time is spend reading. I make a point to always have a book handy.



  56. angie steffen on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:50 am

    I take any moment I have. Usually we run like crazy going here and there! This summer I am stepping back a lot, w/ gas prices we really can’t do to many drives. My husband and I planned a week of family time together, ball game and another day at water park. Well, my husband was wrestling w/ our 12yr old daughter, my husband jumped and messed his back up. I am glad we did not buy the tickets or hotel rooms, we would be out that money. God works in a crazy way. My kids and some neighbor kids were over and of course they r bored, tired, hungry! Lol I said use your imagination, my twins built our cats a pentcathouse! They used tools, measured, and yes spray painted. It is so special, they r building another house and now my teenage son and his friends r making something too!! I do take “my” time, but I am enjoying watching my kids work together, and I don’t c any babies I see 2preteens (twin girls) and a young man. I hope you all have a wonderful summer of memories!!



  57. Crystal on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    To schedule some “me time,” I try to keep Sundays as a day of rest. So after church and lunch is eaten, we will either head to the beach, or I will just find a comfy chair and spend some time reading. I’m not actually alone, but I can get lost in the book and feel alone, but either way I walk away from the rejuvenated and refreshed
    : )



  58. Janet Axelson on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    I work full-time, I’m taking an online class, and I’m a single mom of 3 girls…I wake up early, and lay really still and pray…I also listen to praise and worship, or Joyce Meyer teaching tapes in the car. This is my “me” time!



  59. Amber m on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:29 pm

    So timely as always. I can always use this kind of reminder. Especially during a super busy week. Thank you



  60. Cathy W on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 12:48 am

    Really needed this today. I have been so busy lately that I have not been spending time with Jesus. Today just before heading out for work I looked at my Bible & stopped & took the time to read & talk to Him. Definitely need to do this daily.



  61. Dawn Cassady on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 6:14 am

    I try to exercise in the morning and schedule time with my husband at least one night on the weekend.



  62. Laura on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 6:27 am

    Getting up before everyone else and going for a walk or run has been part of my routine for several years now and it always sets the mood for a better day.



  63. Dee on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 6:56 am

    I start my day by reading my devotional & scriptur early in the morning & spend some time in prayer. I try my best to schedule lunch or breakfast with a friend to simply connect & have time with a mutual busy mom who we can encourage each other. And once a month or every other month about 5 of us get together to scrapbook, we call it our therapy session but it is always a great time.



  64. Kate on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:05 am

    Feeling a little guilty for heading to a spa resort with my gf for 4 days, but not anymore….thank you!! 🙂



  65. Heidi on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:14 am

    I always feel guilty for taking time for myself. Thank you for these wonderful ideas. I know I need time for myself but I just don’t take it. Going to start planning “my” time.



  66. Charley on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:32 am

    Me time??? What is that exactly? Lol As a homeschool mom of 5 kids and a fulltime caretaker as well, me time is few and far between. But some days when my husband is off work I will sneak up to my parents house to hang out with them. We talk (without interruption), share chai tea, sit and read our respective nooks, watch a movie, just enjoy time together with no responsibilities. It can be very refreshing! And my favorite time of the mornings is when the kids are still sleeping and I grab my cup of coffee, my bible study materials, and spend time outside in my hammock with the Lord:-) I cherish those few quiet moments before my day begins.



  67. Misti on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:47 am

    My boys are competitive archers & my husband is one of their coaches… I use the time when they are practicing at home for my me time. I try to craft, read a few chapters of my book, etc.



  68. Deborah on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 7:59 am

    My kids are grown but I still need some me time. When I get to feeling I need me time I tell my husband that I feel like running away from home… He now understands…usually the next day, I just get in the car and go….. I usually go thrifting… visit the thrift stores in my area. It is fun… You never know what you are going to find but you know it won’t cost much… The hunt is the fun… I usually find some one to talk to about Jesus or pray with and that makes it more than fun… Me time every ONE men and women need this…..



  69. Jane on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 8:05 am

    I get up earlier than everyone else to take the aging dog for a walk with this “maturing” mom. (No one else wants to go early!) I can savor the sunrise and listen to God. I also stay up a little longer than everyone else to read and do devotionals before tucking myself in. My challenge remains how to maintain this focus with God and Me throughout the crazed hecticness of a packed-day!



  70. Debbie Morrow on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 4:05 pm

    With working a full time job, visiting my husband who is currently in a nursing home and taking care of my home I suffer from tremendous guilt: I should be visiting my husband as much as possible but I’m tired at the end of the day and my husband’s family is quick to tell me that they visit him everyday!; I need to get the laundry down, the house cleaned, the dogs taken care of; and then supporting 15-20 architects at work – I feel the need to be in 2 places at the same time! My escape is grabbing my Kindle and a cup of coffee and enjoying the sunrise on our new front deck – listening to the early morning sounds for 30 minutes gets me ready to face the day! Once a week I try to “take myself out to lunch” at a nearby restaurant and my trusty Kindle – once more recharging my batteries! The best part is sending my Proverbs 31 emails to my Kindle – then I can enjoy the blogs and articles that seem to be just perfect for my day’s challenges. My mornings, afternoons and evenings are interspersed with prayers of thankfulness for all that God has blessed me with and for His guiding hand as I travel the journey thru my husband’s brain cancer and stroke recovery. My battle is mainly from within – with me – I should do…I should be…! But knowing that God is with me – that makes the battle easier.



  71. Kelli on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 6:46 pm

    I work close to the harbor in our town and often spend my lunch hour there reading. I’m also usually the first person up in my house (weekday & weekend) and try to refrain from turning on the TV and instead spend a little time with God.



  72. Kim S on Friday, July 26, 2013 at 9:04 pm

    I recently bought a treadmill so I’ve been trying to jog a couple of miles each morning for “me” time.



  73. LoveNevaFails on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    I read a devotional every morning before my feet hit the floor, no matter where I am.



  74. christy b on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 6:17 pm

    I have always looked forward to doing for my family. Now they are grown and that is all I want. Than I realized all I want is that feeling of being needed and wanted. I don’t know how to find it, and knowing God needs and wants me don’t seem like enough! Why is that? Do I need more affirmation from humans on earth? Lord, help me see why I feel I need more from those on earth. I don’t want riches or fancy things just would like to have at least one human on earth that wants (and know I will) to be needed and wanted by me. Amen!



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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