The 7 Most Effective Tips for Time Management: Take Out Time for Yourself

Tip#7: Take Out Time for Yourself

I've been talking about time management a lot recently. Those who are sick of reading these tips to manage time, the good news is that this will be my very last post in the series of 'The Most Effective Tips for Time Management'. Those who have been enjoying it, on the other hand, this post will almost sum it all up for you.

When we are too busy in our family and work lives, we often neglect ourselves completely. Why do we do this? Because, we probably do not love ourselves enough....

While it may at first seem obvious that our work should on the top list of our priorities and we come the last, this is not true at all.  You need to come first....always!

Taking out time for yourself is crucial for good time management. It is one of those skills that you need to learn. You ought to love yourself to get there!

What Happens When You Come Last

If you ignore yourself, you:

• Increase your stress levels

• Feel tired and lethargic at all times

• Are no longer be capable of handle the pressure of work or other responsibilities

• Give up too soon

• Notice other signs of burnout

If you do not look after yourself properly, you will no longer be in a position to look after your work or others around you who need you. You will be that Peter who will have to rob himself to pay Paul.

Ultimately after working too hard and ignoring yourself, you will reach a point where you will exhaust yourself out completely. I've been there in that situation several times in my life and I know exactly how it feels.... You become agitated, grumpy, angry and stressed. Luckily, I've spotted the signs of burnout sooner than many and screamed out aloud to myself "This is it. I've had enough. I need a break now!" 

Taking a break or simply finding time to do things I enjoy doing, like writing or hanging around with friends, has helped me live and enjoy my life again to the fullest.

The Wonders Taking Out Time for Yourself Can Do

When you take personal time, you release that high pressure valve of work and stress. That is what actually helps you to avoid exhaustion, and when you work in a stress-free environment, you manage your time in a much better way. Also, your mind and body feels more relaxed, focused and you are in the position to give nothing less than your best.

Self care helps you refocus, recharge and take a deep breath. You get a completely new and different perspective or look out on the things once you take that much-needed break.

People usually get their best ideas not when they are at work but when they are relaxed, in a recreational setting.
~Anonymous

Now, don't get me wrong. When I say, you need to take a break and find time for yourself, I don't  mean you have to on an expensive holiday 2-3 times a year. Of course, that would be ideal, if you can afford to do so, but self care can simply be introduced by bringing about changes to your usual habits and lifestyle. Self care all about leading a healthy life and find the right balance between your work and your own life.

Self Care is Not As Hard as You Think

• Eat well:

 That's important. Make sure you eat properly and not skipping meals, eating junk or starving yourself when you are too busy working. Many people will fill themselves with something handy but usually junk such as a bar of chocolate or a packet of crisps while their fingers are too busy finding the right letters on the keyboard. While the fats and sugars will give you some energy, they are not healthy for you. Try eating a fresh, healthy balanced diet. That's a part of looking after yourself.

• Be active:

Sitting on your desk in front of the computer screen is not healthy at all. You need to move about and exercise. There are plenty of videos on YouTube about how to exercise around your desk. If you feel too embarrassed to those in front of other colleagues, just leave your desk, take a 15-20 minutes break and go for a stroll. It can all be fun if you find more companions to accompany you. 

You can also meditate or use other stress relieving techniques before beginning work, in the middle of work or after you finish work daily. 

• Drink plenty and keep yourself hydrated: 

While eating healthy is important, drinking well is important too. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking 1-2 litres of water daily. Keep a water bottle by yourself at all times to remind you to have a drink every now and then.

• Sleep for 6-8 hours everyday:

 You might have experienced having a bad day at work just because you couldn't sleep well. If you do not get enough sleep for one night, your entire day is affected severely. You end up being less productive, grumpy and exhausted. Easier said than done, try to get a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep every day. If you are having trouble sleeping at nights, you need professional help.

• Find a hobby:

Indulge in a hobby like playing sports, biking, knitting, dancing, painting, photography - whatever you like to do. For me, as you know, it's writing. I let all my stress, thoughts and worries out here, in those little notes I tend to write daily or in my diary.

• Take a Break-You Deserve it:

Now, this is not what you can d everyday, but once in a while, it is okay to go on a holiday or an adventure with friends or to a spa- something that is different from your day-to-day routine. It can be just getting a manicure, a facial, a massage or just a relaxing bath with sweet smelling bath salts- anything that will help you get away from the usual stress at work.

• Learn to say NO:

I've talked about this before in my previous post. You don't have to do everything yourself and end up being a workaholic. Delegate tasks and learn to manage your time effective by saying no to things you can't do or think will be too much for you to do in one day. Just say no politely so that you are not offending anyone. When you try to be extra efficient, you often end up taking away a major chunk of your personal time. You feel stressed, irritable and generally unhappy. Then you are no longer are no fun to live, work or play with. This can have a negative impact your family and work relationships.

• Set your priorities:

I've talked about this in detail to before. If you missed it, you can read it here. You need to get more organised  and set your priorities. Tasks that you feel are not urgent or important can be delayed or put off. That's an investment and not a waste of time. Personal care should be among your priorities and part of your long range plans.

Time management is important and to do it effectively, 'you' should be included as a part of the process. Do not ignore yourself or give your work more priority than yourself. While you work hard, find time to take care of yourself. Lead a healthy life where you eat, drink and sleep properly. Make time to relax, unwind and reward yourself for all that you do. Do things that make you happy. 

When you do all that, you are happy and healthy-inside and out. You work more productively, efficiently, creatively and of course more enthusiastically.

Happy time managing!