Your vision is blurry. Your back hurts with a throbbing pain and your feet are aching. Your neck and shoulders hurt. The same hurt you’ve been feeling for days. It’s been “one of those days.” Maybe it’s been one of those weeks. You are tired and worn out. Your co-workers are even beginning to notice. You know the feeling.

You are juggling many things in life. You know your work life and family life are out of balance; and honestly, you would like some time for yourself. You would like just a few moments to stop the train. To hop off and look around but you feel guilty for taking a moment for yourself. These are symptoms of the hurricane of life. This is a moment in time that becomes very real as we reach our late forties and early fifties. We wonder how many more dues we have to pay. Haven’t we paid enough emotional currency into the system? Aren’t we owed a moment to ourselves? There is an answer to this and I am going to share 3 things that will make the storm of the day a gentle ocean breeze. Just read on.

I have some very good news for you! The answer is “YES!” You have earned it. You do owe it to yourself and no, you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking it.

First, let’s see if we can agree on the problem here. Is it, there is too much going on in our day or is it that we feel a sense of guilt for taking a moment for ourselves? The problem is it’s both. Here are a few ways to tackle both sides of this issue.

Simplify Your Timeline

First, look at your timeline in your day, week, or month. Try to identify where you can simplify your day. It’s easy for us to take on too much responsibility. Try not to schedule so much extra-curricular time for your children. They probably want a rest from the whirlwind as well. Loosen your social calendar. It’s all right to tell your friends you are scheduling some time for yourself.

Get up a little earlier in the morning. A friend of mine wakes up an hour early. She’s up before the husband and kids. This allows her some solitude and a moment to collect her thoughts for the day. She says this time actually gives her more energy for the day!

There may be a block of time in the day where you can politely decline to be present. Schedule a few hours in your day or week only for you. Make an appointment with yourself and keep it just as you would any other appointment.

Pursue an Individual Passion

Find an activity you truly enjoy and are passionate about and seek out a class or group meeting that supports it.

Sign up for a painting for beginner’s class or a yoga class. Join a book club that meets at the local library one night a week. My great aunt and great uncle, who were married for over 50 years, had somewhere to be individually during the week. My great aunt went to a sewing group on a Monday and my great uncle headed to the local recreation hall to play cards with his friends. It gave them that moment of individual time that was so important to their life and relationship.

This attacks the problem on two fronts. It not only creates time for yourself but it gives you something of value. You are learning to do something new or learning to do something better. This can go a long way in removing the guilt factor.

Let Go of the Guilt

I know you feel you should be doing something more important. You have the kids’ school day tomorrow. You need to make sure the clothes are clean. A million items need your attention. Well, YOU need your attention too.

You need some time to relax, recharge and feel good. The better you feel the better you will be able to engage your loved ones and commit to the hard projects at work and home. There is no guilt in preparing for the day’s events. The most important way to prepare is to take time for you.

When was the last time you took time for yourself? Trust me; it has been too long. Take these steps and take them seriously. How do you spend a little time on yourself?

What is the one thing you do for yourself?

If you can’t think of one thing then it’s time to take action on these basic action items.

Relax — Recharge — Take Some Time for Yourself