I Need Some Me Time How About You

I know some of you all heard that song by Heather Headley, “I Need Some Me Time”. Well right now this is how I feel and here is the chorus of the famous lyrics. ” I need some me time, not some you and some I just some me time, oh I need some she time not some him and some her just some free time, that’s all, and that’s all. If you want to hear her song because it is soo needed and so relaxing you can listen to it here.

Here are some things that I do and want to share with you all.

Establish A Routine

Get a schedule and try to stick to it daily. Routine is so important in managing your mental and physical health. The key in sticking to your self – care routine is finding activities that you look forward to at the end of a long day.

To create a daily self – care routine that works for you and your lifestyle, try experimenting with different things that light you up and make you happy.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Reading
• Yoga
• Listening to Podcasts
• Going for a walk
• Journaling
• Dance class
• Painting/Drawing

Try new things and find what works for you. Remember, your self- care routine should be tailored to you and you alone.

Get Spiritual

Tap into your spiritual core, whether it is prayer, meditation,. or taking time to catch your breath.

Meditation: Meditation is one of the easiest, most accessible spiritual practices to maintain. It may take a little encouragement to get started, but once you get going it is hard to imagine life without it. The benefits of meditation practice are numerous and includes the reduction of stress and a clear connection to who you are and what you want out of life.

Take Social Media Breaks

Social media helps us builds connections, but is can also be toxic. Unplug when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Have A Go To Playlist

Make a music playlist that helps you feel calm, and one that makes you want to dance or sit back and chill. For example, I love me some Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Ledisi and Beyonce.

Get Some Rest

If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, try adding some relaxation techniques like breathing exercises to your nighttime routine. Make sleep a priority – Do not make other plans when you should be sleeping.

Follow A Consistent Sleep Routine: Set a bedtime that is early enough for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Go to bed and wake up the same time every day even on the weekends and vacations.

Get Some Sunshine During The Day: Try 10 minutes each day out in the sun without sunglasses.

Avoid Caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, etc) for 8 to 10 hours before bedtime

Do Not Struggle To Fall Asleep: If you do not fall asleep within 20 – 30 minutes, get up and do something relaxing in another room. Go back to bed when you feel sleepy.

Revise Habits To Support Sleep: Do not stay up to watch TV, tape shows and watch them later.

Pay Attention To What You Eat

It can be tempting to self – medicate stress with unhealthy foods and overeating, but sugary and processed foods and drinks don’t make the stress better. Remember to stay hydrated as well.

Slow Down

Being busy is not always good or healthy, or even necessary. Tackling everything at 90 miles per hour only ramps up your adrenalin. Decide what is really an emergency and what isn’t. Pace yourself.

Say No

Boundaries are essential in managing stress. We get bombarded with requests both big and small, and the tendency is to want to please people. It is easy to get overwhelmed.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

As a black woman we often feel like we have to tackle everything alone – even when we’re drowning in stress. Call a friend or a family member and ask for help when you need it. Sometimes help comes in the form of just having someone to talk to. And sometimes solutions come from reaching out.

Get A Support System

Don’t go it alone. Having a person or group you can turn to is a great way to put stress in perspective.

Take care of your body-mind