There never seems to be enough time in the day. Schedules and to-do lists dominate many people’s lives and keep them busy from the time they wake up, until the time they fall asleep.
An average workday can require a lot of you, but how many times do you pencil yourself into your own schedule?
Queen Bey said it best.
“Me, myself, and I, that’s all I got in the end
That’s what I found out
And it ain’t no need to cry, I took a vow that from now on
I’m gon’ my own best friend”
It’s not enough to be everything for everyone one else and leave yourself on the back burner. The best work can be done when you make yourself a priority so that you can truly put your all into any task at hand.
You have to know when it’s time to take a break and treat yourself like the royalty you are. Here are three ways you can make time for yourself in the midst of your day-to-day responsibilities:
1. Set mile markers
Mile markers show progress during an assignment or a journey. A great way to get through a process is to celebrate yourself without anyone’s help.
You can celebrate yourself by buying yourself something, taking a trip or indulging in your favorite meal. This may seem simple, but it helps you to celebrate your accomplishments and yourself without needing confirmation from others.
2. Isolate yourself
Isolation isn’t always a bad thing. Isolation can look like turning your phone off for a few hours and going somewhere where your friends can’t find you to read, listen to music or shop.
This is a great time for you to step away from distractions and people who may constantly be in your ear. Your time alone will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged to take on your next responsibility.
3. Take advantage of random times in your day
Random times can include the ten minute gap from your next appointment or the five minute commute from one part of the office to the next. That time can be used for meditating and reading some inspirational quotes on your phone to keep you going.
Little actions like these can go a long way and keep you consistently motivated. You may be surprised at how much more energy you have throughout the day and how much more you can tolerate.
The bottom line is that you have to do whatever it takes to make sure you’re first on your priority list. This process takes time and practice. You have to do what works for you and implement that plan on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
