Taking Time for Yourself — DO IT.
You don’t have to earn time off.
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It’s too easy to make work my whole life.
As a full-time work-from-homer, I am basically always at the office. My cell phone is my work phone and my personal laptop is my work computer.
It can be hard to disconnect and just be a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a cat mom. I actually had to schedule my mother into my calendar this week, so that we could have a nice talk.
As much as I love my work and my life — which is really a lot and I have never been happier — I can feel it becoming more stressful.
I have to remind myself to step back and disconnect. I have to remember that I am allowed to have a life outside of work. Clients CAN wait until morning for me to respond to their emails, even though I feel compelled to respond at 10 pm.
I’m allowed to go run errands or go shopping or even knock off a bit early if I want. I can make time for the gym.
I have to continue to remind myself of all of this because it is so easy to fall into being so busy that I have no time for myself. And I understand it’s important to take that time.
Anne Lamott, writer and political activist says, “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
It is important to have time to and for yourself. Time away from work, relaxing or doing something you enjoy that has nothing to do with calls, clients, and deadlines.
It is better for your brain and your overall health to step away and have time for YOU. This is called self-care and it’s vitally important to our physical and mental health.
If you aren’t happy, mentally, emotionally, AND physically, how can you give your all in business and for others? If you can’t care for yourself, how can you care for anyone else?
Did you know that stress affects your whole body? Some of the physical signs include headaches, upset stomach, insomnia, acne, lowered immune system, and tense muscles, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America.
I officially, wholeheartedly, unequivocally give you permission to take time just for you.
No kids, no spouse, no questions. Whether that is the gym, taking a walk, having a drink, reading a book, going bowling, whatever makes you happy and lets you completely turn off work. Disconnect with tech and reconnect with self.
Be healthy and be happy in all aspects, and your work can only benefit!
