I get asked by patients during consultation,” Dr, you looked calm and not stressed “, but when I share with them what my daily tasks are, they are puzzled as how I complete my day and yet not stressed by it. My answer to them is ‘Me-Time’. A short 15 minutes of Me-Time is all I need to stay sane.
In our fast-paced and demanding world, it is becoming increasingly important to prioritize our mental health. We often overlook the importance of taking time for ourselves, frequently falling into the trap of constant busyness and neglecting our own wellbeing. However, setting aside some “Me-Time” is vital for maintaining a healthy mind.
Reading brings me to another place, gives me calm from my everyday routine
“Mental health” refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it affects how we think, feel, and act. Taking care of our mental health can improve our overall quality of life and enable us to handle the challenges that come our way more effectively. Me-Time is defined as a period dedicated solely to nurturing our individual needs, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Can never go wrong with Leonidas Dark Chocolate and coffee, takes worries far far away
Engaging in Me-Time allows us to disconnect from the outside world temporarily and focus solely on our own needs. We need to recharge and rejuvenate ourselves so we can carry on better and stronger. By engaging in activities such as meditation, yoga, reading, or even simply taking a leisurely walk in nature, we can create a space for reflection and relaxation. This time alone with our thoughts helps us to develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and gain a better understanding of our own emotions, anxieties, and aspirations.
An episode of Friends just for laughs, let the mind rest
Me-Time can also involve indulging in activities that bring us joy and happiness. My favourite Me-Time activity would be reading a feel-good novel, sipping a cup of coffee while listening to good tunes or simply enjoy the blue sky, the chirping birds and the soft wind. These moments allows me to escape the pressures and stressors of everyday life. These activities not only bring pleasure but also promote the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones.
Furthermore, Me-Time can enhance our ability to manage stress through self reflect and self care. Constantly rushing through life leaves little time to evaluate how we are truly feeling and address any issues that may be affecting our mental health. Engaging in Me-Time enables us to unwind, recharge, and build resilience so that we can better handle setbacks that may come our way.
I decide how I feel… for Real!
Overall, Me-Time is a powerful tool for maintaining and improving our mental health. By dedicating a good 15-20 minutes of our days can help foster self-awareness, develop self-care routines, and create healthy boundaries, thus enhancing our overall well-being and happiness. Taking care of ourselves is not selfish but rather a necessary act of self-love and preservation. So, let us all commit to incorporating Me-Time into our lives, and watch as our mental health thrives.
