Try our 11 ways to make more time for you in 2021
When did you last have some me-time? Was it yesterday? Last week? Last month?
Taking time for ourselves and prioritising our wellbeing is vital for both our mental and physical health.
Getting enough rest and engaging in activities that make us happy can decrease our stress levels, boost our immune system and mental health, and even reduce our risk of serious illness such as heart disease and stroke.
But finding the time isn’t always easy.
Recent research shows that the average mum gets just 17 minutes to herself each day, while nearly a quarter of us are working an extra day in overtime each week.
So how can we change this?
Whether it’s taking time out to read a magazine, exercise or just enjoy a cuppa in peace, here’s how to build in some me-time to do the things that bring out the best in your health and happiness in 2021.
Down-size chores
The average Brit spends 253 minutes a week cooking, 100 minutes food shopping and 61 minutes ironing. However, making simple tweaks to your routine such as batch cooking, shopping online or buying wrinkle-resistant clothing will free up time to do the things you want to do.
Say no
Set yourself a challenge to say no to three things a week. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but by not always automatically agreeing to additional work, chores or social commitments, you’ll free up more time, headspace and energy for yourself.
Use the two-minute rule
As soon as you see a job — cleaning the bath or paying a bill — if it’ll take less than two minutes, do it. Tackling quick jobs will avoid them piling up and give you larger uninterrupted chunks of time to spend how you wish.
Delegate
It’s true your 12-year-old might not hang out the washing quite the way you like it, but by delegating tasks, you are teaching important life skills and freeing up 10 minutes for you.
Diarise
We put work commitments in our diaries, but we’re not as good at allocating time for ourselves. Put half an hour in each day and stick to it. By taking time to recharge, you’re likely to be more efficient at tackling your to-do list.
Don’t waste time waiting
If you can’t find half an hour to go for that run or read a magazine, use the time you do have. If you arrive for an appointment or to pick up the kids early, instead of sitting in the car for 10 mins, go for a quick walk, read or meditate. You’ll feel calmer, happier and refreshed.
Start your day with silence
Get up 10 minutes earlier than everyone else in your house for some peace, quiet and uninterrupted me-time. Silence helps lower our stress levels so whether you start your day doing yoga, reading your favourite magazine or savouring that first cuppa, you’ll feel much more relaxed.
Put your phone down
When did you last go to check something on your phone and suddenly find yourself reading emails and scrolling through social media? The average Brit spends three and a half hours a day on their phone — the equivalent of more than 53 days each year!
Break jobs down
Do you need to clean the house or do a big project at work? Break it down and give yourself lots of short deadlines. Remember most jobs expand to fill the time we have available to complete them. Focus on doing one bit at a time to a tight deadline. You’ll be more likely to get it done quickly.
Banish guilt
You’re never going to find time for you if you’re always putting yourself at the bottom of the pile. Instead, at times, tell your loved ones that you’re taking 10. You could even set a timer and explain to the children that once the alarm goes off, you’ll come back and play.
Combine chores with fun
Next time you’re doing the ironing, washing-up or cooking, play an audiobook or podcast. It will make the time go quicker and make you less resentful of chores. You never know, you might even start enjoying them!
Edited by Stephanie May