Radical "Me Time" Is a Must!

I have been practicing being kind to myself recently, because I often put others first in my life — to excess. So, one evening I was feeling down and blah, and felt guilty because I didn’t want to make dinner or help my son with homework.

My husband works hard and commutes a shockingly long distance each day, so I felt guilty asking him for help. But on that day, I called my husband and asked him if he’d make dinner for us when he got home and help my son with his homework.

He asked, “Are you sick?” And I told him I just felt yucky emotionally, but felt I needed to take a “sick day” that evening.

He suggested I put on my PJs and get into bed. Not to pretend I’m sick, but to be kind to myself and give myself a break. So, I found a novel on my book shelf, got into bed, and stayed there until that evening when my husband announced dinner was ready. My son even brought me tea in bed.

They really got into it! I think they were happy to see me admit I felt bad and to take care of myself. Also, me being in bed in my PJs when each of them arrived home was a novelty — which I think cracked them up. (I feel so loved when they share a good-natured laugh about me.)

I know not all families are like that, but I gave them a chance to take care of me for a change and they stepped up to the plate.

Maybe the fact that I was honest about how I was feeling made a difference. I don’t know. I don’t take serious “me time” often, so when I do it, they know I really feel bad.

Even if they didn’t agree with my decision, it would have been perfectly okay to “let them down” and take care of myself. They are not helpless, after all.

Have you asked your family to help you take a night off? Make it fun for them, if possible. You will be teaching them how to take care of you, and modeling how to take care of themselves.

If this doens’t make sense for you, is there something else you can do to put some boundaries around your “me time?”

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