You’re a working mom who juggles the kids, hubby, household and your job. Your boss assigns you to a five-day work trip abroad and your inner shout of joy at getting some time to yourself is immediately squelched by guilt. Is it wrong to want some “me” time? Here’s why you should intentionally set aside time for yourself, and be happy about doing so.
Parenting is an exhausting job. Whether you’re a working or stay-at-home mum, there are a million things to do, but only 24 hours a day. We all need time to get away from it all and recharge our batteries, to preserve health and well being and prevent burn out. Yet women, who often put the needs of the family above their own, have a tendency to feel guilty about taking time off. “I can’t just drop everything. The children need me, the laundry has to be washed, the floor mopped, dinner put on the table…”
Even if you won’t take time off for your own sake, consider the fact that you have to take care of yourself in order to best take care of others. Let’s look at why you should kick guilt out the window and carve out time for yourself.
TIME WITH YOURSELF IS TIME WELL SPENT
It’s been scientifically proven that alone time can boost productivity by rebooting your brain through relaxation. Dr Sherrie Bourg Carter, a psychologist and author, says alone time makes you calmer, allows you to be focused, reduces anxiety, and leaves you energetic to face the next hurdle of the day. All of those are positives that affect how you perform not just as a parent or spouse, but as an employee or leader of your organization. Not forgetting, being calmer and less stressed will improve your relationships too.
So you’re convinced of the benefits and have decided to make time for yourself. But you’re still feeling this lingering guilt about it. Here’s something else to bear in mind: beating yourself up about having alone time is counterproductive, as explained by Indian yogi, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. All the negative energy you expend in feeling guilt will negate the good that you get out of “me” time. So lose the guilt and learn to feel good about feeling good!
ACHIEVING “ME TIME”
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2017 edition of Health Today Malaysia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
Why You Should Wake Up Early?
Stressed at work? Do you come to work already counting the minutes until you can leave, and is this attitude affecting your work performance? Try coming to work early – researchers found that doing so can improve your productivity as well as your enjoyment of your work considerably.
How To Break Your Children Free Of The Digital Take-Over?
Form seventy-to seven-inch screens… how do we break our children free of the digital take-over?
Celebrating The Legacy Of A Legend Lee Chong Wei
The legendary shuttler needs no introduction. His recent retirement from professional badminton left friends and foes shattered and the badminton scene will never be the same.
Fancy A Date? Heck, Why Not 10?
Who could forget the famous sultry whisper of “Yusuf Taiyoob” come every fasting month. The name is synonymous with dates and is a testament to its marketing success. Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are very much part of Southeast Asian culture and was probably introduced into the region by the spread of trade. We did some digging around and found that dates are as potent as figs and perhaps that’s the reason our forefathers took such a liking to them.
Warning: It's Going To Get Corny
Longing for smooth, baby-soft feet? Can’t seem to find a way to get rid of those pesky hardened skin known as corns and calluses? HealthToday talks to a podiatrist to find out ways to eliminate corns and calluses safely, and for good.
