In today’s hectic world, it is more important than ever to take time for ourselves, otherwise known as “Me Time.” With the hustle and bustle of living in a growing city like Charlotte, our fast-paced world can take its toll on us. Simply driving to and from work in Charlotte can be stressful. I-485 traffic, the continuing construction on Independence Blvd., and the many street name changes are ways our roads alone can be stressful. Then add driving your children to soccer practice at the YMCA  and drama class at The Children’s Theatre at the end of the day. After a full day of work, you only have time and energy to grab fast food, assist with homework, and go to bed.

If we don’t take care of ourselves, how are we good at taking care of our family? Here are 8 tips to taking “Me Time:”

1. Wake up 30 minutes early and meditate or journal when it is quiet in the house.

Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea all by yourself.

2. Take a 15 minute break mid-morning and afternoon for a healthy snack.

This will provide you with some extra energy and a small break from stressful tasks.  Grab a buddy and cut away from the office for walk to the nearest coffee shop or smoothie bar and make a pact to not discuss work!

3. Take some time to get away on the weekend, even for just an hour or two.

If you are married, get a babysitter and have “date night”.

4. Be a tourist in your own city

See a play at Blumenthal, have dinner at Blue, and book a room at the Ritz-Carlton downtown for a mini vacation without the bother of actually traveling.

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This article came from the great minds at
Thriveworks Counseling, Charlotte.

5. Scents can help us relax and bring back good memories.

Take a bath with your favorite salts, bubbles, and soaks. Put on your favorite perfume or skin lotion.  Burn your favorite scented candles.

6. Make a commitment to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Don’t watch TV in bed or get on the computer. Start settling down thirty minutes before bedtime, and keep the bedroom completely dark.

7. Exercise! Exercise can lift our mood and keep our bodies healthy.

Start at 10 minutes and work your way up to 30-45 minutes a day, five times a week. Pick an exercise you enjoy. It might be running, cycling, boot camp, or soccer. You choose! Partners can help with motivation and accountability.  Join the JCC  where the facilities are awesome and they offer a variety of classes as part of your membership.

8. Explore the parks, trails, and pathways of Charlotte.

Hike at the Whitewater Center, ride your bike or run the Greenways at McAlpine Creek, jog the hidden paths that traverse through the neighborhoods of Southpark, or take a walk at Freedom Park.

These are just a few ways to carve out a little time for ourselves. Give it a try…you and your family are worth it!

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