Oman Health: Time to get some me time

In today’s chaotic world it has become almost mandatory to be a little selfish to set some time aside to do something that makes for a happier you. We spend almost all our time trying to meet someone else’s needs and deadlines. Have you responded to that email? Have you fed the baby? Have you picked up your husband’s suits from the laundry? The list is endless and very rarely does it have a question that goes ‘Have you done something for yourself today?’ Selfishness does have its perks sometimes and that’s not something you learn from your Moral Science class. Let’s take a look at how you can take some steps to be a happier person in just a few hours.

Make a wish list
You need to know what makes you tick. It could be a soak in the tub or a ride to the beach or playing some video games. Make a list and rank it based on what makes you happier. Now wave that magic wand and make it happen.

Squeeze your schedule
Don’t we always make time for sending out that extra e-mail or washing that extra load of laundry just so we have a little more peace of mind? That’s what we need to do here as well. Make room in your busy day for at least 30-60 minutes of exclusive ‘me’ time. No excuses.Think of it as a project you have to complete before the day is done.

Delegate
You may think you are Superman but that is rarely the case. If you find yourself hard pressed for time then you have to hone your delegating skills. Learn to hand over specific tasks or projects to other colleagues or subordinates. At home, start training your kids to do simple tasks that would otherwise hog up your time. Maybe even your spouse could lend a hand.

Outsource
There are some things that can be done by others so you can put your time to better use. Menial tasks or time-consuming ones can be outsourced and you can reallocate your financial resources to meet these needs. This leaves you with more time for recreation and relaxation, which makes you eventually more productive and creative.

Limit distractions
Spend your time on the right things. If you’re working on something important close the door to shut out the chaos and don’t keep checking your mail or whatsapp or FB.

Take something off your list
There are some things on your to-do list that you positively hate or that drives you crazy. Find a way to get it done by someone else or if it’s not critical just drop it from your checklist. You can thank yourself for all those worry lines you didn’t give yourself.

Be non-negotiable
When it comes to spending time on yourself do not negotiate with yourself or others. Be it a night out with the boys or coffee with a friend or Saturday lunch with your teen, be tough and don’t let anyone or anything eat into that time. [email protected]