self-care Archives - ME-TIME THERAPIES

So what is Me-Time?

Me-Time is not just about spending time on your own, it’s about making a conscious effort to take time out to recharge your batteries. This includes setting aside time to be present with yourself, mind, and body and taking care of your needs. Me-time can bring the mind and body back into sync with one another.

Away from distractions, to-do lists, and productivity, ‘Me time’ calms the mind. ‘Me time’ involves intentionally doing something you are craving at that moment that you know will help you feel relaxed and recharged. This usually involves giving yourself some time alone with your thoughts while undertaking mindful activities. However, it can be done in a variety of ways and varies from person to person.

Today we live in a fast-paced environment. With all the conveniences comes a downside, we don’t really take the time to slow down and find moments of peace. Taking time for yourself is vital. We often prioritise everyone else’s needs before our own because we don’t want to seem selfish or feel guilty but that’s not healthy.

So why is Me-time important?

‘Me time’ is a necessity, not a luxury. Taking time to tend to your own well-being has a lot of benefits.

Stress relief

Constantly being under pressure will increase stress levels and eventually lead you to burnout and exhaustion. ‘Me time’ can help clear your mind away from your to-do list while you focus on a task. Helping you to unwind and bring down stress levels, creating a better work-life balance.

Sometimes taking just 10 mins away from your responsibilities and to-do list can make you feel restored, while other times it might take hours of downtime or a whole day to feel rested.

Relationships

‘Me-Time’ will help you feel energised and happier, putting you in a better position to care for and support the people you love. After all, you can’t fill from an empty cup. Me-time also allows you to take some time to pursue your own interests creating healthy boundaries.

Reflection

Coming out of automatic mode and into a mindful activity can help us reevaluate ourselves and what is important to us. What are our goals? How do we like to spend ‘Me-Time’? Sometimes we get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks that we forget about what we want and who we are. If we aren’t aligning our actions with our objectives then we can become unhappy and unfulfilled. Me-time can allow for self-discovery and deeper thinking.

Another plus is that sometimes taking time away from a productive task and then returning to it can help us solve problems.

Promotes happiness and positivity

Doing the things that we enjoy makes us feel happier. Taking time to have fun, relax or do something just for us also improves our well-being and sense of self-worth. It can also help us reevaluate our priorities and what is important to us in life.

Four Me-Time Activities to try

1. Indulge in a hobby

Read a book, do a craft, or try out a new recipe. Turn your notifications off, and put your phone in a drawer or out of reach. Hobbies are great because they give us some time away from technology and give us a creative outlet. Spending time working on something that is not work-related or attached to monetary value can allow us to experiment with our creativity. Hobbies are also great because we can spend hours and hours doing them and pick them up and put them down when we want to.

2. Treat yourself

Treat yourself to a ‘date for one’. Get coffee, go to lunch or to the cinema. Go to that place you don’t have anyone to go with. Bake yourself your favourite meal or dessert. You don’t need to wait to be invited by someone or wait for them to be free. Going out by yourself can also inspire you to enjoy the activity in a new way and in the way you want to.

3. Pamper yourself

Make your very own spa day at home. Light a candle, have a bath, do a face mask or paint your nails. Give yourself a mini face massage while doing your skincare routine. Massage your face in a circular motion and feel your facial muscles relax. A pamper night is great for unwinding the mind and body.

4. Have a Mindfulness moment

Practice having some time with just you and your thoughts and breath. Practice some yoga, do meditation or write in a journal.

With regular practice, Mindfulness can be a great tool for calming the mind and finding some slow, peaceful moments in your day.

So how do I find Me time?

Set intention

Before scheduling ‘me time’ it is important to set an intention for the time you are setting aside. What specifically do you want to do, what is your mind and body craving, and how will it make you feel?

Schedule it

Set a calendar appointment with yourself if you need to. Try to find a consistent time each week when you can focus on yourself.

Be disciplined

If you set aside ‘me time’ and only spend it doing tasks that drain you, you have not accomplished what you set out to do. Try not to be tempted to reschedule if something comes up. Remember to put your phone away and get rid of any distractions. You are the only person you should be looking after or thinking about at this time.

Joanne Thompson

I’ve tried the new Comforting Massage balm for over a month now and it’s certainly easing my aches and pains. Took a few days to start seeing a difference but my osteoarthritis in my hands isn’t as painful and neither is my lower back. Think I’m just going to put it on my knees now too. It’s great that it doesn’t smell either so people don’t ask you if you are using deep heat as soon as you walk through the door. Worth the investment.

S B

I’ve tried Me-Time Therapies balms before and love the products so I was excited to try the new comforting balm. I was not disappointed. I’ve suffered from knee pain and joint pain in my hands for some time now but since using the comforting balm, my pain has considerably improved. I have found the results to be quite amazing and it feels lovely in your skin which is an added bonus. I’m closely keeping my eyes open for any new product from this company!

Elspeth Walker

Me-time therapy balms are incredible. There is a new balm out called Comforting Balm. It’s a miracle balm. It soothes all types of pain and especially arthritis complaints. As a therapist (25yrs) my hands get very sore. Not now! Thank you Me-Time Therapies

Niamh Clancy

I purchased the self-care kit as an activity to do with my flat mates to unwind after a stressful week of lectures and studying for exams. The products were a great size and perfect for a group activity on a Friday evening ! The clay face masks were so relaxing and the hand reflexology videos were so informative and de-stressing, to accompany the beautifully smelling body butter. The pamper evening finished off with a lovely refreshing mist of orange blossom water. The kit was a great purchase and there is plenty left over to do another pamper night ! Perfect for a well needed self care night.

Grace Budge

I love this balm, the scent provides an ambience conducive to relaxing.and it has a silky non greasy texture that leave my feet nourished and the skin is smooth and soft.

jacqueline McGrath

I have been looking for a product that will help with rosacea and discovered this product- I could feel the face clay working it’s magic and can see and feel the difference in my skins condition. Added benefit was the vegan body butter. This is really good on dry skin- especially around heels…. The packaging is lovely- and really good instructions. I thoroughly enjoyed the hand reflexology and learned a lot from that. The blossom face spray has a lovely scent. I also thought the cloth that was included was a very high quality product . So overall- I am very impressed with the quality of product and packaging and am looking forward to trying out more products from this range.

Lisa McCormick

I have been using the relaxing massage balm for use during Indian head massage on my clients and they all comment on how nice it smells, I love how well it goes on and would definitely recommend it for this use. It’s also great for control on how much you use

Judith Dunn

I really appreciate the Muscle Relaxing Massage Balm. I’ve been using it for a few months now whilst recovering from some serious injuries caused by an accident. The feel of rubbing it in is so therapeutic, and with its gorgeous texture and aroma it is lovely to use, hugely soothing and calming. I am certain this product has been key to getting my body working again, so thank you Geraldine for your wonderful product.

Vijay Chumber

Brilliant products used in my clinic, ethical, natural and super smooth on the skin. The scent is lush and leaves an everlasting impression. Great value all round with service, quality and sustainability in mind. Excellent overall! Craven Physio Clinic

Fiona Robertson

I bought four Me-Time Self-Care Kits recently as gifts for friends - two who were under a great deal of stress with work and family issues, one who is under-going treatment for cancer and one who is struggling through a difficult menopause. Apart from the products, which are entirely natural and smell wonderful, my main motivation for buying these was the very original link to the reflexology and meditation videos. I have never seen this with any other gift product and, given their individual circumstances, I knew that my friends would appreciate them - and they certainly did! One friend was keen to try meditation, but had no idea how to start and this was the ideal introduction. The others said that it was a wonderful boost to morale in difficult times and, combined with the lovely products, was the perfect excuse to carve out some essential, therapeutic me-time. This little kit is very aptly named and is a very thoughtful gift for anyone in need of some time to themselves and a spot of mindful pampering. I'll definitely be buying more in future - including one for myself!