How do you do this?

If you do nothing else, you bathe, correct? If I am feeling anxious or stressed, I turn the shower up really hot, sit on the floor of the tub and just let the hot water run over me. It really does feel like it is washing all of that stress and anxiety down the drain.

Ten minutes isn't very long. Could I have an hour? I usually have to wait for my time after the kids go to bed at night. I really need to schedule myself some more time.

very nice discussion you started, made me realize i've never had enough time for myself like i used to:) i can say that the only time i have for myself now is the 15-minute 'waking up time' i have for myself every morning while i sit on the john as i write on my thank-you journal. this i pretty much enjoy coz it helps me recall my blessings everyday. however, thinking back, i used to have more time, a lot more time for myself. to answer your question, i am sort of a workaholic. and when i was in the busy world of business before, i have a few of my own 'fortress' which are: the gym, the sauna and massage, and the beach. i used to go to the gym once a week just to relieve the stress (ironically, exercising is not tiring. try it). then once a month, i get a sauna and massage, this gives me quiet moments, very relaxing. and when i get totally burnt out from work, i get time off and go to a place out of town - usually to the beach just to breathe fresh air and free my mind of any work-related stuff (and yes, i let phone calls go to the voicemail). this really re-energizes me. now, i don't get to do those anymore (well, not by myself). now that i'm married, almost all my activities outside of work i do with my hubby. and now that you reminded me, i guess i miss those times doing things by myself. not that i don't like doing things with my husband, no no no, i just know that everyone needs some personal space, most people just get so tied up with their routines that they forget about this. and i'm pretty sure, my hubby needs his space too, yes, away from me, haha. thanks for this discussion, it's a beautiful reminder to think and pay attention to our individual souls :)

i find out,that,i can perform better,when i devote some time to myself.from morning my chores begin i.e,looking after my kids,hubby,house,in-laws etc.i would go mad,if i didnot devote some time to myself.

While it seems like a great suggestion, I find it impossible. I'm too busy and forgetful. I think going to myLot does a lot of that sort of thing for me.

Hi Savypat, I do actually do this. As a busy working mum and lots of pets to also look after I schedule time for me each day to relax and unwind. I have half an hour where I do a keep fit routine on the Wii Fit doing balance, aerobics, muscle and yoga exercises. I also take another half an hour to read a book or to relax in the bath and once a month I make sure I go out and enjoy myself whether that be going to a pub, having a meal of popping round to friends. That is far more than the 10 mins. I spoil myself LOL. Huggles. Ellie :D

It is true, everything starts with yourself first. But, I must admit, it is hard to get this 10mins in there everyday. Why, I don't now. But, I am working on it too. Success

There will be sometimes where I make myself sit, do nothing and just think. Not thinking about something productive, but just daydream perhaps.

There are two times during the day that I schedule time for myself. The first one is in the morning before anyone else gets up. I have a good morning routine. I take my coffee out into the back yard and make a list of things that I'm grateful for and then I plan my day and make my to do list. I select three items that are the most important to complete that day. One represents something personal that I want to do. The other two represent something to do with the household and career. I do those things before I do anything else whenever possible. The second thing that I schedule for myself every day is a spin class at the gym because I love it. Scheduling time for yourself is a great habit to get into. You'll find that your energy levels and your satisfaction with your life will change almost immediately. Good luck.