For those of you who are involved in everything, please remember that it is important that you take time for yourself. I sometimes forget this myself, and find that I don’t get enough sleep or I wind up getting sick because I haven’t slowed down any, but it is extremely important to take that time. Below are a few ways I have found to do so!

1. Exercise.

In order to maintain a healthy mental state, it is important to also work on your physical state. Exercising increases those endorphins that are supposed to make you feel better and happier. It also keeps you healthy by boosting your immune system. Keep in mind that exercising doesn’t mean that the main purpose has to be to lose weight. Yes, that is a definite plus, but there are other reasons you should be exercising.

2. Yoga.

I have taken up yoga, something I never thought I would do, and it has helped me in more ways than I ever thought. It’s very good about relaxing your mind and is a great de-stresser. It also helps by strengthening your muscles, improving balance and increasing flexibility. Overall, yoga is a great way to take an hour for yourself.

3. Coffee and lunch dates.

Most of the time when I am stressed, I look forward to a coffee date or a lunch (read: sushi) date with my friends, or even by myself. I enjoy going out to eat, and I love catching up with my friends. It’s important to maintain those relationships because they’re the ones who are there for you when you’ve been stressed out and need to vent. So take them out to eat or go out with yourself. Just make sure to take time away from work and don’t bring it with you to eat!

4. Shopping.

Retail therapy is a real thing. So go buy that item that you have had your eye on!

5. Ten minutes.

I found that even just taking 10 minutes out of your day to stop, breathe and reflect on your thoughts and actions of the day really helps.

6. Sleep.

Most importantly, get enough sleep. It is so important, and helps with many aspects of your body. I tend to compromise sleep a lot because when you need more time to get things done, that often becomes the first thing to go. Over a period of time where I have compromised on sleep, I can really tell the effects it has on my body and it’s not healthy, so get sleep.

Most of this article was a big reminder for myself to keep these actions up, but I hope that it can relate to you, as well. Just remember that it is not selfish to take time for yourself. You need it, and don’t ever compromise on that.