The importance of taking time for yourself, and how to do so.

Reflect on Your Commitments

Although socializing and taking part in activities and organizations is essential to living a fulfilling life, it is important to dedicate time to yourself.

As I walk around campus each day, I am surrounded with colorful flyers or tables of people telling me to come join their club, attend their event and donate my time or money to their cause. Although getting involved is a great way to meet people and grow as a person, it is easy to over commit and become overwhelmed.

Often times I find myself running between my seemingly endless list of commitments that I forget to leave time for myself. It is easy to say yes when people ask you to do something. But it is important to remember that it is completely okay to say no. There are only so many hours in the day and you deserve to reserve a few of them for yourself.

Make Time

Now that you’ve realized how little time you spend on yourself, you have to actively make the time in your day. It will not suddenly appear. An easy way to create this time is to build it into your pre-existing schedule. For example, instead of eating lunch with friends or coworkers, take your lunch outside or to a quiet area and unwind and reflect on your own. Another way to take time for yourself is through small breaks. When you are between commitments or working on a time consuming project, walk away and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing and allow your mind to wander. Often times all you need is a mental break to clear your mind and calm you down.

Commit to Yourself

Once you have found ways to focus on yourself each day, commit to doing so. Remind yourself to take those breaks or walk away when needed. Don’t get so caught up in life that you forget to “stop and smell the roses.”