Recharging is essential, but sometimes it is difficult to get the time you need. Protecting your “Me Time” is important!
Our family recently took a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands. It was wonderful to leave the cold of Wisconsin and escape to an island paradise. Both Clay and I envisioned quiet sunsets and relaxation…but…
We brought two eight-year-old girls along…on a 33 foot sailboat…without television.
We had a great time, but most of the days consisted of a constant chorus of: “Mama … Mama … Mama … Mama…
Not conducive to relaxation.
I needed to protect some time just for me - even on vacation. After one particularly demanding day, I announced:
“I need 30 minutes when no-one says Mama!”
For a blissful half-hour, I sat in the hammock, swinging with the waves, drinking my beer (well deserved after a warm sail) and watched the sun set (and enjoyed time with Clay too).
Had I not drawn the “line in the sand” there was no way the girls would have allowed me the time.
Since they were quite young I have needed to insist on time to myself — mostly behind a locked bathroom door! We have a rule: If the door is closed, you had better be bleeding or on fire if you are knocking on it!
This has worked well in my house. The girls understand it is important for me to have time to relax and recharge, however, sometimes they need reminding.
I created a door-hanger to remind them (which is available in the Busy Woman’s Guide to Recharging Kit) which reads:
Before knocking on this door, ask yourself three questions:
* Is the building on fire?
* Am I bleeding or in need of emergency medical attention?
* Will the world come to an end in the next 20 minutes, and can the woman behind this door do something to change it?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions, go ahead and knock.
Otherwise, be patient.
She’ll be out soon, recharged and ready to go!
The comment most women make is they need to hang it on their office door!
How ever you do it, with a door-hanger, announcement, scheduled time, etc, make sure you protect your “Me Time” and allow yourself to recharge!
Leave a comment and let us know how you protect “Me Time”!
Eliz Greene is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Heart. Drawing on her experience surviving a massive heart attack while seven-months pregnant with twins, struggling to lose the 80 pounds gained during her pregnancy, and her background as an adaptive movement specialist, Eliz developed simple strategies and tips to help other busy women be more active, eat better and manage your stress.