15 Me Time Ideas For When You Need A Break
Need me time ideas for your next solo break? Taking time to yourself is essential for recharging, maintaining healthy mental health, and reconnecting with your own needs. Our lives are demanding and busy, so making space for regular “me-time” can bring balance and joy back into your life and give your energy levels a well-needed boost!
Here are some simple yet effective me-time ideas that can easily fit into your daily routine.
Me Time Ideas For When You Need A Break
Me time isn’t all bubble baths and scented candles, although I’m not going to lie – I LOVE a relaxing bubble bath, with a good book. That doesn’t mean this form of self-care is for you though. It’s also not the only way to spend alone time when you need a little time to rest and recharge.
This list is full of simple activities to support a balanced life, making time to spend quality time with yourself. Something we all need from time to time.
1. Indulge in a Relaxing Bath
Yes, the bubble bath is on the list because it does deserve a spot. And if you don’t love baths, a soothing shower with a body scrub can be equally relaxing.
Set aside 30 minutes to soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts or bath oils. A bath is calming for your mind but also beneficial for physical health, helping to ease muscle tension and can also help you have a good night’s sleep too!
Adding a face mask and soft music can transform your bathroom into a personal day spa. Or if you’re anything like me, a good book and perhaps a glass of your favourite beverage
2. Try a New Hobby
Experimenting with a new hobby can be a fulfilling way to spend time alone. Trying out different ways to express yourself gives you a sense of self-discovery and purpose.
Learning something new challenges your mind and boosts personal growth, giving you an enjoyable outlet for creativity.
Here are some ideas on things to try if you haven’t before:
- Diamond painting
- Paint by number
- LEGO building – they make some very cool kits for adults now!
- Creative writing
- Video editing
- Knitting
- Photography
- Resin jewellery
- Sticker making
3. Unplug for a Digital Detox
Dedicate some time away from screens and social media. Put your phone on silent, put apps on sleep mode, and enjoy the calm that comes without constant notifications. Spend this time reading, relaxing in the sunshine, or simply enjoying quiet time.
Taking a break from electronic devices clears your mind, reduces stress, and helps you reconnect with the present.
4. Take Yourself on a Solo Date
Plan an outing just for you such as visiting a coffee shop, taking a stroll in a local park, or spending a couple of hours browsing through your favourite stores. Or make it more special by taking yourself on a solo date to the cinema or the theatre to see a performance.
This is a great way to enjoy your own company and practice self-care plus spending quality time alone allows you to reflect and appreciate the little things you might overlook in your busy schedule.
5. Create a Vision Board
Use this time to make a vision board that represents your dreams and goals. Gather magazines, printouts, and other materials to visualize what you want to achieve in the coming months or year.
A vision board is a powerful tool for focusing on personal goals, encouraging you to pursue what truly matters to you. But it’s not a one-and-done type of thing.
Your vision board should be ever-evolving and something you add to over time, as your goals shift or become clearer and update it with new goals once previous ones are complete.
6. Start a Journal
Journaling is a wonderful way to express your thoughts, organize your goals, and reflect on personal growth. Try to journal a little each day to build this positive habit.
Writing can help you process emotions, understand yourself better, and relieve stress by putting thoughts on paper.
Here are some journal prompts to help get you started:
- Journal prompts to help you find your purpose
- Nightly journal prompts
- Journaling prompts for self-discovery
- Self-love journal prompts
- Morning journal prompts
- Goal setting journal prompts
7. Go for a Nature Walk
Step outside for a walk. It doesn’t need to be far. It’s the movement that matters. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and let yourself unwind in nature.
Nature has a calming effect on the mind, and getting fresh air is an easy way to boost both physical and mental health.
If you don’t have time for a walk, pop your shoes off and stand in your backyard barefoot on the grass for a few minutes each day. This grounding practice (or earthing as it is sometimes called) can have positive effects on your body through electrical conductivity with the earth.
8. Read a Good Book
Lose yourself in a story or learn something new by reading a book you’ve been meaning to get to. Try setting aside 15-30 minutes before bed or during your afternoon break.
Reading can be a relaxing escape from daily stress, and it gives you a chance to expand your knowledge or imagination. But don’t worry, you don’t have to read something educational to get the benefits.
That fantasy romance with spice is great for me time too!
9. Pamper Yourself with a Skincare Routine
Turn your skincare routine into a nightly self-care ritual. Take extra time with each step, using products that make you feel pampered.
A simple skincare routine can be relaxing and leave you feeling refreshed, not to mention the important impact it can have on skin health and reducing the effects of aging.
If you’ve never really followed a skincare routine, start simple so you know you will stick with it. Cleanse and moisturise before bed at the very least but take your time doing it.
10. Plan a Staycation
If your schedule has been busy… busy… busy lately, it might be time for a well-earned escape from the chaos. A vacation might not be on the cards, but a staycation is totally doable!
Plan a whole weekend (or even a whole day) at home where you can indulge in self-care, creative hobbies and doing a whole lot of nothing too. Binge that show you’ve been hearing about in the office lunchroom or bake up a storm.
A staycation can be one of the ultimate ways to spend some me time and take a break from the fast-paced lifestyle most of us lead.
11. Treat Yourself
When was the last time you treated yourself? And by treats, this doesn’t mean that sneaky 3pm chocolate bar you had hidden in your desk. I mean, truly treated yourself.
When did you last buy yourself a ‘just because’ gift? Or indulged in something that makes you feel special, like a haircut, a massage or getting your nails done?
If your budget is small right now, you can still treat yourself. Some treats don’t cost a thing, like a mental health day spent in bed reading or watching movies or a sleep-in.
Find more ideas on how to reward yourself here.
12. Try Cooking A New Recipe
If you love to cook or bake, challenge yourself to try a new recipe. Trying a recipe from a different cuisine or using ingredients you don’t usually use can be exciting and rewarding, all while developing your culinary skills too.
Cooking is a creative way to practice mindfulness, and you get to enjoy a delicious reward at the end.
13. Listen to Your Favourite Songs
Create a playlist of your favourite songs and spend some time listening to them without distractions. Music has a powerful effect on mood, such as soft music for relaxation or upbeat tracks to lift your spirits.
Music can be a quick, effective way to change your mood!
14. Get Physical
Making time for physical activity is a simple way to show yourself some self-love. You might not always be in the mood, but exercise releases hormones that give you a great boost of endorphins.
Choose physical activities that you enjoy when you need quality time on your own!
15. Plan a Future Adventure
If you enjoy travel, set aside time to research and plan a future trip. Even if you can’t go right away, looking up destinations, and activities, and making an itinerary can give you something to look forward to.
Anticipation of a future trip can bring a lot of joy and give you a sense of excitement and motivation.
Me-time doesn’t have to be long or complicated—just finding a few moments here and there to focus on your own needs can go a long way! Making time for yourself should be a regular part of your schedule.
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