Samantha McDonald

It’s too easy to lose yourself in the bustle of work and family life. Here’s my prescription: Do something for yourself – often.

You-time

It’s all too easy these days to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that is our life.

Up early in the morning, sort the kids out, work ridiculously long hours, spend time with your partner, maybe get some exercise in there somewhere… And this goes on week after week, month after month, sometimes year after year, until we feel completely washed out, used and abused, and not much good to anyone.

This blog is not about lecturing you to take a holiday. (Hell, I know how hard that can be to do as a business person!) What I would like to suggest is that it’s really important to do something special for yourself – often. Again, I’m not talking about big things. Sometimes it’s the little treats that make the most difference. If you’ve been attending back-to-back meetings, trying to fit in all your family duties, and have had no time for yourself, try these little treats to make you feel like there’s actually a reason why you’re run off your feet the whole time:

Schedule a massage, or a facial, or a pedicure, or a hair treatment; whatever takes your fancy. Just taking some time out in a lovely relaxed environment can make a huge difference to your week.

Leave work early once in a while for no reason. I know what you’re thinking: “How the hell can I leave work early when I have so much to do?” Just ask yourself this: are you being completely productive by spending all those long hours at work? Would the world stop if you gave yourself an early minute occasionally? Doing this may make you feel a little bit naughty, and put some fun back in your life.

Buy yourself something special. This may be a good bottle of wine, a new pair of shoes, a ticket to the movies or a novel. You spend all this time at work, the least you can do is give yourself something every now and then!

Above all, remember to keep a bit of fun in your life. Even increasing your laughter opportunities can be great for your health, morale and motivation. Have fun!

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