'Me Time' Isn’t a Necessity, It’s a Business Imperative

How often do you schedule and actually take some "me time?" My guess is that for most of us, myself included, it isn’t as often as it should be. According to Dr. Todd Dewett, leadership expert and author, we should spend 5-10% of our days on me time.

I always think that taking time for myself, even when the day isn’t crazy busy, isn’t a good use of my time. I always think if I can just write one more article or complete one more project that I will be just that much more ahead of the curve.

Well, I’ve come to find out that there will always be one more thing to do. For those of us that are ambitious and are go-getters, we will always find one more thing to do. That is just how we operate. Next time you find yourself in this situation, listen to that little voice in the back of your head that tells you to do something for yourself. That might be going to the gym, lying by the pool, reading a chapter out of a book, or whatever makes you happy. Doing something along these lines on a regular basis does not mean you are lazy. It actually means that you are taking care of yourself to avoid burnout. And this will increase your daily productivity. Your body and you brain crave that little work detox.

Those are just a few things that you can do to begin to integrate more me time. Try a few out and see what works best for you!

Fast Company suggests 5 ways to find more me time:

1. Close the office door: Although an open door policy is a good strategy, sometimes just being by yourself, even for 10 minutes, is a good way to start your day, refresh, or unwind.
2. Learn to say 'no': Many people think that saying "yes" to every little opportunity will get them farther in life and business. Learn to accept only the opportunities that are inline with your mission and business, the things that will propel you forward to succeed.
3. Schedule me time: Put your me time in the calendar. It is as important as any other big business meeting. Treat it accordingly.
4. Make it a ritual: It’s like anything else in life -- practice makes perfect. Make this something that you do often and on a regular basis. Your body and mind need it and will thank you for it down the road.
5. Stop feeling guilty: Me time can’t be perceived as a negative, after all it’s a business imperative!

For even more on preventing exhaustion, check out this article on ways to avoid meeting burnout.