With the holidays quickly approaching, I think we all start to get a sense of panic. Panic about all of the holiday shopping we have to do. Panic about getting all of our client work done. Panic about managing the family politics and keeping a smile on at all of the family functions. Panic about keeping our kids busy and happy while they are off school for two weeks. Panic about the monthly bills at this time of year. Panic about decorating the house for the holidays or baking for the school concert or wrapping all the gifts on time. Panic about finding the time and the budget to buy for those in need. The list goes on and on.

Did you notice what — or whom — was not on the list? Not a second thought about yourself.  Me. I. Where do we fit into this busy time? Where are our own needs?

I am guilty as charged when it comes to putting myself on my own To Do List. I don’t!  My husband and four kids and my new puppy will definitely always have everything they need and be well taken care of, but will I? Do I make time for myself? Do I prioritize myself? How many times have you gone grocery shopping or meal prepped for your family and then opened the fridge and wondered what you will make for yourself? Where are your favourite fruits or veggies?

I am slowly learning the value of “me time”. It can be as little as five minutes a day.  Here is a list of some quick and easy ways to put yourself on your To Do List:

1. Meditate for 5 minutes a day. You can use a self-guided meditation and do it while sitting or walking. There are many apps to help with this such as Headspace and Calm.
2. Journal for 5 minutes a day. Capture the things for which you are grateful or write down some goals to keep you motivated. If you prefer to use an app instead of pen and paper, check out Reflectly or Momento or The 5 Minute Journal App.
3. Wake up earlier than your kids/families to get a head start on yourself so that you don’t feel rushed and frazzled as you start the busy day.
4. Schedule a workout the same way you would schedule a client meeting, a doctor’s appointment or a maintenance appointment for your car.
5. Discover something new that doesn’t involve a screen – knitting, reading something for yourself, not work-related or kid-related, crocheting, stretching, yoga, boxing, etc.
6. Go to bed 5 minutes earlier. You likely need the rest and your mind and body will thank you for it the next day.
7. Delegate. Learn to let go of some of the things on your to do list and delegate to others.  Relish in the freedom of the extra time you gain from delegating.
8. Take five minutes to actually sit and enjoy a meal or a coffee instead of consuming them throughout the day in the car or while working at your desk.
9. Learn to say NO! This can be the most empowering thing you can do for yourself and you will in turn free up sometime for yourself. Try it! You can’t be everywhere for everyone and do everything for everyone.  
10. Remember that you are worth it. Tell yourself this each and every day. You can’t properly take care of others until you take care of yourself.

Happy Holidays!  Enjoy your time!