100 Me Time Ideas: To Save and Preserve Your Mental Health

If you feel overwhelmed with so much to accomplish, the last thing you desire is a little time for yourself. Don’t think that it’s impracticable to make room for it!

Allowing yourself some me time can be of great help in many different ways, and it needn’t take up much of your precious time either. Have a look at these marvelous (and straightforward) ideas for me time that you can apply today for the sake of your mental health.

Take pleasure in it – you are worthy of it.

What Is Me Time?

By taking time to care for yourself, both physically and mentally with “me time”, it’s essential to ensure your own well-being, joyfulness, and productivity.

Everyone experiences and spends “me time” differently; one person may spend it alone and immersed in their thoughts, while another might spend it with friends. It could involve activities like mindfulness practice or pursuing a hobby.

The main point is that “me time” helps the mind and body come back into balance, which is key for proper functioning.

100 Me Time Ideas to Save Your Mental Health

• 1. Make sure to get sufficient sleep. Instead of attempting to keep yourself occupied, prioritize getting 7-9 hours of sleep so you can wake up feeling well-rested and prepared to tackle the day.

• 2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No matter what you’re going through, speak to someone you trust or meet with a therapist so that you don’t have to endure it all alone.

• 3. To start the day off well, consider praying or meditating. Prayer and meditation can help keep your mind calm and clear and focus on what you will accomplish.

• 4. Make sure to devote some time to your friends. Arrange for coffee dates every month or set up play dates that the kids can enjoy, which allows you to catch up with them while they’re occupied. Socializing with friends can help reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.

• 5. Spend some time every day to concentrate on your breathing. Take fifteen minutes every day to stimulate your respiratory cycle. Breathe in deeply and breathe out through your mouth. Employ this system to abate your stress, diminish pain, and augment your vitality.

• 6. Improve your self-confidence and motivation by talking to yourself positively. This will increase your productivity as well.

• 7. Don’t worry too much about the small stuff. Don’t let your negative emotions such as hurt, rejection, and sadness control you–try to let them go in order to have more control of your emotions and future.

• 8. Express your thoughts. Sharing your opinions can inform the people around you and teach them how to best communicate with you.

• 9. Distance yourself from pessimistic individuals. Cut down the time you spend around people who criticize quite a bit and never strive for anything. Or those who don’t compliment or bolster you. As an alternative, be surrounded by people who motivate you. This will help develop your self-assurance and opinion of yourself.

• 10. Cultivate forgiveness. Letting go of anger isn’t effortless, but it’s essential to progress and lead a happy life; staying angry only brings harm to yourself.

• 11. Take on daunting tasks head-on. Don’t let those intimidating tasks loom over your day, but address them first thing in the morning instead – “eat the frog”. This will help reduce your anxieties throughout the day, and you’ll be more productive as a result.

• 12. Put your phone away and prevent yourself from lingering on social media for too long. Spend some time engaging with actual people instead of absorbing the content in your feeds. If you stay online excessively, it can lead to sensations of envy and a belief that you are not enough. You could even find yourself stuck in comparison mode.

• 13. Recite affirmations daily. Make a list of your ten most preferred affirmations and recite them – vocally – every day. Those phrases enable to disrupt the chain of negative musings gradually. Save your expressions on your cell phone or place them somewhere in the house that is obvious to see.

• 14. Give yourself a spa day once a week and take a luxurious bath. Use things like bath bombs, salts and fizzes to make your experience even more enjoyable.

• 15. Get some exercise by taking a dance class or listening to your favorite tunes. Dancing is enjoyable (either solo or with children) and a great workout!

• 16. Try going for a walk and use an app to explore new routes in your neighborhood. This way, you can exercise and get familiar with your community at the same time.

• 17. Put on your running shoes and go! If you have kids, place them in a stroller and bring them with you.

• 18. Beginning your day with yoga stretches is a great way to stay focused, energized and relaxed. All it takes is 15 minutes and you can benefit from yoga all day long.

• 19. Nap when you can. No matter if you’re a fresh mom or staying at home with your children in the course of an academic hiatus, get some slumber while they rest. Keep your resting period to 20 minutes to avoid feeling fatigued when you awake. The main purpose is to open your eyes with greater alertness, concentration, and serenity.

• 20. A long, hot shower can be beneficial for helping you fall asleep faster, reducing your blood pressure, and soothing any sore muscles you may have.

• 21. Pamper yourself and get your hair done at the salon with a wash and cut, or try a brand new hairstyle. You don’t even have to have a reason, this is simply for you to enjoy!

• 22. Make your bedroom a tranquil haven and avoid any work-related activities. Make it inviting to ensure it’s only used for sleeping and unwinding.

• 23. Develop a skin care regimen. Whenever it is – summer, winter, or spring – think about investing in a top-notch facial cleanser, steamer, and either serum or moisturizer. Having a plan of action helps make your complexion smoother and hydrated while also defending against breakouts and wrinkles.

• 24. To reduce stress, headaches and improve sleep, try aromatherapy. Diffuse scents like lavender, eucalyptus and citrus or light a candle for the same effect.

• 25. Treat yourself to some flowers. Placing a vase with blooms in your house or office can lift your spirits, bring about calmness and make your living area brighter.

• 26. You can have a spa day from home! Consider giving yourself a foot spa, DIY manicure, or hair treatment. No salon visit necessary.

• 27. Cozy up somewhere, get a book and some hot tea or wine and some snacks to go with it.

• 28. Get some of your favorite snacks and desserts. Even though consuming nutritious food is essential, it’s okay to indulge once in a while. Go for healthy treats or have a go at making baked goods like cookies and cupcakes.

• 29. For an indulgence after a long week, order dinner instead of cooking. Apps like Uber Eats and Skip The Dishes make it easier to find restaurants with healthy options.

• 30. Consume vitamins on a regular basis to make sure you get the proper nutrients not found in your diet. Using a pillbox can help you remember to take them daily.

• 31. Get a meal planning app to come up with creative meals. There are numerous free meal planning apps that include hundreds of recipes so you can find the perfect one.

• 32. Join a meal package delivery program. If you desire some new ideas for meals, contemplate signing up for a meal package service. Pick your meals for the week and the service will send out all of the ingredients to you. Many services present beneficial options and follow dietary requirements.

• 33. Savor a cup of tea. Many teas offer various health advantages. To illustrate, ginger and peppermint teas are filled with antioxidants. Chamomile and passionflower teas help send you off to sleep. Whichever tea you prefer, take pleasure in it hot or cold.

• 34. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Generally speaking, grownups should consume 7-10 portions of fruits and veggies each day. Roughly a cup is equivalent to a single serving. A few approaches to reach your daily serving quota include blending a smoothie first thing in the morning, constructing salads, and munching on dried fruit for snacks.

• 35. Put on your best outfit! You don’t have to go out, just do it for fun while you’re indoors and take some selfies.

• 36. Volunteering your time can be a great way to gain new relationships, fight loneliness and low self-esteem, and alleviate depression.

• 37. When the kids are out of the house, take the opportunity to have a Netflix day. Put your feet up, relax, and watch any series or shows you’ve been wanting to see.

• 38. Make sure to have breakfast, as it is an essential meal for boosting energy, aiding with weight management, and strengthening mental focus.

• 39. Take some time each week, like Sunday afternoons, to plan out your upcoming schedule. Doing this will give you more focus, help you create a better plan, and track your progress toward achieving your goals.

• 40. Visiting Pinterest may provide you with plenty of inspiration to realize a big dream or goal that you have.

• 41. Keep track of your successes. Focus on what has gone right instead of dwelling on mistakes, and refer back to the list of accomplishments when you need a boost – both in life and work.

• 42. Get your home in order and you’ll always know where to find things. Plus, it will decrease your stress levels and make future cleanups simpler.

• 43. When you don’t have the time to sit down and read, listen to audiobooks instead. You can still relax or learn through your favorite fiction novels while you’re stuck in traffic, cooking, or taking a stroll.

• 44. Plugging in to podcasts can help you learn while commuting, with thousands of topics to choose from.

• 45. Make a vision board– it’s never too late! They are helpful in reaching your goals, staying motivated, and holding yourself accountable.

• 46. By going to a conference or tuning into a webinar, you’ll meet people, gain new knowledge, and be motivated.

• 47. Painting or crafting is great for your brain, emotions, and creativity.

• 48. Get a gratitude jar. Every day, write on a piece of paper something that you are thankful for. Put your notes in the jar, and when you’re having tough days go back and read them.

• 49. Register your musings each day. Writing them down relieves your head of the weight and makes a tangible product. Journaling is also an amazing method of finding some time for yourself as a mother because you don’t need many moments to do it. Dedicate just 15 minutes per day, for example. You will experience less tension, be able to recall more information, and organize yourself better.

• 50. Take the afternoon off and go to the cinema.

• 51. Wake up or go to bed 20 minutes earlier and use this time for yourself – read a book, practice your physical fitness, learn something new, etc.

• 52. Put “me time” in your calendar just like any other date – and don’t flake on yourself. And if you have kids, give the grandparents special one-on-one time with the kids sometimes even without having a specific event to attend- just do it!

• 53. Get a babysitter, even if you don’t have any evening plans. You can go for a long walk, hang out in a café, watch a movie and enjoy the time alone.

• 54. Make sure to take some time to relax and meditate.

• 55. Disconnect from technology by turning off your phone and silencing notifications – and enjoy the quiet!

• 56. Record your favorite show and make sure to watch it uninterrupted.

• 57. Consider taking a look at your life plan (whether it’s five years or some other span of time), and seeing what you can take serious steps towards each week.

• 58. If you work from home, consider taking some time out during the day to do something for yourself rather than waiting till the evening – it’s more feasible to get it done that way and you’ll feel re-energized afterward such as having lunch outside, running, or swimming.

• 59. To finally do something you’ve been looking forward to for a long time, try starting a project in your home such as painting furniture or making art. Do what you enjoy!

• 60. Coloring for adults is currently gaining in popularity and only takes a short amount of time. Plus, it’s easy to carry around!

• 61. Make sure to schedule time to catch up with a friend, be it by phone call, walk, or dinner.

• 62. Prepare something luscious. When there is a family to nourish, cooking can become very utilitarian. Even so, cooking is an excellent form of therapy, and you get to have the reward of consuming what you make at the end. At present, I am the ultimate lover of cooking clichés and making banana bread with the BBC recipe. Additionally, Victoria Sponge Cake is one of my favorites; I could spread butter-icing on it in layers and devour it all alone!

• 63. Enjoy the classic experience of reading a glossy magazine — flick through its pages while lighting a candle and playing some quiet background music. It’s an indulgent treat.

• 64. Check out a museum or art show. When visiting with others, it can be hard to appreciate the exhibit due to differences in walking speed. Taking in the exhibit solo allows you the freedom and luxury to wander at your own pace.

• 65. Go on a trek or an extensive rural walk. Not much of a rustic person? Make a visit to a different part of your City or to an adjacent village and become aware of a new place.

• 66. Reserve a class for a fresh pastime. Have you considered pottery or a cookery class? Perhaps furniture upholstering? Watercolor painting? Think of the activities that made you happy as a child and see if they can turn into something fun to do again.

• 67. Do some sketching time. Take on the Tinkersketch challenge or just sit with your little artists and join in.

• 68. Rediscover the joy of discovering a new artist or band. You will find yourself unable to stop listening!

• 69. Indulge in some shopping for pleasure. When you tell your partner how long you’ll be out running errands, add on some extra time. Take this chance to visit a “just for fun” store or browse around more at the place you’re already at.

• 70. Join a book club – either one that meets in person or an online one. You might also be interested in the special book club designed for busy moms called the recovering readers group.

• 71. Interested in painting? Our area offers plenty of painting studios providing classes and open paint sessions. Meet up with a friend or go solo and give it a try!

• 72. Spend time with your love. Ahhh, you remember them right? In order to look after yourself, you must take care of both of you. That means going on dates. Add spontaneous date nights while the children are asleep at home.

• 73. Create something. Generate and craft, just for amusement. The important part is not to worry about it being perfect; there’s no need for precise planning or doing it exactly right. Sketches, literature, sculptures, bake pastries, fill in a coloring book… Just focus on the process of making instead of the outcome. The action of constructing is what matters here, not what the finished product looks like.

• 74. Going to the park can be a great way to relax. Bring a blanket, and appreciate the outdoors in your neighborhood. You can take a book with you to read, observe others, or just look up at the clouds as they drift by.

• 75. Similar to going for a walk, bike rides provide multiple advantages. You can forget your worries and burn some calories while you ride. Plus, many cities now offer free bike programs, making bike rides more accessible than ever.

• 76. Taking a solo drive can be incredibly satisfying. So crank up the car radio, open the windows, and just enjoy being on the road. The amount of time doesn’t matter; whether it’s 15 minutes or an hour, just focus on driving and nothing else.

• 77. Enjoy Pinterest uninterrupted and get extra points if you create a project from a pin.

• 78. Do some geocaching and discover new stuff.

• 79. Make a puzzle, there is always something satisfying about them.

• 80. Walk your dog, after all they are your baby too. Dogs can be very therapeutic, you’ll be amazed how relaxed you’ll be afterwards.

• 81. Play solitaire. It’s not that cliché to do it so. Games that make you think can disconnect you from reality and give that mental peace you’ve been craving.

• 82. Go horse back riding. Connecting with animals can be very relaxing for your mind.

• 83. If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, go there and just listen to the waves crashing onto the shore. If not, plug in your headphones and try to imagine it with your eyes closed.

• 84. Watch a reality show that you wouldn’t want other people to know about.

• 85. Go for a swim in the pool. Not only does swimming help you relax, it also has many physical benefits. It can decrease cortisol levels linked to stress and reduces depression. Even better, it increases the growth of new brain cells in a part of the brain that breaks down due to long term stress.

• 86. Soak up some sunshine. Not to mention, direct sunlight is a great way to help lift up your mood; additionally, it can also bring various health benefits such as triggering the production of serotonin. To experience Vitamin D-enhancing effects, 5 to 15 minutes of exposure on your hands, face and arms twice or thrice a week would suffice.

• 87. Tune in to a non-business related podcast. Rediscover those interests you had away from work and family by listening to podcasts about your hobbies and interest, which will motivate and inspire you. Give these podcasts a chance – The Moth, No Filter with Mia Freedman and Keeping Good Company.

• 88. Have a glass of champagne while tending to your plants. This might sound a bit strange, but why not give it a go before deciding? My favorite Sunday afternoon pastimes include watering my plants and sipping on champagne. If anyone shows up to ruin the tranquility – just spray them with the hose (on purpose, regardless of what you’ll tell them)!

• 89. Light a candle. Get a scented candle or your aromatherapy diffuser going with your favorite essential oil. For a “pick-me-up”, combining bergamot, peppermint and grapefruit is great. And if you’re looking to calm down, try mixing in lavender, rosemary and sage.

• 90. Have a facial. Have a professional facial or do a DIY facial at home both being excellent ways to destress, don’t feel embarrassed about putting cucumbers over your eyes! To help you with the DIY part, here are some facial mask recipes for you to make.

• 91. Have a foot bath. Whether you go to a professional foot spa or give yourself a DIY foot bath, your feet will feel reinvigorated in no time. Our feet can tell a lot.

• 92. Begin Preparing for the Upcoming Holiday. Planning for an exciting event can prolong the thrill you experience when looking forward to it. Make sure to plan your perfect holiday, even if it’s months away, by writing all your ideas down in a brain dump – I find that’s the best way to get started!

• 93. Make a YouTube playlist to make “me time” more enjoyable. One great means of addressing any instances of hardship you’ve been having is to watch motivational clips on YouTube. Store videos that you find particularly moving and hold onto them, then when the time is right flip through them in one go. Possible choices could be puppies, little children, stirring anecdotes, or brilliant vocalists from around the globe; pick out clips that make you chuckle or tug at your heartstrings. As an added benefit, weeping a bit can even help lessen the strain that has been bottled up.

• 94. Do yoga or tai chi as an activity. When tending to one’s own wellbeing, exercising can be an excellent solution, however not everyone is ready to do a Crossfit program just yet. For some of us, something slower and more relaxed is what our overtaxed bodies need. Tai chi and yoga offer slow, controlled motions and are as much about being aware and in the moment as about moving around. While these practices may appear faddish, they are actually ancient techniques that have been demonstrated over the centuries to help reduce stress and hardship.

• 95. Give yourself a manicure to make your day feel special. Our hands do so much work, and sometimes taking time to relax them is just what’s needed to reduce stress. If you can afford it, get a professional manicure.

• 96. Blast your favorite music. Listening to music has been proven as a way to reduce stress. When did you last sing along to the songs that made up your soundtracks in high school or college? Put together a “me time” playlist or CD for listening-to on the road or while you lather up in the shower. It’ll help reminiscent of your best days.

• 97. Do nothing. This might sound nonsensical, but it is a straightforward form of restoration: Pause. Breathe. Repeat. Make the most out of your condensed time of rest by doing absolutely nothing! Don’t watch television. Don’t follow up with your phone messages. Don’t keep checking in on the sleeping toddler every few moments either. And don’t allow yourself to sense any guilt! Take a few minutes instead to look out an adjacent window or physically move while sitting on the ground, such as through some steady stretching exercises. It isn’t considered a misuse of your time. A handful of minutes devoted towards decompressing may even save you several cumulative minutes of worry or inadvertent memory loss when you later approach your daily task list again.

• 98. Create your own unique infusion. Specialty cocktails are a fantastic idea. But for the same unique feel minus the hangover, there’s another option; infusions. Infusions are made by immersing plant or herb leaves in water. My own custom mixture contains turmeric, nettle, and chamomile. I leave them to steep for 10 minutes then add either apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice and honey – depending on my mood. It’s a great way to relax. Check out a local herbalist shop to see which plants would work best with your individual needs or start off with something simple like steeping fresh mint in hot water with honey.

• 99. Get the kids involved. Despite it sounding a little strange, include the children in your life during Me Time if they provide you with relaxation. Doing this can be the ideal way to de-stress and truly let go.

• 100. Plan a weekend trip. Take a break from daily life—seriously. Journey to a nearby spot with an easily accessible route or go someplace further if you are able and have allocated enough time. Don’t set up a tight assortment of plans or decide what the weekend will entail in advance. Instead, let the entire weekend be based on your desires. You’ll leave with more rest and vigor.

(Bonus!)

• 101. Monitor your monthly expenses. Employ an expense tracking application to keep track of your yearly earnings and expenditures. Sync the app with your bank account, making it all the easier to observe how you’re spending your money. Do you happen to be disbursing too much in any particular area? Can any costs be reduced in any way?

• 102. Establish a budget to follow each month and consult with a philanthropic adviser or find an accountability partner to make sure you stay on track.

• 103. Start a plan to pay off what you owe. Take a quarter of an hour to half an hour to record all the debt that you have. Subsequently, use Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball Method by paying off your least debt first. One the smallest debt is settled, focus your attention on the next lowest amount.

• 104. Examine your credit rating annually. Spend a few moments reviewing your credit score to gain an accurate understanding of your financial circumstances. Additionally, you can identify areas that require improvement.

Why Having Me Time Is Important?

Taking “me time” is not just a indulgent luxury, it’s essential. Just like the metaphor suggests – you can’t give to others if your cup is empty. Even just

Skipping “me time” can result in burnout, exhaustion, and getting sick more often.

Whenever you are a manager or parent, your CEO-like thinking skills come into play as you exercise self-control and make rational decisions. All of these actions take place in your brain’s prefrontal cortex.

If you are too tired, though, your brain will resort to using your amygdala instead–the emotional part of the brain. The amygdala serves to activate a fight-or-flight response when

Benefits of Having Me Time for Your Mental Health

1. Strengthen Mental Health

When there isn’t the assistance of a support group, spending time focusing on yourself will produce resilience as you come up with solutions to dilemmas alone.

2. Explore Creativity

People often find themselves to be more creative when distractions from friends, coworkers and family are minimized, and outside stimuli is decreased. It is during these moments of solace that thoughts can be translated into artistic or written forms.

3. Strengthen Relationships

Through dedicating time alone to yourself, you are able to give yourself a greater opportunity for personal reflection and self-assessment. On the one side, it allows you the opportunity

4. Time for Reflection

Taking “me time” helps you develop, cultivate, and understand yourself more. It gives you the opportunity to reflect on your responses to various situations authentically and in reference to your values – which can then help build and reinforce your self-confidence.

Furthermore, taking some time for yourself can be an excellent way to practice being thankful. This could be done through writing in a journal, sending a note to someone special, or just quietly appreciating the moment. People often use this time to set targets and work out how they’ll accomplish them.

5. Stress Relief

A 2017 study found that those who took the initiative and made time to be alone experienced stress relief, relaxation, and restored focus. Solitude provided an opportunity to do restful activities like journaling, reading and meditating and allowed people not to be concerned about making others happy.

How Much Me Time Do You Need?

A 2015 study by Dr. Almuth McDowell concluded that individuals who had quality me-time, instead of quantity, reported higher work-life balance, wellbeing, and job engagement.

According to Dr McDowall, although “me-time” is widely referenced, it doesn’t always have to be solitary and can be more beneficial when involving activities chosen out of free will.

Some people consider everyday tasks, like house chores, as “me-time,” but not everyone finds these activities rewarding.

Our research implies that taking time off to help oneself rest and view the vacation as a positive experience has advantages for one’s mental health, family relations, and work performance.

A survey taken in 2012 involving 18000 people originating from 134 countries was done to study what “taking time to rest” can mean to the respondents.

It was found that “spending time on my own” ranked fourth among the popular answers, falling behind reading, sleeping, and being in nature.

How to Find Me Time When You’re Busy

This is how:

Set Your Intention

Before you actually make plans for “me time”, make a conscious commitment to keep those plans. This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to break our own promises to ourselves.

You can view it this way: if a friend tells you they’re planning to meet up with you but never arrives at the appointed time, that means you are not important to them. Likewise, if you plan to have “me time” but then repeatedly cancel it, that shows it’s not a priority for yourself.

Schedule It

Every week, book yourself an appointment as if it would be a visit to the doctor or dentist. To make sure you keep this appointment with yourself, change the name of your phone’s reminder to “me time”. This way, when it sends the reminder, you’ll stay true to your commitment.

Be Disciplined

Have trouble carving out “me time”? Try going to bed or waking up 20 minutes earlier and make it count. It’s pointless to dedicate “me time” if you use it to complete tasks that bum you out and weaken your spirit, so decide what you want to do and remain loyal to the plan.

Delegate

Evaluate your responsibilities and resources. If you’re unable to schedule in time for yourself, delegate jobs to others. If it is possible financially, you should consider getting services such as grocery deliveries or house cleaning.

If you’re a parent, set up a regular, scheduled babysitting arrangement. This way, you and your partner can take turns doing something that each of you wants to do separately – with no worries about taking care of the kids!

Set Specific Times to Check Your Emails

This advice might seem offbeat, but let me explain why it’s so important!

If you have a job that requires big-picture thinking, you don’t need to check your email nonstop; instead, pause your inbox and only receive emails during certain times of day. You’ll still be able to send emails, and the pause will help reduce feeling overwhelmed.

Working in this manner will make you more efficient, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go through your emails without being continually interrupted by them.

Make sure to take some time for yourself today. You won’t be able to give anything if your cup is empty, so refill it!