5 of 27

Write now Article Tools

Taking time out can be a touchy subject. How do you feel when you step-off life's magic roundabout? Do you feel guilty, relieved, selfish, happy? Daily life can be all-consuming as we rush from one appointment to the next doing chores and visiting friends or taking the children to after-school clubs or parties. With so much going on it's a wonder we ever have the opportunity to take time out for ourselves.

The sad reality is that when we do have the opportunity to take a breather many of us choose to do it in a way that does not serve us particularly well. As an an example I will provide one that parents will recognize.

Imagine the scene: You were up late because you didn't hear the alarm - could it be that you were overtired? You quickly get up to get the kids ready and because they've woken up with a start you find that they are more than a little irritable. You make a rushed breakfast while asking the children to get themselves ready for school but little Jimmy can't find his shoes and Mary has spilt her oatmeal on her skirt.

You all jump in the car and there's a fight as to who sits where and once you get to school you realize that you left the packed lunches at home. In retrieving them you have made yourself late for work causing more stress which sets the tone for the day.

Once the day is through and the kids are finally asleep you just flop down in front of...you've guess it, the TV!

You didn't have time for a proper meal so you send out for a take away or tuck-in to whatever is in the cupboards, which could consist of sugary snacks, potato chips or soda. Exhaustion has set in and you don't feel up to getting the kids stuff ready for tomorrow - you'll do it in the morning...and so repeating the process.

Time out in the above example is poor quality rest and ultimately has a detrimental long-term effect as you constantly fire-fight life events, moving from one crisis to another.

If you personally feel you cannot take time out you need to stop and seriously think about how you run your life. There really is no excuse for not having 'me' time. If you feel overwhelmed by your schedule you need look at what you can do to change it.

Are all your appointments absolutely necessary? Do they truly benefit you as a person or do you just feel it's an obligation and that you should do them out of duty. Remember that by being a little more choosy you are focusing on the tasks that of more value to you. We all have the power to decide what it is we want to

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Taking a time out?
We want to hear your view. Write now!