Today, It Is About Me

During my time at a Fortune 100 company, my boss, Laurinda, frequently talked about the importance of a 'mental health day.' The environment was intense, with high sales targets and significant quotas. Honestly, she probably just wanted to silence her phone, enjoy a glass of chardonnay without interruptions, and take a few hours to unwind. Regardless of the reason, I appreciated her perspective. As corporate America evolved, taking a mental health day soon became synonymous with "working from home." This was before COVID-19, when remote work gained legitimacy. Now that I'm retired, I can't use the "working from home" excuse anymore. What's the solution?

My husband knows. He claims Sundays at our house as his own. On this day, he does whatever he pleases—no chores, no obligations...nothing. He is content and treats Sundays as sacred. He makes it seem so easy, so I decided to give it a shot. It's much easier said than done. I couldn't possibly take a day off like he does. Who would handle the grocery shopping, write the Christmas cards, bake cookies, and, of course, do the laundry? Then, I had a revelation and discovered two words: "who cares?" Being truthful with ourselves, sometimes we just need to declare a "me day." The difference between a "me day" and all the others is that a "me day" is guilt-free. It's like opening the windows and breathing in fresh air.

I've decided that Wednesday, or any day I select, will be my "me day." By establishing this "me day," it encourages me to actually take a day for myself. We're often accustomed to prioritizing others, whether it's our elderly parents or other obligations that require our attention. If we're fortunate, we might find a few moments at the end of the day to dedicate to ourselves.

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"To put the meaning of me-time this way. It’s the time when you take a break from people and things around you. Those may include your husband, wife, partner, your children, family, friends, and work obligations. Think of it as a time dedicated to yourself. Whether you use it to binge on TV or to read a book or both, it’s totally up to you. And how you enjoy your alone time doesn’t have to make sense to others. As long as you feel more energetic and refreshed after it, it has served its purpose. "

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If you're similar to me, it's challenging to overlook the "things that need to get done syndrome" and dedicate a guilt-free day just for ourselves. However, we can attempt it. Declare a "me day" if you haven't already, and share your experience with me. By taking time for ourselves, it might even make this time of year shine even more brilliantly.