Making Time for Yourself: The Early Morning Lull

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Making time for yourself can be a challenge. When you hardly have time for yourself at home, you learn how to cherish whatever alone time you have outside of home.

Traffic jams, for example, are a huge headache. However, I catch myself enjoying some quiet time when in bumper to bumper traffic. A work day can be draining, so sitting in a traffic jam is a great way to recharge on the way home. I need the energy to play with my son and take on chores!

Another me-time moment I’ve come to enjoy is when I get to work super early. I’m usually at the workplace two hours before the official time-in. That’d be around 6.30 am on the average. Crazy early, right? I often jump in and begin working already, armed with my tall macchiato to get me through the day. Recently though I’ve learned that those early morning hours are better used for me-time.

Making time for yourself. Early bird at work means having free time to catch up on reading! Tea and corned beef pandesal are happy food too. Good morning!


Making Time For Yourself: Finding Pockets of Time That Work for You

Last week, I tried kicking off the work day with a little breather. It was 6.30 am again when I got to the office. Checking my e-mail was very tempting, but I knew I HAD to get some quiet time with myself before the crazy work day began. So I went to a nearby coffee shop, armed with my Kindle.

I stayed there for 2 hours. I had a great breakfast – corned beef pandesal, a tall cup of Earl Grey tea. I finished a book — The Future of Us by Jay Asher. Quality time with myself — it was so refreshing! This definitely deserves a repeat performance.

How do you go about making time for yourself? Do you find you get it best in the early morning or in the late evenings when everyone is asleep? Come share your tips!

12 Comments on Making Time for Yourself: The Early Morning Lull

  1. Brenda Barrientos-Vallarta
    August 6, 2013 at 5:56 pm (11 years ago)

    This is a bad mama confession – sometimes i look forward to workdays because it’s only when i get to squeeze in me time! Honestly, i really do feel that i’m more pagod at home. Am i a bad mommy for being this way?

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 6, 2013 at 5:58 pm (11 years ago)

      Not at all, Brenda! I get where you’re coming from. Thanks for the candor. I’ve felt the same way you do on some days. While I don’t necessarily get the me time I want, e.g. salon time, spa time, I am able to squeeze in a coffee date with myself and catch up on some reading. :)

      Reply
  2. Ma. Teresa Grech Q. Racal
    August 6, 2013 at 6:41 pm (11 years ago)

    For me, as soon as my 2 older daughters leave for school, which is about 6:15am until my youngest wakes up which is around 7am. Though it’s a short time, that 45 minutes of quietness is more than enough. I have coffee and read whatever book that I am reading…

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 6, 2013 at 6:43 pm (11 years ago)

      So true, Grech! 45 minutes of alone time is golden. That’s enough to recharge! Of course an additional 15 minutes wouldn’t hurt, but we’ll take what we can get. :)

      Reply
  3. Riz
    August 7, 2013 at 3:26 am (11 years ago)

    I could definitely relate to this one, esp the part where travelling becomes a form of rest. For me, since I take the MRT to Makati 3 days a week, I’ve learned to take a round trip to Taft coming home, para nakaupo ako all the way to Kamuning. I’d spend the time inside the train (around 45 minutes) reading a book. Not only am I enjoying the book, it also makes the trip faster kasi di ko na napapansin ung oras.

    I miss having coffee time with myself. I should do that soon! Btw, I’m soooo envious how regular you update this blog. I need to update mine more too. Keep inspiring the rest of us! :)

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 7, 2013 at 7:47 am (11 years ago)

      Hi Riz! That round trip sounds like a great idea. You’re comfortable and don’t have the hassle of standing for almost an hour. Great that you can catch up on reading too!

      I super enjoy blogging so update it as often as I can. :) Thanks for the encouraging words!

      Reply
  4. Cham C.
    August 7, 2013 at 10:46 am (11 years ago)

    Me-Times MUST be 100% offline. That’s for sure. I will definitely try that out – hang out in a nearby coffee shop, armed only with a book or the Kindle, and fueled with nothing but a double Espresso shot… And oh, don’t forget the pen & notebook… ♥

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 7, 2013 at 10:54 am (11 years ago)

      Oh you’re right! It helps to be 100% offline. That’s a big challenge for me. My lull time can also include playing Cooking Dash on my iPhone or playing Sims 3 on the home computer. 😀

      Reply
  5. bem
    August 7, 2013 at 10:50 am (11 years ago)

    my me time – as soon as my 2 boys leave for school/work (5:30am) and until my 2 girls are up (6:30-7:00) :)

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 7, 2013 at 10:53 am (11 years ago)

      That’s a healthy one hour! :) Good for you!

      Reply
  6. ibyang
    August 7, 2013 at 11:48 am (11 years ago)

    Something I do daily: 10-minute quiet time in the morning. I set the alarm 10 minutes early. I allot that 10 minutes for praying and reflection. In the afternoons when I arrive from work, I set aside time to sit down and have some fruit/cheese/kimchi before I prepare dinner.

    Weekly: Friday after work, I reward myself with coffee. I sometimes go to my favourite Korean cafe, read a book or write. On Saturdays when we’re at home, I make sure I nap (funny that even my girlfriends know not to call/text me during my nap hours hahaha).

    Once in a while: I just decide all of a sudden and declare (and call my boss of course) that I won’t be at work. I sort of surprise myself with a day-off and spend the day doing things I love. I make the day my “Me” day! :)

    Reply
    • Toni
      August 7, 2013 at 3:32 pm (11 years ago)

      I’ve tried setting my alarm 10-30 minutes earlier so I can get some me time at home. No dice. I always end up pressing the snooze button! 😀

      I love that sudden declaration! Maybe I should try that sometime. 😉

      Reply

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