3 Ways To Add ‘Me Time’ To Your Daily Routine

There is a saying, “You have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé.” While that may be true, in theory, it might not always feel like it in practice. How many times have you felt like there isn’t enough time in the day for basic things, like laundry, a grocery run, or even quality time with friends? And what about “you time?” How often do you find that wellness and self-care end up on the back burner? 

[SEE ALSO: 8 Black-Owned Beauty & Wellness Brands To Upgrade Your Self-Care Game]

We can already see the slow raise of hands of Black women everywhere. Despite the stereotypes, we can’t be superwomen 24/7.

So, it was refreshing to take my own breather at a recent event hosted by Dial.  What we thought would be a cute cocktail hour about washing your hands led to full-blown discussions about self-care. 

Upon entry, we were encouraged to rethink “me-time” with a fun bathtub break. 

Doctors, influencers, and wellness experts were also on hand to talk about their relationship with the brand and its products. Chad Mickens, social media dad; Jhánneu Roberts, sustainability content creator; Danielle Maltby, registered nurse; Dr. Krupa Playforth, a board-certified pediatrician and author; and Rosie Acosta, wellness content creator, were among those on a panel covering everything from the proper way to wash your hands to how you can be more intentional with yourself and your purchases.

Acosta, author of “You Are Radically Loved,” was a major highlight, helping attendees explore ways to incorporate self-care into their daily lives. One of the simplest ways, she said, is paying attention to the skin you are in. 

“Our own personal touch to our body is the most intimate we will be with anyone,” shared Acosta.  

While just taking five minutes may seem impossible with our packed schedules, it’s doable.

“Practicing mindfulness or having a wellness routine isn’t going to require a lot of time and it’s actually quite simple to integrate these modalities into your life,” said Acosta. “I think a lot of times, that is our go-to: ‘we don’t have time.’ We seem to find a lot of time to scroll, though.”

If you need a bit of help to get started on your self-care journey, here are three simple ways the event inspired us to incorporate more “me time” into our routines.

Shower Or Lotion Slow-Down

The shower and/or moisturizing after might be a good window to tend to yourself. Allotting yourself some extra time either day, night, or sometime in between to slow it down.

Quality (Kitchen) Time

Whether you are cooking a meal or making some tea/coffee, use this time to be present with the experience. This is the perfect place to engage your senses for a heightened and hopefully, calming, experience.

Deep Breathing

Maybe bedtime is all the time you have (and that’s okay). Before dozing off to sleep try some deep breaths; breathing in through the nose for as long as your body will allow and breathing out through the mouth.

These gentle reminders that your body is your priority can give way for you to define what works for your lifestyle. Wellness and self-care can be more than getting your nails and hair done (although it is a great place to start). It can also be an invitation to be more intentional and present with yourself and your time.