This is part of a sponsored content series with Domain.ME
I admit that I used to have a hard time taking time for myself. As a mom and business owner, I’ve often put myself last on my long list of to-dos but not anymore. And honestly, it feels like I’ve truly grown up. Maybe at this stage of my adult life I’m finally on the right road to finding the holy grail of work-life balance by making more time for me.
Over the years I’ve come to realize that it’s healthy for me to say no to work projects that aren’t the best fit, block out my calendar for my favorite classes at my gym like they’re conference calls, catch up on sleep by going to bed at the same time as the kids, and not feel guilty about passing up volunteer opportunities at the kids’ school.
While these things are steps in the right direction, I’m still a work in progress when it comes to not feeling guilty about taking time for myself and apparently I’m not alone. A recent survey conducted by Domain.ME revealed that 70% of Americans feel they don’t take regular “me time,” citing lack of time or guilt.
I’ve been there. I’ve felt the personal guilt. I’ve felt like I haven’t had time but I’m making an effort to make myself a priority.
Thanks to my recent partnership with Domain.ME, I’m realizing more than ever the importance of celebrating me. Celebrating me can happen in small moments throughout the year or why not an entire day devoted to celebrating individual identity?
About ME Day
While the calendar is full of days that celebrate the roles we play in our lives – like Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, or Valentine’s Day – there hasn’t been a designated day to celebrate individual identity. This year Domain.me will celebrate the first-ever ME Day at the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas on March 16th with a ME Day Party.
As a ME Day ambassador, I’ll be in Austin with Domain.me live tweeting the event and even if you can’t join me in person, I invite you to celebrate your own ME Day and join conversation by using the hashtag #MEDay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share how you’re honoring the occasion.
Ways to Celebrate ME Day
If you’re not comfortable taking an entire day for yourself, start with what I like to call a “moment of me.” I happen to love Jessica Cohen’s 25 Ways to Celebrate YOU on ME Day on Eat.Sleep.Be. Jessica provides 25 fantastic suggestions that range from items that just take a few minutes (call your grandmother, eat an ice cream cone or enjoy a big cup of hot cocoa), couple hours (lunch with friends, go to the movies), to an entire day (volunteer, host a party, start your spring garden).
Need some more ideas? The Domain.ME community compiled the following ways to enjoy more “me time” across the U.S. on ME Day.
- Read: A good book can transport you to another time or place and also contribute to your professional development by assisting you in learning something new
- Exercise: The release of endorphins during exercise improves our physical well-being and state of mind
- Sleep in: A simple pleasure that is often hard to come by, a good night’s sleep or an afternoon nap can refresh our outlook on life
- “Unplug”: As much as I love technology, I also love taking a break from being in front of my screen and choose to unplug between the time my kids get home from school until they go to bed for the night
- Connect with nature: oing outside can be both soothing and inspiring plus the fresh air is so rejuvenating
- Volunteer: A “me day” doesn’t have to be spent solo – many people find it personally rewarding to share their time and skills with those in need.
- Travel: Explore someplace new on a day trip can be invigorating or even just venturing into a different neighborhood nearby to explore is fun.
- Check something off of your “bucket list”: ME Day is the perfect time to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Attending SXSW is definitely on my bucket list!
- Go shopping: Indulge in a present just for you
For more information about ME Day and how the community is celebrating, follow the Domain.ME blog as we lead up to March 16th.
Huge thanks to Domain.ME for sponsoring my trip to SXSW. All opinions are my own.
