• How would incorporating "me time" into your life benefit your family, friends or career?
• How would it benefit you?
• What are the obstacles that keep you from making "me time" a priority?
• What activities do you wish you had more time for?

• If you're a busy mom, this may be the only alone time you have all day. Use this time to completely focus on you. Imagine the water is washing away all of the stress you have stored inside your body. Take deep cleansing breaths or meditate. Be sure to close the bathroom door, and let the kids know your shower time is a "no kid zone."
• Whether you need to relax or energize, use your shower time and some appropriate music to get you in the right frame of mind. (Of course, make sure your electronic equipment is bathroom safe!)
• Those few minutes you spend in the shower each day are probably the most regular "alone time" you get. Plan to use it well! Purchase some energizing aromatherapy products that you love, and make the most of the few minutes you have to yourself. While you're there, take some deep breaths and let the water wash away some of that tension you're carrying.

• Instead of driving, take public transportation. Use this time to relax by meditating, reading or listening to music.
• If you do have to drive, take an alternate route a few days a week. Take the long way and avoid stressful highways or drive through scenic neighborhoods. Listen to your favorite music or try listening to an audio book.
• If your destination is only a few miles away, hop on your bike. Even if you're doing grocery shopping, you can throw your purchases into a backpack for the ride home.
• If you find yourself waiting in your car often (in line at the bank or waiting for the kids to get out of school), take advantage of this time by listening to the radio or catching up on your favorite novel or magazine.
• Make the most of appointments by arriving early. Not only will you cut out the stress of running late, but you can use this extra time in the waiting room to meditate or read.

• Your evenings are precious, so limit necessary tasks like grocery shopping or bill paying to two nights a week. Reserve at least two other nights for yourself before the week begins, and don't be flexible. When a friend calls with a last minute emotional emergency or a project at work seems imperative, tell your friend you already have plans or remind yourself that your night is booked and work can wait.
• Take advantage of your lunch hour to pamper yourself by getting a manicure, enjoying a massage or taking a brisk walk. An hour of "me" focused quiet time will help you de-stress and refresh you for the afternoon of work ahead.
• Plan ahead. No matter what your interest, find a group that enjoys the same activity. Join a book club that meets the second Tuesday of every month or purchase season tickets to the theatre, and you will probably find yourself looking forward to the outing and unwilling to let anyone else get in the way of your night out.

• Turn off your phone.
• Don't check your email.
• Delegate.
• Say "no."
• Take deep breaths.

Now you know how to make "me time" a part of your daily life, but falling back into your old routine of doing too much for others and too little for yourself might come too easily. Just remember that everyone deserves a little time to themselves. And, when done right, loving yourself can be contagious.