Most women spend more time looking after the people around them than taking care of themselves. That's not philosophy, it's just a fact. It is built into us somewhere, we're genetically programmed to tend. That doesn't mean that men don't do their share too, but it does look like it's easier for them to detach themselves and .... go for a run, or watch a match or sit down and read the paper ....
I have noticed that French women really understand the importance of a little me-time. It is part of the culture that they will find the space in their busy timetable to take care of themselves too. Their me-time is often spent doing some sport; having lunch with a girlfriend; or an appointment at their salon de beauté.
So today, on a breather between guests and appointments, I checked into our tiny local beauty salon and got a simple manicure. Forty minutes of soft music, plump pillows covered with fluffy soft towels, easy conversation, the lovely smells of the perfumes and creams all around me. No gel, no false nails, no fancy colours, just a quick tidy up and clear nail varnish, but I emerged feeling very good indeed. I have even resolved to do this sort of things more often!
What do you like to do for a quick pick-me-up?
Posts
Fix myself a drink (what I'm drinking depends on time of day) and sit quietly with a book. It's the sitting quietly part that is so special.
ReplyDeleteI have always had "me time". When my kids were very little I would get up extra early, while still dark out and enjoy my coffee sitting in the dark in front of our living room window. Slowly I would see the neighbourhood waking up while I snuggled under a cozy blanket with my strong coffee. A great way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteNow they are grown and I still find time to enjoy things I like to do like blogging for instance. A great pleasure which I usually do before I go to work....still getting up extra early for me time....I just realized that. Lol.
I think it's essential to have some time to oneself be it a walk or a soak in the tub...
ReplyDeleteit's so restorative and personally speaking I can be more receptive to the needs of others if I have given myself some "me time."
Your hands look lovely!
I tend to make a cup of tea and sit down with a book or a magazine when I need a little me time. However, I'm thinking that I need to spend a little more effort in taking care of me - eyebrow clean up, manicure, etc.
ReplyDeleteLight scented candles with lavender, start a warm bath, turn on a cd with soft classical music.. relax... awhhh...
ReplyDeleteAhhh...that's exactly what I am about to do today!! It's so important for us to take time for ourselves!
ReplyDeleteI find for me, sitting down with a cup of caffe creme and reading a good book is great me time. Going to the salon for a cut, highlight, and eyebrow wax also makes me feel better. I am a firm believer that a bit of "me time" everyday tends make me feel more relaxed and happier too. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been craving some me time ... that isn't just wasting time in front of the television.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Glenda
Great question .......sadly I have forgotten. Now I am going to find a little me time to remember.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Sharon
x
Any time that I am doing something I enjoy is considered "me time", even if it is cooking a lovely meal. I do wish I pampered myself more but a nice nap sounds so much more inviting! lol!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
The me-time conundrum! No, there isn't enough! But when I get it, I love it. Mani/pedis and facials are my me-time indulgences which, as I get older, are becoming more necessary. Those times are golden, and restorative. I think the French have it right!
ReplyDeleteMy Friday Night Bath. It's a beautiful ritual that I so look forward to all week long. A long lazy bubble bath, with candles and music and something good to drink. I'm refreshed, as I let all the angst of the work week slip away. And then I'm ready for my week end.
ReplyDeleteI fall into the never enough time regardless of who it is for! I try to do an early morning walk at least once a week before it gets too crazy with people outside. The quiet allows for me to clear my head! - Tonya
ReplyDeleteThat's my idea of ME time, too, a manicure and pedicure. It feels so indulgent, doesn't last too long for me since my hands are always in dirt or tending the horses. It makes me feel like a woman, though and like I treated myself to something special. You deserve it, we all do, and should more often!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week.
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
It really is wonderful that you took some me time and had a nice manicure. Nothing beats the feeling of being pampered in a nice relaxing atmosphere. The leaves are starting to turn into gorgeous fall colors in the canyons and mountainsides. I'll take longer stops on my way home to enjoy the gorgeous sceneries.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read the title of this post... my immediate reaction was... 'Never'... I vow to myself to do that... take time for myself... but as you say... it's hard to get away... A manicure is perfect 'me time'... there is no way to type!! xv
ReplyDeleteMe time is so very important. Glad you had a chance to slip some of it in today. For me I find time whether it's 30 minutes or longer to play my piano every day. And once a month I treat myself to a massage. Tomorrow is my massage day:)! Dawn Fleming
ReplyDeleteA mani - pedi or massage does it for me every time. Somehow I feel empowered by just booking the time for me.
ReplyDeleteMe Time is what you make of it. Even in daily errands and projects, it's important to build in a bit of enjoyment for oneself.
ReplyDeleteMy last Me Time indulgence? This afternoon I spent time with my youngest daughter (who is grown and married), and we dyed each other's hair. It's a great way to spend a bit of a Monday afternoon.
I tell my family that a little "me time" means lots of "we time" - so they push me out the door for a mani - pedi at least once a month. Now that the kids are back at school and the bus picks them up so early, I get to walk my beautiful dogs everyday - bonus "me time" I love, especially as fall begins. Here hoping you get more, Cynthia
ReplyDeleteA long hot soak in the bath, with magazines, and a glass of wine. Heaven!
ReplyDeleteNothing like a little manicure - for me soul food in a 30 hour day! Great post - thank you F x
ReplyDeletePerfect post! I've really missed not being able to catch up on every one as I've been so busy helping my precious daughter move to New Orleans. However…a manicure or a pedicure is exactly what I do for a quick pick me up! Today, I will admit a little botox sounded appealing at the open clinic on Mondays near my shop…I just wasn't' brave enough! Sure wish I had been though!
ReplyDeleteso true..i guess world around its the same phenomenon!!...women are too busy taking care of family!1
ReplyDeleteMy idea of a perfect me time is sleep(in the daytime!!!) and also go for a manicure/pedicure!!
I really love to bake cupcakes-it's very relaxing! If I only have a minute or two, I'll just sit down to a cup of tea (with cream of course).
ReplyDeleteFor me it is an early rise + meditation + blog reading. Lovely way to start my busy day. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteSchade finde ich immer, daß die Kosmetikerinnen die Maniküre nicht so sorgfältig wie ich selbst machen. Bei mir dauert das mindestens 1 Stunde, oft länger und da wird wirklich jedes noch so kleine Spänchen abgefeilt. Ich glaube, solch eine Maniküre wäre für eine Normalsterbliche unbezahlbar. Und da ich das Perfekte nirgends gefunden habe, mache ich mir die Nägel lieber selbst. Eine Auszeit für sich selbst ist so oder so angenehm und entspannend. Ob man sie mit Häkeln, Stricken oder Maniküre verbringt.
ReplyDeleteKünstliche Nägel liebe ich auch nicht, auch wenn ich es einmal ausprobiert habe.
In Frankreich mag das ja anders sein und man bekommt wirklich noch gute Arbeit fürs Geld. Hier geht vieles doch eher oberflächlich nach dem Motto Geld verdienen ja, aber Leistung - naja ... ;-)
Auch wenn in meinen Adern u.a. französisches Blut fließt, habe ich diese Sprache leider bislang nicht perfekt gelernt, so daß ich auf Deutsch schreibe.
Herzliche Grüße
Sara
I love to knit. I find it very meditative. I do a little each day - sometimes while I'm in bed in the morning with a steamy cappuccino. I also indulge in a massage every three weeks and a pedicure monthly. I deserve it!
ReplyDeleteI'm working my way thru the archives here, and now and again find I simply *must* comment. I don't get a lot of "me" time. I find it difficult to ignore the many things I should be doing for the family and focus on myself. That said, I nap/meditate. I curl up in bed, set an alarm, read a book for a few minutes, then close my eyes, don my eye mask and think peaceful thoughts. Most of the time, there is a kitty napping with me. I am finding, however, I need to leave the house more. It's too easy to get bogged down with you're own issues at home. I've resolved to spend more time at the local cafe.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Jennifer