Learning how to make time for yourself can feel nearly impossible when you’re juggling work, relationships, and the endless list of to-dos.
Taking time for yourself is one of the most common struggles I see among women—especially midlife women juggling careers, relationships, caregiving, and everything in between.
4 Ways To Make Time For Yourself–Starting Now:
Through Kuel Life’s Share Your Story series, this theme shows up again and again: Women know they need self-care, but carving out that time feels impossible. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Below are some of the ways I try to create space for myself—starting with the hardest one of all.
1. Say ‘No’—And Mean It:
Let’s be honest. Between work, kids, friends, partners, parents, and even pets, we’re constantly on call. The requests never stop. And if you’re anything like me, you struggle to say “No.”
But learning to say no is one of the most powerful forms of self-preservation. Practice in the mirror. Get comfortable with it. You’ll be surprised how freeing it is. The only ones in my life who still hear “Yes” 100% of the time? My two kitties. They’ve got me wrapped around their adorable little paws.
2. Delegate Without Guilt:
Delegation doesn’t always come easy—especially if you suffer from the “I do it better than anyone else” syndrome (guilty). But I’ve learned to delegate tasks I truly don’t care about: taking out the trash, stripping beds, grabbing the mail. Small stuff, yes—but letting it go opens up small windows of time for yourself. And those windows add up.
3. Outsource When You Can:
Not everyone can afford to outsource. I get that. But if you can swing it, even occasionally, paying someone to mow the lawn or clean the bathroom can be worth it. The time and mental energy you reclaim can be redirected to something meaningful—time to reflect, recharge, or even pursue a hobby.
4. Schedule It Like You Mean It:
If it’s not on the calendar, it probably won’t happen. That’s why I schedule time for myself the same way I’d schedule a meeting or a doctor’s appointment. For example, I used to block off Tuesday mornings for jump rope with a friend. That small act of commitment made it feel real—and non-negotiable.
I know not everyone has that kind of flexibility, especially if you’re balancing a full-time job or caregiving responsibilities. But even carving out 20 minutes once a week is a great start. Make it intentional.
Health Benefits of Making Time for Yourself:
The real trick? Once you create time for yourself, don’t immediately fill it back up with stuff you don’t care about. That’s where I sometimes slip. I’ve learned to decide ahead of time how I want to spend that “me” time.
At one point, I used it to learn guitar. I wasn’t very good, but the act of learning—struggling through a few chords and hearing actual music—filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. These days, my focus has shifted. I now find that sharing time and space with other amazing women in the Kuel Life community fills me up in a whole new way.
Whether it’s a walk with a friend, reading a book, or just sitting in silence for 10 minutes, making time for yourself improves mood, reduces stress, and can even boost your physical health. It’s not indulgent—it’s necessary.
Make It A Practice, Not A One-Off:
The more you practice prioritizing your own needs, the easier it becomes. You don’t need permission. You don’t need to justify your time. You just need to value yourself enough to protect it. That’s a muscle you build over time.
And it gets easier with community support. Which is why I want to hear from you.
Share Your Time-Saving Tips:
If you have any rituals, tricks, or boundaries that help you carve out “you time,” please share. We’re all in this together, and learning from one another is part of the journey.
As for me? The guitar may be collecting dust, but Kuel Life and the friendships I’ve built through it bring a depth of fulfillment that no to-do list ever could.
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