One of the most frequent questions I get is “How do I get more ‘me’ time?” This question usually comes from my clients who are busy parents, and let’s face it, what parents aren’t “busy” parents?

So here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Learn to say “No”. This article from MSN has some good advice for exactly how to word things so no one’s offended.
2. Create lists. Remember to make lists of tasks as well as lists of fun things you’d like to do so the fun stuff doesn’t get pushed aside or forgotten.
3. Prioritize. Rank your lists so you get a better handle on what’s really important to you.
4. Stay focused. If someone asks you to do something that’s not a top priority on your list, say “No.”
5. “Good enough” IS an option. Understand that perfection is both a myth and a time killer.
6. Focus on what you can control and let the rest go. If you’re feeling out of control, remember that even though some of the negative things in your life are out of your control, you CAN control a million other choices in your day.
7. Go online. There are some great websites to help inspire, instruct & help with procrastination:
   • www.somedaysyndrome.com
   • www.happinessproject.typepad.com
8. Enlist help. I find that many people are over-stressed because they simply haven’t asked anyone for help. Ask friends, family, and hired professionals to help you.
   • “Body doubling” – ask someone like a spouse or friends to do things with you. Sometimes it helps to have someone else nearby for encouragement.
   • Delegate or Hire help: nanny, house cleaner, organizer, babysitters, church drop offs for mommy errands, personal assistant for errands
   • Make chores list with spouse or hired help to split tasks
9. Schedule it. Yes, actually put it on the calendar.
10. Block time. Schedule chunks of time for tasks in your calendar. Sometimes seeing overcomitted appointments visually allows you to move things around before they become a time crunch. Be sure to block off time for:
    • Work
    • Family night
    • Date night
    • Play dates
    • Exercise
    • Alone time
    • Personal Care
11. Set timers for work, chores & play to stay on track