It’s so hard to find time for my friends -- and myself! -- but I really need to de-stress. How can I carve out “me time”?

A:

Taking “me time” isn’t a luxury -- it’s a necessity! Put it on your priority list and everything else will fall into place.

You may feel as though you can’t afford to take a break when you’re occupied with shopping, cooking and entertaining. But just the opposite is true: You need time to yourself during stressful periods in order to avoid becoming depleted. When you take time for yourself, you come back happier, more energized and better able to do what needs to be done.

Your first step is to recognize that you need that me time -- and then commit to taking it every day. Put it on your calendar as a reminder. Taking a break can be as simple as calling a friend or going out for a quiet cup of coffee. You can also exercise every day; not only does it give you time for yourself, but it also releases powerful feel-good brain hormones like serotonin.

I also highly recommend having a hobby, whether it’s cooking, writing, crafting or something else you love. This strengthens your sense of identity and makes you feel empowered. Many women bury themselves in To-Do lists to cover up their unhappiness over their lack of self-worth.

Just as important as taking time for yourself is finding ways to reduce your daily stress. First and foremost, don’t do everything yourself; let others help with last-minute shopping or cleaning up after dinner. When you’re not overextended, you’ll be happier and more loving -- and your days will be much more seconds.