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Stella Recommends...

This time last year I was overbooked everyday of every week.  In this day and age, we're always running out of time.  We have to rush here and then there and after that, there's that other thing to do.

One piece of advice, don't fall into the trap of having time for everything but for yourself.  A wise person once said: "Remember that by saying yes to everything and everyone, you're saying no to yourself".

It's true, you have commitments - it could be work, kids, elderly parents - whatever the case is, if you don't take a break and have some me time:

- your body will suffer: you will constantly feel tired
- you will be grumpy with those you love and are commited to
- you will not be able to focus and you will produce less things at work in the long run

Make a commitment to yourself.  I only decided to start making some me time when I got a scare from having chest pains and uneasiness in my left arm.  My GP explained they were only muscle contractions due to stress, however it was then that I realized I was doing too much and decided to make a change in my lifestyle.

I can't change the fact that I need a full-time job and need to find time for my loved ones, however I decided that I'd give an hour to myself every week by taking on Belly dance classes every Wednesday evening.  Whenever anyone asked me to meet on a Wednesday, I would say: "No, that's my Belly dance day." People eventually started telling me, oh no, not Wednesday it's your Belly dance day!

Now, of course, you might not be into dancing but find what you love doing and do it.  If you like to walk then organize Thursday evening walks with your friend, colleague or neighbour.  

What me and my lady friends have found to be very but very therapeutical is meeting up every other week to have a coffee.  We can all share what was stressing us throughout the week and vent out any frustration or anxiety, without having to argue with our partners or husbands. We'd all leave feeling more relaxed and feeling we have friends we can count on and that might be going through similar situations. It feels great to feel you're not alone.

So remember that by finding some 'Me time' you're not being selfish but simply making yourself better and more ready for your other commitments.  So whether it's just an hour a week or escaping to your reading corner for half an hour every night after putting the kids to sleep, DO IT! :)

Yours,