Self-care can look like a lot of things. It can be spending time with friends and family, going for a walk, or finally booking that doctor’s appointment. Other times, self-care looks like me time.   

What is me time? It’s the time we take for ourselves, by ourselves. It allows us to focus on our own needs without the demands or distractions of others.  

Since caregivers spend so much time focusing on others, it can be easy to lose sight of your own interests, goals, and needs. Me time offers you a chance to reconnect with your identity and reclaim a sense of self. 

Benefits of me time:  

• Reconnecting with your identity   

• Reducing stress  

• Boosting productivity   

• Improving relationships   

• Promoting personal growth   

• Enhancing energy levels   

• Preventing burnout   

Tips for taking me time:  

• Reframe your thoughts: If you feel taking time for yourself is indulgent or selfish, try reframing your thoughts. Remind yourself that me time is a necessary part of being a compassionate and effective caregiver. It is about recharging so you can show up as the best version of yourself. There is nothing selfish about that. 

• Keep it simple: Me time doesn't need to be complicated. It's just about prioritizing time for yourself, even if it is just a few minutes a day to sit quietly with your thoughts, take a walk, or have an extra-long shower.   

• Consistency is key: Build me time into your routine, whether it is daily or weekly. Being consistent can make a huge difference and make it much easier to be sure you get your me time.   

• Set yourself up for success: Me time is about having uninterrupted time alone, so schedule it when you are least likely to be interrupted. If there is a chance that you may be interrupted, don’t be afraid to communicate your boundaries to others.   

• Reflect on how you feel: Be mindful of how you are feeling both during and after me time. This can be a helpful way to assess and recognize its impact on your well-being.   

Ways to practice me time:  

Just like all self-care, me time will look different for everybody. There is no right or wrong way, the only expectation is that me time is time you spend alone, just with you, doing something to help you reconnect with yourself, relax, and recharge.   

• 30 seconds: Take three deep breaths before entering a resident’s room.  

• 1 minute: Step outside for a breath of fresh air when on a break.  

• 5 minutes: Listen to a favourite song in the car before heading home.  

• 10 minutes: Enjoy a quiet cup of coffee or tea before the day begins.  

• 15 minutes: Stretch, journal, or do a short meditation before bed.  

Me time at work:  

• Use part of your lunch break to take a quiet walk instead of checking messages.  

• Step away from the unit, even for a few minutes, to reset mentally.  

• Set small boundaries—like taking a full deep breath before responding to a call light.