1. Fitness Class

While sweating may not seem like a good way to spend "me" time, it’s one of the healthiest ways you can reward yourself or take a break from a busy schedule. Take a kickboxing class, a spinning class, a Zumba class, or even just get in a good workout at the gym. You’ll be setting a good example for your kids, and maybe even your significant other!

2. Yoga

So maybe getting your heart thumping in a fitness class isn’t your idea of "me" time. Why not schedule a yoga class then? It’s just as effective at relieving stress, and will also help you get tone, be more flexible, and even help with focus and attention. Can you think of a better way to spend "me" time?

3. Journaling

Here’s another healthy way to spend "me" time: setting your thoughts and feelings down on paper. There’s something cathartic and helpful about writing things down, especially when you’re feeling sad or stressed. An online blog or journal is helpful, but studies have shown that the process of physically writing on paper is even better.

4. Cooking

For some, cooking a meal or snack (or dessert!) is a favorite way to spend "me" time. It’s sort of a double-bonus, isn’t it? You get the relaxation of cooking, then the joy of sharing a meal or a treat. "Me" time is the perfect time for trying a new recipe, or for making an old favorite.

5. Gardening

Pulling weeds, planting tomatoes, putting down new mulch - any gardener can tell you these green-thumb activities are relaxing and invigorating at the same time… what an ideal way to get some fresh air and spend "me" time!

6. Puzzle

Studies have shown that people who work word puzzles regularly have less of a risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and they stay sharper, longer. What better reason to spend a little "me" time on a crossword or word search?

7. Nap!

Very few of us get enough sleep, so why not spend your precious quiet time indulging in a cat nap? This is one of my all-time favorite ways to spend "me" time… I feel so relaxed and refreshed after just 20 minutes!

Now that you’ve seen my list of my favorite ways to spend "me" time, do you solemnly swear NOT to check emails or catch up on "Shameless" instead of actually relaxing and unwinding? I hope so! Which of these do you do to spend down time? Or do you have another suggestion for ways to spend "me" time? Do tell!

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