By Patty Benton
www.moretime4u.org
© 2005 JERPAT Virtual Assistants

Recently I was talking with a Christian women's business coach, Kimberly Chastain, and she asked me what I did for myself. I laughed. When do I have time to do anything for myself? Between my toddler, husband, house, and business, there is no room for me. I think I lost myself and became my family and business. I forgot who Patty was, and what she liked to do. When Kimberly asked me this question, it was a wake up call. I have now found in my HECTIC schedule, a little "me time." Here are some tips on how you can make some "me time" and then some ideas of what you can do to make time for yourself.

· Spend 1 week writing down everything you do. You can break it into sections, such as work, house cleaning, playing with kids, other (not what other is). Track the amount of time you do each thing.

· Look over your schedule. Is there some wasted time?
· During wasted time, schedule once a week or once a month at least one hour for you. Put it in your schedule and make a commitment. Get your family on board and tell them is YOUR TIME. If you have to arrange the babysitter or husband to come over, do it!!!

Now pick your activity! Here are some suggested activities. They are by no means the only activities, or even a huge list. They are just to get your brain going.

· Get a massage.
· Get a manicure and pedicure.
· Draw a hot bubble bath, put on some soft music, and LOCK the door!
· Go out to dinner with friend(s). Schedule this once a month and kick back.
· If you're a shopper, go to the mall and walk around (no kids or spouse allowed).
· Go to bed an hour early and read a book.

No matter what you decide to do or how often you choose to do it, the important thing is to do something for yourself! No husband, no kids, JUST YOU!!!! Make sure that there is no business or shopping for kids, etc. involved. This time MUST be to rejuvenate you! I will testify that I got the manicure and pedicure with my partner, Mary, and then we went to dinner. We didn't talk shop, instead we rejuvenated ourselves. It was definitely a much needed time. I am now researching getting a massage done.

Patty Benton is the owner of JERPAT Virtual Assistants and JERPAT Web Design, www.moretime4u.org, which provides affordable administrative and web design support to coaches, small businesses, religious organizations, and realtors. Additionally, Patty is a coach for new entrepreneurs interested in venturing into the virtual assistance industry that is affordable to all, and she has also written an e-book that takes virtual assistants through the process of setting up their business. Visit her coaching site at www.virtualvacoach.com for program details and great business resources. She has also partnered to establish the ministry Acknowledging Christ Together at Work www.actatwork.com. If you would like to receive Patty's articles and other tips in your mailbox every month, you can sign up at www.mortime4u.org/home.html.
© 2005 JERPAT

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