The Power of Reclaiming Time for Yourself
"You show up for everyone else, but when was the last time you showed up for you?"
It’s a simple question, and it often resonates deeply with many of us. We’re often conditioned to put everyone else first—our children, partners, friends, and even colleagues. As women, we give our time, energy, and emotional support so freely. But how often do we stop to ask, what’s left for ourselves? When you’re always prioritising the needs of others, you end up running on empty, emotionally and physically drained. This pattern takes a serious toll on well-being over time.
The truth is, reclaiming time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Putting others first can feel like the right thing to do, and caring for others can be deeply fulfilling. But when this becomes constant, it leads to burnout, overwhelm, and even resentment. Some of you may feel like you’re always “on,” managing everyone else’s problems without ever addressing your own.
Emotionally, this can show up as frustration, irritability, or sadness. You may start noticing that the joy you once got from helping others fades. You feel disconnected—from yourself and from the things that once brought you happiness.
Research backs this up. Studies on compassion fatigue reveal that constantly prioritising others leads to emotional exhaustion and decreased overall well-being*¹. Over time, it can even affect relationships, as caregivers start to feel isolated and unappreciated, disconnected from their own desires.
Why Your Well-Being Matters
Imagine this: You’re pouring from a cup that never gets refilled. Eventually, there’s nothing left to give. Some women have shared how small moments of self-care have allowed them to show up even better for others. It’s a mindset shift that says, I am worthy of the time and care I give to others.
Reclaiming time doesn’t mean abandoning your responsibilities; it means recognising that your emotional well-being is equally important. Research shows that prioritising self-care, even in short bursts, helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of fulfillment². Neuroscience also tells us that activities that nurture your mind and body—like mindfulness, gentle movement, or creative expression—can reshape the brain, leading to emotional balance and clarity³.
Small Steps to Start Prioritising You
Shifting the focus to yourself can feel like a radical change. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are three simple ways you can start reclaiming your time and emotional space:
Set Boundaries: This is key. If you’re always saying yes to others, you’re saying no to yourself. Start small—whether it’s turning off your phone during lunch or carving out 10 minutes for a hobby. Setting boundaries leads to increased resilience and well-being*⁴.
Practise Mindful Breathing: When overwhelmed, stop and take three deep breaths. This signals your nervous system to relax. It only takes a moment, but it reminds you that you deserve this space. Mindfulness practices like this reduce stress and improve emotional regulation*⁵.
Nurture Your Spirit: Journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in nature helps you reconnect with yourself. These activities often get lost in the busyness of life, but neuroscience shows they can boost mood and cognitive function, helping you feel calmer and make better decisions.*⁶
Reclaiming Your Time Is a Gift
The most powerful shifts happen when we realise that taking care of ourselves makes us better at caring for others. When you nurture your emotional well-being, you model self-respect, balance, and love to those around you. And most importantly, you give yourself permission to rest and be whole.
So, when was the last time you showed up for you?
Now is the time to reclaim it.
References:
*¹ Sinclair, S., Raffin Bouchal, S., et al. (2017). Compassion fatigue: A meta-narrative review of the healthcare literature. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 69, 9-24.
*² Smith, B. W., et al. (2020). Boundary-setting behavior and emotional resilience: Investigating the mechanisms. Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(4), 487-499.
*³ Tang, Y. Y., Holzel, B. K., & Posner, M. I. (2015). The neuroscience of mindfulness meditation. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 16(4), 213-225.
*⁴ Smith, B. W., et al. (2020). Boundary-setting behavior and emotional resilience: Investigating the mechanisms. Journal of Positive Psychology, 15(4), 487-499.
*⁵ Zeidan, F., et al. (2010). Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training. Consciousness and Cognition, 19(2), 597-605.
*⁶ Bratman, G. N., Hamilton, J. P., & Daily, G. C. (2019). The impacts of nature experience on human cognitive function and mental health: Mechanisms and evidence. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 112(28), 8567-8572.