In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities and forget to prioritize yourself. Between work, family, and daily obligations, many women struggle to carve out personal time.
But here’s the truth: making time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Prioritizing self-care can improve your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, helping you show up as your best self in every aspect of life.
“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.”
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering how to reclaim personal time, here are ✨ 10 simple yet powerful ways to make time for yourself. ✨
Table of Contents
10 Ways to Make Time for Yourself
1. Wake Up Earlier
One of the easiest ways to create extra time is by waking up earlier. Even 15–30 minutes of quiet time in the morning can help you start your day with focus and positivity.
For example, I wake up at 7 AM and leave for my 9–5 job at 8:40 AM. That extra time allows me to work on my blog, schedule Pinterest pins, and plan new content. My mind is fresh and focused in the morning, unlike in the evening when I feel mentally drained after work.
Not a morning person? Start small:
✔️ Adjust your bedtime routine so you sleep earlier.
✔️ Try waking up 10 minutes earlier at first, then gradually increase.
✔️ Use this time to meditate, read, journal, or simply enjoy a cup of tea.
Studies show that sleeping before 10:30 PM leads to better rest, so aim for a bedtime that ensures you wake up refreshed!
2. Set Boundaries
Saying “no” is self-care. Setting clear boundaries with work, family, and social obligations protects your personal time.
I personally struggle with this—I often say yes when my partner asks me to join him for grocery shopping, even when I’d rather use that time for myself. Later, I feel frustrated for not prioritizing my own needs.
“It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to put yourself first.”
If you also find it hard to say no, remember:
✔️ You don’t need to explain your decision. A simple “I can’t today” is enough.
✔️ Set limits on work and social obligations.
✔️ Prioritize your well-being. The people who love you will understand!
The more you practice, the easier it gets. Your time is valuable—protect it.
3. Plan Your Day in Advance
A structured schedule helps you avoid wasted time and prioritize self-care. Every night, I plan:
✔️ What time I’ll go to the gym.
✔️ When I’ll work on my blog and Pinterest marketing.
✔️ When I’ll spend quality time with my partner or enjoy alone time.
Benefits of planning your day in advance:
- Know exactly what to wear.
- Avoid rushing in the morning.
- Make time for self-care activities.
This simple habit reduces stress and ensures my day doesn’t slip away without me making time for myself.
Pro tip: Lay out your clothes the night before, prep meals in advance, and organize your workspace. Small steps make a big difference!
4. Take Advantage of Small Moments
Self-care doesn’t always require large chunks of time. Use small pockets of time wisely!
✔️ Waiting in line? Listen to a motivational podcast.
✔️ Commuting to work? Read an e-book or journal your thoughts.
✔️ On your lunch break? Take a walk or practice deep breathing.
Personally, I use my bus ride to work and lunch breaks to listen to YouTube videos about blogging and Pinterest marketing. That way, by the time I get home, I already have ideas ready to implement!
5. Declutter Your Schedule
Just like decluttering your home creates space, decluttering your schedule frees up time for what truly matters.
✔️ Remove non-essential tasks.
✔️ Stop overcommitting yourself.
✔️ Prioritize meaningful activities.
For example, instead of spending my free time doing things out of obligation, I now schedule time for:
✅ Fitness & health.
✅ Cooking nutritious meals.
✅ Reading a book I’ve been meaning to finish.
Make space for what fulfills you, and let go of what doesn’t.
6. Unplug from Technology
Constant notifications and endless scrolling consume precious time and take away from self-care. Set tech-free boundaries to regain control of your time.
✔️ Delete social media apps if they leave you feeling drained.
✔️ Set screen time limits to avoid mindless scrolling.
✔️ Create a digital detox routine—avoid screens at least 1 hour before bed.
For me, Instagram was a huge time-waster. I often felt worse after using it, so I decided to delete my account. If deleting social media entirely feels too drastic, try setting a daily time limit to stay in control.
I also used to spend hours scrolling on Temu and Amazon, buying things I didn’t really need. I finally realized that removing these apps not only saved me time but also helped me save money!
7. Delegate Tasks
You don’t have to do everything yourself. Whether at work or home, delegating tasks frees up valuable time for yourself.
✔️ At home: Ask your partner or kids to help with chores—like cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming.
✔️ At work: If possible, delegate tasks to coworkers or use productivity tools to automate repetitive work.
✔️ Use smart solutions: If cleaning takes up too much time, consider investing in a robot vacuum cleaner—it cleans your floors while you’re at work, so you come home to a tidy space without lifting a finger.
The more you lighten your load, the more time you gain for self-care.
8. Combine Activities
Multitasking isn’t always productive, but combining enjoyable activities can be!
✔️ Listen to an audiobook or podcast while exercising.
✔️ Practice mindfulness while doing household chores.
✔️ Do light stretching while watching your favorite show.
This way, you maximize your time while still engaging in activities that bring you joy.
9. Make Self-Care a Priority
Treat self-care as a non-negotiable part of your routine—just like a work meeting or a doctor’s appointment.
✔️ Schedule self-care into your planner.
✔️ Make time for fitness, skincare, relaxation, and hobbies.
✔️ Don’t feel guilty about putting yourself first!
For me, self-care includes going to the gym and recently, daily face massages to take care of my skin. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’m prioritizing skincare more than ever!
“You can’t take care of others if you’re neglecting yourself.”
Whatever self-care looks like for you, make it a consistent habit.
10. Simplify Your Life
Embracing a minimalist and frugal lifestyle helps eliminate unnecessary stress and obligations.
✔️ Declutter your home—owning fewer things means spending less time cleaning and organizing.
✔️ Cut back on commitments that don’t add value to your life.
✔️ Focus on what truly matters—your health, happiness, and relationships.
Since I decided to move from Europe to Asia, I embraced minimalism and decluttered my home. I sold 80% of my belongings, and now I feel lighter, happier, and freer.
Less clutter = more time, space, and mental clarity.
Final Thoughts: Why Making Time for Yourself Matters
Making time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
As women, we juggle work, home, relationships, and self-care while trying to look good and stay healthy. It’s exhausting!
But the truth is, you don’t have to be a superwoman all the time. Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish—it helps you show up better in every area of your life.
Start small:
✨ Wake up 10 minutes earlier.
✨ Say “no” to things that don’t serve you.
✨ Take even 5 minutes a day for something that makes you happy.
These small changes will add up over time, improving your well-being, productivity, and work-life balance.
What’s your favorite way to make time for yourself?
Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Bonus: Resources for Further Reading
✔️ [How to Declutter Your House in 30 Days With Absolutely No Effort]
Practical advice, always appreciate posts that simplify the process!
I really appreciate that! I always try to keep things practical and easy to follow—happy it resonated with you 😊