Are you someone who relies on a calendar to optimize efficiency and ensure you don’t miss anything? You probably have a work calendar brimming with meetings and commitments. Perhaps you also maintain a personal calendar to keep track of your kids’ activities, social events, doctor appointments, and more. It’s great to see that you’re a busy and organized person, staying on top of everything that matters to you—your work, friends, and family.

But here’s a crucial question: Where do you see YOURSELF on your calendar? Yes, YOURSELF! What about the activities that contribute to your well-being?

When I started working from home virtually with 24-hour availability, it was difficult to find time for myself. Between different time zones, I struggled to allocate enough time for sleep. So, I began scheduling my sleep time on my calendar. Then, I slowly added other activities that I had been missing out on. I merged my work and personal calendars so I could see my overall schedule. Now, my To-Do List includes items like meditation, piano practice, pages to read, etc. 🙂

Prioritize self-care

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do lists, meetings, and obligations. We often find ourselves prioritizing work, family, and social commitments while neglecting the most important person in our lives — ourselves.

One powerful way to reclaim control of our time and prioritize self-care is by putting ourselves on our own calendars. This simple act may seem trivial, but it can have a profound impact on our overall well-being and productivity.

Just try to add those things that you think you have no time for such as;

• breaks from work,
• relaxing time,
• excises,
• walks in nature,
• sleep time,
• learning something new
• work on your hobby that gives you joy
• reading a couple of pages from the book that you never finished
• Meditation

Why we should do this?

moments that allows us to recharge and show up as our best selves in other areas of life.

Your needs are important: Seeing these on your calendar shows that our needs are important. It’s a way of honoring ourselves and acknowledging that self-care is not selfish but necessary for our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Sets boundaries:  Moreover, putting ourselves on our calendars helps us establish boundaries. By blocking off time for self-care activities, we communicate to others that this time is non-negotiable. It encourages us to say no to excessive commitments and prioritize activities that align with our values and goals.

Builds healthy habits: When we treat our personal time with the same level of importance as work or social engagements, we are more likely to follow through and make self-care a regular habit. Over time, this consistency leads to improved well-being, reduced stress, and increased resilience.

Improves productivity and creativity: Furthermore, prioritizing ourselves on our calendars can enhance productivity and creativity. Studies have shown that taking regular breaks and engaging in activities that bring us joy and relaxation can boost focus, problem-solving skills, and overall productivity. When we invest in our well-being, we become more efficient and effective in other areas of our lives.

Give it a try for a day or so! Even if you can’t do everything on your self-care list, treat it as a starting point—a wish list of sorts. Intentions hold power. With the will to improve and seeing the list in front of you whenever you open your calendar, it will motivate you to find a way to take care of at least a few of them each day. Consistent baby steps will eventually bring big changes at the end

Putting ourselves on our calendars is not a luxury but a necessity. It’s a powerful way to reclaim control of our time. By making ourselves a priority, we can live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

So, take out your calendar and start scheduling some me-time. Your future self will thank you for it!