“I have important clients today—I can’t take time for myself.”
“My child’s school project needs attention—‘Me time’ can wait.”
“Guests are coming, and I need to cook—Me time? What’s that?”
“If I sit down now, my husband might be late for work. I’ll have coffee later… but then I have to rush to the office, so no time for myself again.”
For many women, these thoughts are all too familiar. The constant juggling of responsibilities— family, work, home, and finances—often leaves little room for self-care. Even when the opportunity arises, guilt creeps in:
- “Why did I waste time having coffee? I could have used that time to cook.”
- “Why did I go to a movie with my friends? I should have cleaned the house instead.”
- “If I hadn’t gone out with my colleagues, I could have spent more time with my child. Am I a bad mother?”
Women tend to prioritize everyone else’s needs before their own, labeling self-care as ‘selfish’ or ‘unnecessary.’ But why does taking time for oneself come with guilt?
Breaking Free from the ‘Me Time’ Guilt
Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean neglecting responsibilities; it means recharging so you can fulfill them better. Here are a few simple steps to practice self-awareness and embrace ‘me time’ without guilt:
- Start Your Day with “Me Time”– Even 10 minutes of quiet time, journaling, or deep breathing can set a positive tone.
- Move Your Body – A short walk, yoga, or dancing boosts mood and energy.
- Set Boundaries Without Guilt – Saying no is a form of self-care! Protect your time and energy.
- Nourish Yourself – Eat foods that fuel your body and mind, and don’t skip meals for the sake of others.
- Enjoy a Small Treat Just for You – A cup of coffee, a book, or a quiet moment—without feeling guilty!
- Disconnect to Reconnect – Take a break from screens and social media for mental clarity.
- Rest Without Guilt – Prioritize sleep; it’s essential, not optional.
- Pamper Yourself – A skincare routine, spa day, or just sitting in silence with a warm drink counts!
- Do What Brings You Joy – Read, paint, garden, or do something that makes you happy.
Taking time for yourself isn’t indulgence—it’s an investment in your well-being. So the next time guilt creeps in, remind yourself: You deserve this.
Why place the responsibility of your well-being on those around you? If you have the strength to care for countless others, then you absolutely can—and must—care for yourself too.
And if the thought creeps in, “What will people think if I don’t prioritize my family first?”—pause and ask yourself, Who are these people? Do their opinions truly matter?
After all, as the famous song goes: “Kuch to log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna.” (People will always have something to say—that’s just what they do.) So why let their words dictate your self- care?
It’s completely okay to take a break and enjoy your coffee or tea—people can wait. But when you keep postponing it, your coffee turns cold. Then, you have to reheat it, and no matter what, it just
doesn’t taste the same. In the end, frustration builds, and you start blaming everything around you— when in reality, all you needed was to allow yourself that small moment of pause.
If your coffee won’t wait for you, do you really think people will? Stop burdening yourself with unnecessary guilt. Why keep draining yourself from within? Come on, get up! If you truly want to take care of your family, start by focusing on yourself—without a shred of guilt. That’s not selfishness, it’s self-care.
Unnati Ekbote
Clinical psychologist