How To Make Me-Time Moments Really Count
The mind-blowing thing is that many of the things we call me-time — showers, workouts, coffee runs — aren’t really me-time at all.
They’re basic, necessary things we’ve rebranded as “me-time” just to feel a little better about how we’re spending our day. And listen, you’re not wrong for thinking that way. I did too.
But the truth is, real me-time doesn’t just happen. It has to be made.
So let’s talk about a few things we call me-time and how to turn them into the real thing.
1. Getting Your Nails Done
For some of us, getting our nails done isn’t a luxury — it’s a basic need. I don’t feel fully myself without it. But it doesn’t always feel like me-time, does it?
Between rushing to pick a color and mentally running through your to-do list while your hands are under the dryer, it can feel more like a task than a treat.
Make it me-time:
✨ Plan ahead. Save nail inspo before your appointment.
🎧 Queue up your audiobook or favorite podcast.
☕ Grab a coffee first. It turns a chore into a ritual.
2. Grabbing Coffee
It’s our universal symbol of self-care, but a drive-thru latte between errands doesn’t count.
You deserve more than caffeine in motion.
Make it me-time:
💛 Sit down for five minutes, even if it’s in your car.
📖 Pair it with a book, a journal, or silence.
🎶 Let it be your pause, not your pit stop.
3. The Shower
It feels like me-time — it’s quiet, it’s warm, it’s private. But how often are you actually thinking about your day, your kid’s lunch, or what’s left on your to-do list while you’re in there?
Make it me-time:
🕯️ Add a candle or essential oil.
🎵 Play a playlist that’s just yours.
🧖♀️ Turn off your phone.
4. Running Errands Alone
The most relatable “me-time” of all. Grocery shopping solo? Heaven.
Except, you’re still doing something for everyone else.
Make it me-time:
🎧 Add a podcast or playlist that makes you laugh.
🍫 Pick up a little treat that’s just for you.
🛒 Wander for a few minutes with no purpose.
5. Watching a Show After Work
You finally sit down, hit play, and zone out, but half the time you’re scrolling, emailing, or folding laundry while the show plays in the background.
Make it me-time:
🍿 Get intentional: lights low, blanket on, phone away.
🛋️ Make it feel like a tiny premiere, even if it’s just you.
6. Exercise
We love to call it therapy, but it’s usually goal-driven — steps, reps, calories, progress. That’s great for motivation, but not always for peace.
Make it me-time:
🎶 Turn off notifications.
🚶 Move for joy, not for metrics.
☀️ Take your walk outside, breathe deep, notice things.
7. Haircuts
Haircuts can feel like me-time, but they’re often just another “necessary” appointment. You can’t exactly fall asleep in the chair, but you can turn it into your pause.
Make it me-time:
🎧 Listen to a new audiobook, podcast, or playlist.
📱 Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
💭 Or just sit there. Let yourself do nothing.
We don’t often get chances to simply be — so take yours. And maybe even find inspo for your next haircut while you’re at it.
✨ Me-Time Takeaway
Me-time doesn’t need to be fancy or hours long, but it does need to be yours.
It’s not what you do; it’s how you show up for yourself while you do it.
A cup of coffee. A quiet car ride. A perfectly chosen nail color.
With the right intention, any of them can be a moment that helps you recharge and that’s the fix we all need.
Here’s my playlist of books, songs and podcast episodes I’ve been wanting to listen to.