4 Ways to Get the Most out of ‘Me Time’

Compensation was provided by Target via Mode Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, Kari Herrera, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

Continuing our partnership with Target Style, this month we’re talking ‘me time’. Make yourself a priority this year with a habit of skin care, relaxation, and meditation.

How do you do ‘me time’?

‘Me time’ shouldn’t be a luxury. The practice of unapologetically reserving a few minutes for oneself isn’t an extravagance for the lazy, the selfish, or the Kardashian. It’s a necessity for the mental and physical health of any human being. Still, ask your friends to rank the needs of their spouse, kids, and career against their own and you’ll find most put themselves second — or dead last. I am no exception.

It all started when I stopped taking baths.

To be clear, I do bathe, regularly of course. But rarely do I actually get into a bathtub and sit in my own stew for the sake of relaxation. This is a problem as showers do not afford the same opportunity for peaceful meditation that baths do. It is almost impossible for me to find time for unwinding nowadays but, with a little help from Target, that all changes starting now.

Here’s how I’m finding ways to put myself at the top of my priorities list and how you can do the same, whether you have a little time or a lot.

4 Ways to Get the Most out of ‘Me Time’

If you have 10 minutes…

Fight a cold and clear your head. Grab a bundle of fresh eucalyptus and tie it under your shower head. The steam from the shower releases the herb’s decongestive power. It also makes your bathroom smell like a spa. So, bonus.

If you have 25 minutes…

Break out the mud and cucumbers. First, gently scrub the area around your nose and lips with a sponge. I use Dual-sided Facial Sponges by The Bathery to really smooth my lips. Then, with your pores wide open from the shower, rub a refreshing, purifying mask on your face, place something cool over your eyes, and get horizontal for about 10 minutes more.

I used to keep a variety of face masks in my cabinet for so long that some of them became flaky and unusable. For that reason, I love the Que Bella Purifying Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Mud Mask. These single packets ensure I get the best quality mask with zero product waste.

If you have 30 minutes…

Soften your body. Take a nourishing cream, like SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion (I LOVE this brand), and thoughtfully rub it into your skin. Take more time than you normally would, especially around often ignored patches behind the knee, elbows, and backside.

If you have an hour…

Soak it all in. Instead of a shower, if you have an hour or more to spare, hop in a warm bath, light some candles, and force yourself to simultaneously relax while thinking deeply. I think of this time as my own personal project meeting where I can take inventory of current advancements, restructure objectives, and find ways to better execute goals, both personal and professional.

For a deeply relieving experience, I suggest pouring a handful of SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Dead Sea Salt Muscle Relief Mineral Soak into your bath. Made with Dead Sea salts, it melts away stress instantly.

For more great ideas, be sure to check out Target’s “How do you do, January Your Way” video series on YouTube.

So, how do you do ‘me time’?

Find your style @TargetStyle!