I’m one of those women who needs quite a bit of down time. My creative brain needs room to stretch out and relax so it can do what it needs to do. I need time to stare out the window and wonder “what if”, “why” and “when” more often than the average bear. It took me a long time to figure that out but I’ve got it now.

Everyone is different as to HOW MUCH time they need but I think you will agree that it is muy importante.

Especially for creative women. 

And it’s funny, I thought that when the kids were gone that my time would be MY OWN to do with as I please. Then I added another dog and then a cat, began weekly “Sunday Dinners” where I cook most of the day and everyone comes home to visit and eat. I got a part-time job teaching art classes and started a ginormous garden. While some of those are definitely items on my WANT to do list they aren’t always so rejuvenating. So I end up having less me time than I thought I would. And that can make me cranky and less creative than I like.

Is it like houses? The bigger the house the more stuff you will buy to fill it up? 

How do we MAKE the time we need to relax, rejuvenate and recharge so we can be our best creative selves? Here are some tips.

Do It In The Morning

Take a few minutes before your day really gets going for yourself. Sketch in an art journal, stitch a few stitches, stretch to a yoga video or take the dog for a walk. Whatever it is that you do for YOURSELF do it before anyone or anything can sidetrack you.

Block it out

Every week on the same day mark in your calendar “Me time” or “My Time”. In “The Artist’s Way” the author Julia Cameron has you go on a weekly artist date. This is YOUR time. A date with the most wonderful person ever. YOU!

Set a Play Date

Get together with a couple of close girlfriends and make it a play date. Find the friends who are into similar hobbies and get together for a few hours to work on it together. You’ll learn more about your friends and probably even more about your hobby.

Do Two Things at Once

Is there a friend  you haven’t seen in a while or maybe someone who has been sickly that could use a visit? Take this time to pack up your more portable projects and chat while you recharge. Just because you are keeping your fingers busy doesn’t mean you are ignoring the people around you. I mean, at least you aren’t totally sucked in by your phone.

There are lots of ways to make sure you get to do YOUR OWN THING as long as you aren’t trying to cram your newfound hours with any old thing. I know, it’s tempting when the kids first leave to pack your days to the max but be sure to choose activities that are fulfilling and relaxing for you.

Yes, it’s easier to find ME TIME after 50. The trick is to make sure that it’s time that fills you back up and helps you to feel more energized and creative.