Today’s Affirmation ~ I embrace new adventures, even if they are outside of my comfort zone.

1. Taking time to relax is important for your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well being.

2. You can experience your night out inside (hot bath, good book, old movie, etc).

3. Your energy will be renewed, which helps you meet the needs of being so many things to so many people.

4. If you don’t actively seek a night out for yourself, it will never happen.

5. You can eliminate nonessential tasks and fill wasted time with precious moments.

6. Time is life’s greatest gift and you deserve to give this gift to yourself.

7. Taking time to relax and play increases your creativity.

8. Removing yourself from your regular routine leads to greater productivity.

9. Planning a night out for yourself will put order and structure to your week.

10. It provides you with opportunities to try new things (food, exercise, entertainment, books, hobbies, etc).

11. To appreciate every moment of your night out, you are more aware of being present and in the moment.

12. When you pursue activities in your life that bring you enjoy, you will bring a sense of peace into your life.

13. Carving out time for you is an empowering experience. Be Empowered.

14. It provides you with an opportunity to ask for help. By delegating some responsibilities, you can focus one night a week on yourself.

15. It teaches you the importance of taking time for yourself without guilt.

16. When you provide space to recharge and embrace tranquility, you are more prepared to handle difficult situations.

17. You will receive hours of enjoyment on a weekly basis.

18. You can have a night out alone or with friends.

19. A weekly night out incorporates more serenity into your life.

20. Finding time to recharge your spirit helps you practice the art of life balance.

21. Your body requires time for relaxation and play. Are you listening to your body?

This is your moment!
– When was the last time you took a night out for yourself?
– Do you do this on a regular basis?
– What do you enjoy doing most on your night out?
– If you don’t schedule a weekly night out for yourself, tell me which upcoming evening you will schedule time for relaxation and fun!

Showing 25 comments
  • All of these confirmation are great, and true! I don’t exactly have a night out, but when I am waiting for soccer practice to be done, I relax totally, allow my mind to rest, and join in conversation with others. This helps tremendously!

  • I agree that taking time for yourself – and you have to take it, no one will give it to you – is a great way to achieve better life balance.

  • Hi Stacey. It is so important to do this for yourself huh? I had a night out last night. Two friends and I went to a craft show. It’s astounding at the unlimited possibilities of the imagination.

    We forget to treat ourselves and our lives are so busy we have to make this time. Your #7 “Taking time to relax and play increases your creativity.” is especially good for bloggers. 🙂

    Davinas last blog post..Video — Preparation Inspires Self-Confidence

  • Yes, I need to do this more. I do work out or run everyday. That is my daily time out 🙂
    Taking time out is hard with little ones – we do a lot of movie nights with friends and wine after the kids are in bed.

  • Stacey, I am the primary care giver to a semi invalid wife at home. It is extremely difficult to find the time for myself. The advantages of finding such time are indeed great, but since my wife fully cooperates, I find time to be alone with whatever I need to do while she is occupied with what she does. Occasionally I do leave the home for some errand or even for a night or noon out for a meal with the boys, but, the mind is all the time on returning home. My friends understand this, and visit us to give company.

    The classic statement about this condition in my life is from my wife’s cardiologist. After the last visit for routine check up, he told me that he expects me to be very active and does not want me to end up as his patient too!

    rummusers last blog post..Being Informal? Or Is It Rudeness?

  • Hey Stacey!
    So, I would say that I am “bad” at this. With three school-aged kids — our schedule seems dictated by their many and continuous activities (basketball, piano, scouts, church right now) – something different in a few months. My wife was just reviewing (because I can’t keep it straight – are women just better at that??) what activities were going on tonight – and where I would have to be. I think there becomes a point where you can be in too much (I don’t think we’re there – it’s just the number of kids we have to get places…). Does it sounds like I’m making excuses? I’m sure I am. It may not be “easy” but I’m sure I could find some time each week, if I just tried to. For instance, tomorrow we have nothing going on in the evening – and we’ve talked about going out to dinner – just my wife and I – it’s been a while since we’ve done this. After reading here – I think we NEED to do this. And…I need to work on actively finding time for myself… Stacey, thank you for the reminder!

  • Admittedly, I’m pretty good at taking time out for me, but I suppose since that’s the business I’m in it helps to practice what I preach.

    8. Removing yourself from your regular routine leads to greater productivity.

    I wish more people took the time to do this and realize the benefits. Talking alone just isn’t enough!

    This is a great list. I would even add – a night out could start with just a few minutes, whatever you have time for – fit it in somehow.

    Have a great weekend.

  • You can call me a workholic!! But my idea of a night out is to attend a meeting of friends who are in the coaching business or who are engaged in spiritual work. I do try to meet my girlfriends but these are rare due to my already very busy schedule.

    Evelyn Lims last blog post..My Vision Board Tops Amazon’s Bestseller List?

  • Yes to all these things but my “night” out is Thursday during the day but I get the same mental and physical benefits!

    Jannies last blog post..Why Thursdays rule

  • @BC – Sometimes we need to be creative to find our time off.

    @Vered – Exactly. If you don’t find the time, no one will find the time for you.

    @Davina – Your night out sounded great. I love craft shows.

    @Maya – Working out every day is wonderful. I agree it is hard with little ones…that is why it is so important.

    @Rummuser – Thank you for sharing your personal story. Our well-being (as your doctor referred to) is so important, especially when we are taking care of others. Refueling ourselves is key to success.

    @Lance – Three children with many activities does seem to equal a very busy life. I wish you all the best in finding time for yourself and more time with your wife.

    @Stacey Shipman – You are an inspiration to others.

    @Evelyn – I think meeting of friends who are in the coaching business or who are engaged in spiritual work is a form of a night off to refuel and excite your soul.

    @Jannie – Wow! You are an entire day. That is a precious gift.

  • A night to myself would be lovely, however when I try to plan one, I never get to do what I wanted and actually relax like I want. I suppose something is better than nothing, but it sure would be nice to actually just be able to sit and concentrate on relaxing. A lot of times I forget that I need to stop and relax.

    Each reason you named is a great one, especially with today’s busy life style, but sometimes I just forget.

    Jennys last blog post..A Short Story

  • Turns out I only needed one reason! My favorite part of scheduling time for myself is that I have sit down and actually figure out what it is I want to do. Sometimes it’s surprisingly hard to remember what I love and enjoy when so much of the week is spent taking care of others or checking things off of lists. I love your no-apologies take on this!

    Sara at On Simplicitys last blog post..Playful Simplicity

  • @Jenny – For me to have my ideal night out, I have to plan it ahead of time.

    @Sara – I agree. Part of my dream is to build an online tool that includes a section for you to enter what you love and enjoy that you can reference over time.

  • Hi Stacey
    I really needed to read this today! I am self employeed (booking agent, music publicist, writer) and work from a home office. It’s very typical to work 12 hours a day and even work on weekends. I realize that is not very balanced, but find myself feeling guilty if I take time for myself, which is why i LOVED suggestion two. A night out can be a night in with a good book, a hot bath, sushi from the local market, and a glass of good plum wine! There! I just planned next week’s NIGHT OUT…
    Thanks for the valuable insight!

    tammys last blog post..Band Tour Vehicle

  • Taking some time out really helps me focus – when I come “back to work” I have a much clearer idea of what to do, and it is easier. Good list Stacey!

    Robins last blog post..Bloggers’ Recording Project

  • This is such an important post for parents, Stacey, because too many of us run ourselves ragged attending to the needs of kids and don’t take that time to reconnect with ourselves, our spouse and our friendships. This is actually something I have always been good at, though for the first couple of years of my son’s life my ME time was non-existent and I suffered for it. Maybe it goes with being a dreamy writer, but as well as time with my friends (I’m a very social person), it is essential for my emotional wellbeing that I spend some time alone, doing nothing but staring out the window if that’s what I feel like. I also love driving my car along with rock music turned up loud – it’s very soothing for me, though many people find it strange.And I agree with needing space to be creative. I don’t see how anyone creates if they don’t have any space in their lives. that’s where the magic happens.

    Kelly 🙂

    Kelly@SHE-POWERs last blog post..Strange Occurrences of Modern Hollywood Wisdom

  • @Tammy – I think we all need to be reminded of how important a night off is for our authentic self to shine.

    @Robin – Me too!

    @Kelly – “..too many of us run ourselves ragged attending to the needs of kids and don’t take that time to reconnect with ourselves, our spouse and our friendships.” – that is exactly why I created this blog!

  • Hi Stacey,

    Anything worth accomplishing in this lifetime is worth the risk. We all tend to have different levels of risk taking, but it seems people who take more risks live the better life.

    Cheers,
    Jeremy

    Jeremy Days last blog post..The Complete Noobs Guide to the Economy

  • @Jeremy – Thanks for commenting and welcome to Create a Balance!

  • Leola Delgadillo

    Great Article. Thanks for the info. Does anyone know where I can find a Schedule A form?

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