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Time Out

We’ve all experienced the vicious cycle of stress—that little tiff with the spouse that leads to the afternoon snack attack, which leads to the self-imposed guilt trip, and so on. Who needs ANY of that? It’s no secret that a little bit of me-time can do a world of good, but when it comes to actually making it happen, we find excuses; we tell ourselves we just don’t have time, or convince ourselves that the time would obviously be better spent actually getting something accomplished.

Well, here at Jenny, we beg to differ. You SO deserve it! After all, what’s more important than your happiness? Nothing, that’s what. To all of you who have worked so hard toward your Jenny goal—and in every area of your life, really—we say time out! Let’s all take a moment to celebrate your success. And whatever that looks like, whether you decide to enjoy a few stolen moments or "go big," it’s YOUR time. Enjoy every minute. Here are a few ideas to help stoke your me-time mojo:

STOLEN MOMENTS. So, you’re busy. Your job, your family, and the messy house are all clamoring for your attention. We get it! But we also know that a happier, more relaxed you will be a more productive worker, a better partner, and a better parent. Do you know that part of the airline safety speech that tells you to put on your own oxygen mask before you try to help anyone else? As it turns out, that idea applies to everyday life, too.

So the next time you feel your daily stresses encroaching upon your happiness, try this: Put yourself first. Get a pedicure at lunch, and choose the brightest color you can find. Grab your favorite co-worker and go out for afternoon tea. Buy yourself a new journal and spend some quiet time writing. Find the nearest body of water, and spend 60 tranquil minutes listening to the sounds of nature. Seriously… it’s ONE HOUR out of 24. You can do this. And if you absolutely can’t get away during the 9–5, plan a couple of fun activities for the weekend—a little anticipation goes a long way.

GO BIG. Nearing your halfway mark, celebrating an anniversary, or closing a huge deal with a new client? Major milestones deserve more than a few stolen moments—so by all means, go big! Immerse yourself in a weekend spa-and-yoga retreat. Grab your wingman for a day or two of really, really good golf. Plan a weekend getaway with your sweetie and spend some time reconnecting, sans kids. If you’re feeling overstimulated, don’t feel guilty about going solo! Just choose activities that truly recharge your physical and emotional batteries, bring lots of healthy snacks, and plan ahead for meals on your own. In life, as with food, satisfaction = success.