Me time and why it’s so important to our mental well-being

Hi everyone, today, I want to talk about something that often gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do lists: ‘me time’.

In a world that constantly celebrates hustle, productivity, and being busy, carving out time for ourselves can feel indulgent, even selfish. But the truth is, it’s essential. Taking intentional time for yourself plays a crucial role in maintaining mental, emotional, and even physical well-being.

In the counselling world, we often refer to 'me time' as self-care. And contrary to popular belief, self-care isn’t about spa days or luxury getaways (although those can be lovely). It’s about taking meaningful, restorative action that nourishes you, whatever that may look like.

Today, I deliberately set aside time for myself. I had a hair appointment, got my nails done, and spent a while browsing the shops. I didn’t rush. I didn’t feel guilty. I just let myself be. I didn’t feel pressure to be productive or to justify how I was spending my time. And that felt incredibly empowering.

The past few weeks have been overwhelming. I’ve been balancing work, volunteering, self-study, family life, and my own health, including living with MS and recovering from a recently broken wrist. I was nearing capacity. Without taking a pause, I risked burning out emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Today reminded me that it’s okay, necessary, even to step away and prioritise myself. I feel calmer, clearer, and better equipped to face the week ahead.

But here’s the important part: self-care doesn’t have to take all day or cost anything at all. It can be something small and meaningful, a quiet cup of tea, a warm bath, a walk in the fresh air, or putting on your favourite playlist and dancing like nobody’s watching. Whatever gives you pleasure and takes you to your happy place, time for you.

A counselling colleague of mine recently shared that she bought herself a new planner in preparation for the school term in September. She loves stationery, and for her, that small purchase is part of her self-care. It’s thoughtful, intentional, and brings her joy.

So, why is making time for yourself so important?

Benefits of making time for yourself

Reduced stress

Calming activities help lower stress levels and regulate the nervous system.

Improved mood

Self-care can boost feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, supporting emotional balance.

Increased resilience

When you feel grounded, you’re more capable of coping with life’s challenges.

Greater self-awareness

Time alone allows you to reflect, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters to you.

Carl Rogers highlights the importance of nurturing and respecting oneself as a foundation for personal growth and well-being. Rogers' ideas emphasise the need for a positive self-concept, which includes self-image, self-esteem, and the ideal self, all of which contribute to a healthy sense of self. 

Ultimately, ‘me time’ is not a luxury. It’s a foundational part of a healthy, balanced life. You don’t have to earn rest, you deserve it simply because you exist.

Self-care for counsellors

For counsellors, self-care is a crucial part of our clinical practice - it:

Prevents burnout and compassion fatigue

Counsellors regularly absorb others’ emotional pain, which can lead to emotional exhaustion (burnout) or a decreased ability to empathise (compassion fatigue). Self-care acts as a protective buffer.

Supports ethical practice

A counsellor who is physically or emotionally depleted may make errors in judgment, show reduced presence, or violate ethical standards, sometimes unknowingly. 

Enhances therapeutic presence and empathy

Being fully present with a client requires emotional bandwidth. Counsellors who prioritise their own well-being are better equipped to offer deep listening, empathy, and authentic connection.

Models healthy behaviour for clients

Clients benefit from seeing their counsellor model boundaries, self-respect, and self-care. This reinforces therapeutic messages and promotes trust.

So, when was the last time you gave yourself permission to pause? You owe it to yourself, your practice and your clients, go on... dance like nobody is watching.