Today’s idea for some ‘me-time’ is decidedly more indulgent, but occasional pampering can be justified! Why not go to a spa for your favourite cosmetic treatment, whether that be a manicure, facial, or massage. Full days at the salon can put a dent in the savings, but we are just talking about an hour here, and that means a more affordable form of relaxation.

Ask yourself what would make you feel most rejuvenated. If you work with people and are constantly face-to-face with clients, perhaps a facial would make you more confident. Constantly on your feet? Try a foot massage or pedicure to feel like new.

In seeking out the right spa for your needs, consider registered massage schools and facilities that offer lower rates. Often times these spas provide a service that could stand up to that of any professional, but they turn out to be quite a bargain.

Another great idea is to research whether or not your chosen spa offers couples packages. These deals are intended for both romantic couples and friends, and offer one more great way to save money.

Try taking an hour this week at the spa!

A great way to unwind on the weekend is to try a new recipe. Work night dinners are often about convenience and speed –which is fine when you are tired– but try tackling a new and interesting dish. Some people like to start with the recipe first before heading to the grocery store, while others enjoy being inspired by walking through a farmer’s market. Either of these methods are great, and I suggest focusing on an ingredient you love. Your boyfriend hates cilantro but you love it! Your kids detest whole grains but you think they are delicious! This hour is about you so follow your own eclectic taste buds.

Cooking without a time limit can be very relaxing, and so is experimenting. Throw together ingredients you have not combined before or let your favourite spice take centre stage in an old dish.

More than anything else, this hour of cooking or baking is about breaking free from the daily routine. By doing somthing new and rewarding with your time off, you can go back to work, relationships, or the kids with a renewed attitude.

One great way to take time for yourself is by playing the part of a tourist in your own city. This idea may seem a bit odd or even embarrassing (you know the place too well!), but finding a way to deviate from the normal day-to-day can be very beneficial. Many people often become accustomed to a daily or weekly routine that involves visiting the same office, coffee shops, and stores –and although routine can be essential to organization, it does not always do wonders for our well-being. A routine is like going to the gym and exercising the exact same muscles in the exact same way each time you work out. Sure, you may work up a sweat but you are not really pushing yourself to improve or reach new heights. Step outside the box when you take an hour for yourself and rediscover the city you thought you knew!

Some great ways to play the tourist:

- Check out your local museums. Modern art museums tend to be more accessible and generally offer a ‘by donation’ night of the week. Take advantage of the visiting exhibits closest to you!

- Take a relaxed stroll in a neighbourhood you are not so familiar with, perhaps a part of town you have been meaning to explore. Do not go into the day with a destination, simply let your curiosity be the guide. Have a latte at a lovely cafe you have not visited or browse through a used bookstore that is new to you!

- Buy a daypass for your public transportation system and bus, metro, subway, or skytrain your way around the city!

- Go for a picnic in the park! This one is a no brainer but we often shy away from picnics because of all the preparation and clean up –but this is only for yourself! Decide to ditch lengthy prep work and simply throw together a sandwich or wrap, something that packs well and will not leak. Grab a bottle of water or a can of iced tea and you are on your way!

- This one is a bit more daring, but if you are up for it try a small bus tour! It can be so easy to forget the sights and attractions that give your home city character. Bus tours take you to the places you already knew about but never thought to appreciate. Take pictures and be thankful for the things you have right in your own backyard!

As a busy woman balancing work, relationships, and home life, finding time to set aside an hour for yourself each day can be more than a little unrealistic. An hour a week, however, is something everyone can do. Whether you want to spend that hour relaxing, regrouping, or reorganizing, the benefits of some ‘me-time’ are endless. Happiness is directly linked to confidence, and confidence acts as a career and relationship booster!

This week I suggest planning a weekend yoga session with some girlfriends. If you are anything like me, you constantly find yourself rushing from task A to task B without taking time to pause and reflect on what you need. You have an endless ‘To-Do’ list in your mind that keeps growing longer, and your thoughts revolve around what errand you can complete next. Yoga is great activity that allows you to press the pause button in your brain. Inviting some close girlfriends makes the experience even more fun and rewarding. Never tried yoga before? No big deal, here are a few things you want to think about when planning this next hour for yourself.

* Look online or call a few yoga studios in your area to ask about complimentary classes. Many studios want to encourage new participants, and are more than willing to let you “try before you buy.”

* Pick out some clothing with lots of stretch. You want to feel comfortable and despite what ads might tell you, yoga class is not a fashion runway!

* Ask some basic questions about what the studio offers. Do they rent mats for a fee or provide them free of cost? Are towels provided at the front desk? If not, you might want to bring your own, even slow fluid movements can make you sweaty!

* Let your friends know a week or two in advance. You know how quickly your schedule fills up, and you want to make sure that everyone will be able to make it!

* Consider a brief coffee or tea date after yoga. One of the great things about this activity is that it encourages reflection and relaxation –two things bound to stir up some conversation with the gals! Green teas served hot or cold are a great way to wrap up class.

I cannot emphasize enough how beneficial some light exercise with friends truly is. Not everyone is too keen on the idea of pounding out a couple miles on the treadmill, but a yoga class provides a much more inviting atmosphere. Another point to remember is that yoga is not for everyone. Try a few different classes with and without friends and if you still cannot get interested do not sweat it. Exercise is supposed to make you feel better, not worse, and you will find and activity you enjoy. Of course, you can always tune in to tomorrow’s post for a new and different idea on how you can take an hour for yourself!

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