Every now and then it is helpful to go back to basics.It is so easy to get caught up in the cycle of rush rush rush with no time for yourself, no time to plan, no time to relax, no time for anything except the hurly burly rush that is life in our busy world. Meeting everyone else's needs at the expense of your own, is often part of the psyche for women in our society.

It is only when 'something' happens to snap you out of your 'time poor' trance, that you realise that you have been caught up in this cycle. You feel like you are on a treadmill and the stop button is stuck in the ''on position...

If you are lucky, the 'something' might be a minor health scare, perhaps slightly raised blood pressure, or it could be something much more serious, like a heart attack, which is rather more dire. ( heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women over 40)

Often, what  happens is that it all seems overwhelming and too big to try and change, so you don't know where to even start.

No 'me time' is a common challenge with my clients. I  teach them to create an action plan around how they can achieve more time for themselves, and then come up with ways to make it happen.

So what can you do starting today to create a better balance for yourself?

Here's some Action questions to help you get started:

• How much time do you have in your life that is just for  you? 
• How can you create more time for  yourself.

Before you say 'I just haven't got any time, I am so busy at work and I just can't change that,' think about the consequences of not making time for yourself.

Over these consequences show up as increased stress, tiredness, poor concentration, and increased risk of ongoing health problems.

Here is your challenge: Over the next few days, take some time out for yourself and grab a pen and paper, or better still, use your journal:

• Make a list of your top ten activities, that you are currently not able to enjoy due to lack of time. (you know those things you used to do that you just can't seem to find time to do now...)

• Commit to making time to include some of these in your schedule for the next 90 days.

Change does not happen spontaneously. You need to commit to the change and take action.

How committed are you?

What action will you take today to make this happen?

Your overall sense of well being will improve significantly and this will have ongoing benefits for your health as well.

Send me an email or comment in the box below to let me know what you are willing to commit to and how you will do it.

About the author

Julie Rowlands is a ICF certified Coach, who works with women in professional careers create maximum confidence and minimum stress. Julie is the creator of 'Survive to Thrive with an Empty Nest'. An innovative 8 week online coaching programme designed especially for women whose kids have left home, and who are unsure of what the future holds. www.fastforwardcoach.com/Online Coaching