5 Simple Ways to Make Time for Yourself this Week
In the rhythm of Jewish life, our weeks are marked by cycles: Shabbat comes and goes, holidays rise and pass, seasons shift. We know how to make time for cooking, cleaning, caring for our families, and preparing for sacred moments. But so often, we forget that we ourselves are part of Hashem’s creation — worthy of care, attention, and renewal.
The Torah teaches us to guard our souls diligently. That means we’re not only responsible for keeping mitzvot, but also for tending the vessels through which we serve Hashem: our bodies, our minds, our spirits. Making time for yourself is not indulgence; it’s stewardship.
Here are five simple, gentle ways to reclaim a bit of yourself this week:
1. A Morning Coffee with Hashem
Set your alarm ten minutes earlier than usual. Before the day’s whirlwind begins, sit with a hot drink by a window. Breathe. Whisper Modeh Ani slowly, thanking Hashem for restoring your soul. Let those few minutes remind you that your life is a gift.
2. A Gratitude Walk
Take a short walk without your phone. Look at the sky, the flowers, the small details of creation. Each time you notice something beautiful, say thank You to Hashem. This transforms a five-minute stroll into an act of tefillah.
3. Write One Line a Night
Keep a notebook by your bed. Each evening, write one line: something you’re grateful for, something you learned, or something you hope to grow into. Over time, those lines will form a personal diary of your relationship with Hashem.
4. A Tech-Free Hour
Choose one hour in the evening where you put your phone away. Use that time for reading Tehillim, drawing, folding laundry mindfully, or just sitting with your thoughts. Notice how your mind settles when it’s not bombarded by noise.
5. Treat Yourself Like a Guest
When guests come, we set the table, bring out our nicest dishes, and serve food with care. Try this for yourself one day this week. Light a candle for lunch, use your favorite plate, pour a glass of sparkling water. Remind yourself: you are also worthy of honor.
Making time for yourself is not about taking away from others. It’s about showing up as your fullest self for them. It’s about serving Hashem with joy instead of depletion. And it’s about remembering that you, too, are a soul worth tending.