How to Make Time for Yourself: 9 Ways to Prioritise Your Wellbeing as a High-Achieving Woman

Time. It’s our most valuable currency, yet somehow, it always feels in short supply. Between back-to-back meetings, never-ending to-do lists, and the relentless pursuit of success, finding time for yourself can feel like an impossible luxury. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t indulgent - it’s essential.

The most successful women understand that making time for themselves isn’t a passive act; it’s a deliberate strategy. It’s what keeps them creative, focused, and resilient in the face of challenges. If you constantly feel like there’s no time left for you, it’s time to change the narrative. Here’s how to reclaim your time, energy, and balance - without sacrificing your ambition.

1. Define What “Me Time” Really Means for You

Forget the social media version of self-care. It’s not about aesthetically pleasing bath routines (unless that’s your thing). True “me time” is deeply personal - it’s whatever recharges you, whether that’s a morning run, an art class, or simply 10 minutes of uninterrupted silence.

Try this: Create a ‘Me Time Menu’—quick resets (5-10 mins), medium breaks (30 mins), and deep recharge activities (a few hours). This gives you flexibility no matter how packed your schedule is.

2. Treat Your Personal Time Like a CEO-Level Meeting

You wouldn’t cancel an important business call, so why cancel on yourself? Your wellbeing deserves a spot in your calendar.

Block out “non-negotiable” time in your planner before commitments take over. Start with just 30 minutes twice a week and scale from there.

3. Say No Without Guilt

Overcommitting leads straight to burnout. High-achievers often feel pressure to say yes to everything, but every “yes” to something unimportant is a “no” to yourself.

Before agreeing to anything, pause and ask: Does this align with my priorities? Will this add value to my life? If not, decline—gracefully but firmly.

4. Turn Everyday Tasks Into “Me Time” Moments

No extra hours in the day? Multitask mindfully. Pair a solo coffee break with journaling, listen to an audiobook while commuting, or turn skincare routines into a mini spa ritual. Infuse small moments with intention.

Swap doom-scrolling for a mindful moment - sip your morning coffee in silence instead of checking emails first thing.

5. Move Your Body, Boost Your Mind

Exercise isn’t just about fitness - it’s a mental reset. Regular movement increases energy, reduces stress, and sharpens focus. Find an activity you actually enjoy so it feels like self-care, not a chore.

If time is tight, try “exercise snacks” - 10-minute movement bursts throughout the day.

6. Protect Your Mornings & Evenings

Your first and last hour of the day set the tone. Instead of waking up to emails or going to bed with social media, carve out a simple routine that centers you.

Try this: Create a “power trio” - one habit for your mind (journaling), one for your body (stretching), and one for your soul (a playlist that makes you feel unstoppable).

7. Delegate & Outsource Like a CEO

You don’t have to do it all. Smart leaders delegate - and that includes life admin. Whether it’s hiring a cleaner, using meal delivery services, or automating recurring tasks, freeing up mental space gives you more time for yourself.

Time-saving tip: Identify one task you can delegate this week, whether at work or home.

8. Set Boundaries That Actually Stick

If your time is constantly being hijacked by others’ demands, your boundaries aren’t strong enough. If you’re always on call, responding to messages at all hours, and saying yes to last-minute requests, your personal time will always come last.

Try this: Set clear digital boundaries - turn off notifications after 8 PM, use “Do Not Disturb” mode, and set an auto-response for non-urgent requests.

9. Drop the Guilt - Self-Care is a Power Move

Feeling guilty for taking time for yourself? Reframe it. Prioritising your wellbeing isn’t about taking time away from others—it’s about showing up better in every area of your life. Success isn’t just about how hard you work; it’s about how well you take care of yourself so you can sustain that success.

Mindset shift: When guilt creeps in, remind yourself: I am worthy of rest. Recharging is part of my success strategy.

Success Starts With You

Making time for yourself isn’t an afterthought - it’s the foundation of sustainable success. The most powerful women don’t just work hard; they prioritise their own energy, creativity, and wellbeing. Because when you take care of yourself, you don’t just perform better - you thrive.

So, what’s the one thing you’re going to do for yourself this week? Drop it in the comments - I’d love to hear!