If you’re like us, you catch yourself thinking, “I wish there were more hours in the day” or “I’m so busy, I don’t have time for this!” As women, we lead crazy lives. A lot of us juggle demanding jobs with chores and the schedules of our kids, spouses, and families. The weight of the everyday hustle and bustle can push you down and start to make you feel like you’re running on empty. Taking just a little time to relax and be alone throughout your week can actually help you let go of that stress and keep you on top of the madness! Here are a few ways to help you carve out a little time for yourself.

Make yourself a priority. You put everyone else first—your kids, boss, friends, community–but do you ever have a moment of superiority? Probably not. It’s wonderful to assist others, but don’t forget to treat yourself every once in a while. When you never make time for yourself, you wind up exhausted, unhappy, and run-down. You must make time for things that are important to you, and make it known! Otherwise, you’ll spend your days feeling unappreciated, which can cause tension between you and others.

Start saying “No.” It doesn’t make you a bad guy, no matter how guilty you feel. It’s only because you’re a giver that you feel that way. Don’t lend a helping hand if your hands are already full. Don’t volunteer if your only free moments throughout the day are quick breathers between the chaos. People depend on you because you’re reliable, but that doesn’t mean that you are obligated to drop everything in your life to assist others. The first time you say “no” will feel like therapy in itself!

Schedule your “me“ time. Some people feel guilty reserving time for themselves. No matter what you think, it’s healthy–not selfish. It teaches you to enjoy your own company, if you’re used to doing everything with others. It shows independence and builds confidence. Plus, if you’re a nurturer and going to be there for others, you must stay well-rested and positive to be able to keep going.

Create a personal space in your home just for you. Maybe it’s a tiny corner to squeeze your yoga mat into, or maybe it’s an art room for painting, sketching, or straight up drinking tea and not thinking. Whatever makes up your “happy place,” do it. The kids have their bedrooms or toy rooms, and perhaps your husband has his man-cave, so why can’t you have your own space? Make it off limits to others, and decorate it with inspiring things that bring back the happy thoughts.

Buy time. Yes, it means spending money, but your time comes with a price, too. Maybe you balance work, cooking, chores, and watching the kids just fine, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a sitter or helping hand every once in a while. Having a nanny or babysitter for just 1-2 nights a week can make a huge difference on your stress level and relationship. You can use these nights for date night with your partner, or you can reserve them for your “me” time to curl up with a book. Hiring a cleaning service, personal shopper, or lawn service just one day a week can save you hours that you can put towards other things.

Monthly treat. Schedule a monthly gift for yourself, whether it’s going to get a mani-pedi, a hair appointment, to see a new movie, or get a new pair of heels—whatever will make you feel congratulated for making it through the month without going crazy!

Join a group. Making time for yourself doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be alone. A perfect excuse for getting away from the weekly chaos is joining some kind of club or group. Whether it’s a book club, choir group, gardening club, gym membership, or even a pottery class, you’re bound to find the meet-ups refreshing and fulfilling. It’s something of your own that you get to escape to—and you might just make some new friends along the way!

Spread duties around. Maybe you’re supermom and you juggle work, chores, taking care of the kids, grocery shopping, and meals. It’s time to dish some of the responsibilities onto others. Are the kids old enough to help out? Assign them each chores. Can your partner help you in the kitchen or grocery shopping? Cooking together is actually fun and might also help bring some humor and happiness into your stressful day. Spreading the work throughout the family doesn’t just help you, it shows the importance of helping out and being responsible.