Me Time

by Jessica Sanders

In a frenzied world, self-care offers you the stabilising routine you need to nurture both mind and body.

Me Time helps you to make self-care a restorative, everyday practice – even when you might only have one minute free. 

Follow its four simple steps to transform yourself from surviving to thriving:

What actually is self-care?: start by exploring the idea of self-care as a holistic practice for mind, body and soul; 

I work at my self-care: reflect on your self-beliefs and discover what it takes to set up and maintain a nurturing routine; 

I make time for my self-care: commit to original, time-savvy acts, from one-minute rituals through to day-long adventures; 

I support my self-care: find resources, checklists and recommendations to help you day-to-day.

Your wise, inspiring and sensible friend, this healing book effortlessly guides you through everything you need to know to carve out time for self-care and make these moments count. 

Remind yourself that you are worthy of your own care with  Me Time .

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 29, 2019

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Me time is a self care manual for anyone who needs to be practicing more self care and self love.
I didn't learn anything new from this book as I do try to do most of the suggestions in it already, but this book could be beneficial for someone why tries to practice self care but struggles and gives plenty of suggestions many may not already know.
The illustrations are bright and colourful as well as relaxing.

[Jessica Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this while having a self care evening in the bath as it felt like the only correct way to enjoy it! This was a cute, colourful fun guide to self care that goes beyond the typical ‘meditate, yoga, face mask’ advice. Really enjoyed the focus on caring for the future self as well as that is something I want to work on. Lots of lovely ideas that I’ve added to my self care charts!

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bright and colourful, this book really drew me in and I was glad it did. A really useful introduction into self care full of lots of brilliant ideas, from quick things to do to longer self care help, this book is really welcoming and friendly in its approach, the brightness really does help , especially as I’m suffering myself at the moment I can vouch first hand that it is helpful and the approach really does help someone feeling low. Highly recommended as a stepping stone into self care and an introduction to how important it is to take care of you first.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.


I spotted this book and was curious about the topic. I have been trying to be more self-caring, but it is hard for me. I just feel so lazy when I try to do things like that. There is a deeper meaning to all, but I am still not comfortable throwing person life stuff on the internet. However, I am trying to be more self-caring. I think 2020 was definitely a year that made me care more about self-care and also that I started thinking more about it in different ways. So this book is perfect for me in 2020.

First up is an introduction on what self-care is. Which had me nodding along, though at times I found it a bit, as we Dutch would call it: zweverig. Not sure if there is a correct English term for it. But it means it was just a bit too much spiritual stuff. I am a very down to earth girl..

After that some other explanations and more self-care stuff along with activities and things to practice Sorry if it is a bit vague, my English brain is definitely having some errors today. 😛

And then there are x minute self-care things you can do. I love that there was so much choice and that you could pick something small or do something big. Things like meditating. Or light a candle. Perform a small act of kindness. Put on an outfit that makes you feel good. Watch a show. Eat a big bowl of pasta. There were quite a few that were just a bit too, here is the word again, zweverig or a bit too American for a down-to-earth Dutch girl. But I did find some things I already do and things I may do often if they count as self-care.

Sadly, I couldn’t read all the pages. 10 or so of them were upside down. Normally with a physical book that wouldn’t be a problem, but I just cannot flip my computer screen. And no, I am not holding my head the other way. There were also some blurry parts (the top left/right squares holding the parts were we are).

I love how colourful the book is. There is not a white page to be found. All the pages are bright and it makes it all so much fun to read.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me Time by Jessica Sanders is such a great little book that discusses self-care. I love her overall message that self-care is essential, holistic, and is not inherently indulgent. Self-care doesn't need to be earned, rather it's necessary for all. She demystifies the topic and breaks self-care down into four equally important categories including care for the physical, mental, future and spiritual self. I appreciate the personal touch the author adds with sharing her own experiences and perception of self-care and how it has changed over time. The author's voice really comes through and I love how down-to-earth she is throughout this book.

Often I hear from people that they don't have time for self-care. Sanders provides self-care ideas ranging from 1 minute to half a day showing that it doesn't need to be long, but it can be if you have the time. I love the variety of activities and can see myself taking Sanders' suggestions. I also loved the quotes sprinkled throughout the book. As a helping professional, I could see myself referencing this book when planning my own self-care or even using this book in my work with college students.

[Alex Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago I was gifted this beautiful book by Five Mile, and wow! Jess has created some serious magic here. With all the insights, facts, inspiring quotes, wisdom and ideas to get you reflecting on how well you look after yourself, she really hit the nail on the head with that one! Upon flipping through each page, you start to realise how simple she has made the book, but it's this simplicity that makes it not like any of the other self-care books out there. It's exactly why I love it so much. Jess' book explores unique ways to care for our physical, mental, spiritual and future selves and delves further into the world of self-care and self-acceptance. It's definitely a book for women of all ages, and would make an exceptional gift for Christmas. After all, investing in your future self is the smartest decision you'll ever make!

[Kat N. · Rating 1 out of 5]

TLDR. Do Not Read

Why would you pay money for what is essentially a picture book for adults? And further more, the advice is fairly equivalent to Facebook self help posts. Also, one of the self care ideas is to throw a dinner party. Which, at least to mean, sounds rather stressful and not at all self care.

This book takes old ideas and presents them as amazing new wonders. Things that drain your well-being cup? You mean Spoon theory. Oh wow, meditation, is that a thing that’s good for you. Who knew?

[Siobhan Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The self-care craze is here, but this book goes where others do not. It is radical in the best way possible and highlights the hard work that goes into self-care. The second half of the book is my favourite, filled with suggestions and activities based on the amount of time you have available!

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I did know most things stated in this book already, I still found it to be a useful guide in my quest to investing more in self care. It mentions a lot of ways to practice self care, from 5 minute self care activities to a half day of self care activities. I thought this was a very nicely illustrated book and it is surely a great start if you want to start investing in self care!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic for anyone who wants short daily reminders about how and why it’s important to care for your mental health and wellbeing. Jessicas’s explanation of self care, and her own journey with what that looks like was easy and interesting to read.

[Ancillar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book this morning and could not stop reading because it was that good., I feel like because we have had a crazy year it's just so normal for us to want to self-care but this book brought a whole new meaning to Me TIme. I am always complaining that I don't have time to do anything but this book gave ideas on what one can do with 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or half a day to spare. I highly recommend this book and I recommend this book to anyone who has been so overwhelmed with life, work, and just in need of ME TIME. The cute illustrations and the prettiness of this book make it worth it. Huge thanks to the publisher for my e-ARC

[Nicole (book.quill) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book about self-care that could serve as a quick reference guide, great gift. I like that it separates the self-care activities by time they take, so you know if you’re looking to invest 10 minutes or 2 hours, where to quickly go. The activities range from 1 minute to a half-day

[Irida · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book “ Me Time” by Jessica Sanders is a very colorful and beautiful book. The colors and illustrations are very attractive and invoke happy feelings. The book reads very and easily and present the message in an informal and easy to understand way.

The book explains what self care really is an covers all aspects of self care. It also gives us idea how to start practicing self care with a plan of 1 or 5 minutes to an hour and by day and week or a month.

Jessica also provides lots of other references and readings on the subject for those who want delve deeper into the subject

I really like the book and in my opinion it makes a great present or a coffee table book for anyone to take a peak and learn a lot about the basics of self care in a very short time.

I would like to thank the publisher, White Lion Publishing and netgalley for providing me with a temporary ARC of this beautiful book about self care. The opinions reflected in this review are my own and independently derived.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good reminder to slow down and take time out for oneself. However, I feel that most of the advice, while well-intended, are common sense and do not really add value to what people don't already know.

Kinda strange that the author specifically acknowledges and identifies herself as a "white, middle-class, able-bodied, heterosexual woman" and that she has tried to balance her perspective with that of diverse individuals. The whole book is pretty much targeted at that exact same demographic; I don't think it would help anyone not belonging to the privileged. The weird thing is I would not have paid any thought to this had the author not pointed it out and brought attention to it herself.

Also, telling people to balance their news intake or avoid negative news is shitty advice because some of us make a living in news. Anyone working in the news industry would know that shutting off is almost impossible even when you are not at work because you are expected to be in the know and up to date. Unless you are away on a month-long vacation in the Caribbean. But no one who can afford a month-long vacation in the Caribbean would be working in news in the first place 🙃

[Maegan McFall · Rating 5 out of 5]

👩🏼 Me time 👩🏼

I was so happy to see Me Time for only $4 at my local Kmart book, what really drew me in was how bright and colourful it was. Self help books never really held my interest until this one, the big thing that stood out for me is that it was quite short and didn’t hit you with pages and pages of information, it was broken up with illustrations.

A brilliant book full of tips and tricks, whether you want 1 minute of self care all the way up 2 hours, it has tips and suggestions for all options. A handy book that everyone should have on their shelf.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Blurb- Self care is so much more than bubble
baths and face masks.
Me Time reframes self care, from acts
of indulgence to a holistic practice of
self love that nurtures both mind and body.
Filled with timed self care ideas that range
from one minute activities to day long
adventures, this book shows you how to
make time for self care.
Remind yourself that you are worthy of
your own care with Me Time

[Andreea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is a really short book talking about self-care and self-love in a way that doesn't commercialize it. It makes it accessible to everyone and most importantly, teaches you that self-care shouldn't become just another chore on your long to do list.

I loved that it also offers examples of self-care practices grouped by the amount of time they take from 1 min to half the day, if you have it. But, of course, it emphasize the idea that self-care is personal and a face mask is not the antidote for everyone.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute and impactful book that really helps breakdown different ideas of what self-care is and how to practice it on different amoutns of time. Lovely illustrations and I really appreciated how diverse this book was both in its writings and illustrations - portraying self-care rightly for everyone!

My one issue was that as much as Sanders tries to acknowledge it, she doesn't really escape talking about self-care from the lens of a white, upper-class person, and there are the odd moments where she seems to forget that not everyone can afford to go solo-backpacking at 19 or buy some new things. All in all though a great book!

[Melissa Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first two sections of this book extremely useful, but I did wonder whether she struggled with ideas for some of the self-care suggestions (such as cleaning and clearing out your Instagram account), but perhaps my expectations were too high. I have made a list of ideas to try though and I really liked the checklists at the back of the book to help keep you on track. My only issue with the book is the colour choices - I struggled to read some of the pale text on bright pages, but that might just be my eyesight.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 5 out of 5]

How frustrating is it to be told by all the different sources the things you must do to be successful in life? This book definitely does NOT do that. It instead takes an empathetic approach and gives bite size approaches and allows you to have kindness and patience with yourself when dealing with life. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ely · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a really beautifully designed book filled with great ideas for ways you can practice self-care. It made me realise I'm probably better at self-care than I thought because I already do a lot of these things. But I think this would make a great gift for someone just starting out, or who needs a little bit of help.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really quirky book, filled with some excellent ideas and some unique illustrations.

Sometimes we do forget to take time for ourselves, and I love how this book doesn't just go through the 'usual' self-care tips you hear constantly. I also love how its broken into length of time sections.

Would make a great gift too!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was gorgeous. I’m a teacher, and I could use all the self care I can squeeze in. I loved that this was broken down by time available, and my dream is to have a half day or a full day dedicated to self care!

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review!

[Paris Enever · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had great ideas for what you can do for self care! I’m already doing most of these things so I feel that I didn’t learn as much as I would have liked to from this book - but I suppose that’s a good thing!

[Servane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely coffee table book with all the reminders in one place, categorised in amounts of time it takes to go through them. I liked the illustrations too... And the references for further work and research at the end

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would make a nice gift--it's a short, pretty illustrated collection of ideas. We could all use a little more self-care these days.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Sezen Türker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book features delightful illustrations and engaging sentences. However, amidst the saturation of similar content everywhere, its self-love activity examples offer nothing new. Nevertheless, its focus on the message that self-love activities are not limited to specific things is commendable.

[Bunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a sufferer of mental illness is hard...and so is self care. Contrarily to the face mask, bubble bath, glass of wine and Netflix motto every social media self care advocate appears to pride themselves on, Jessica Sanders finds the perfect balance between pampering yourself and getting shit done to embrace your healthiest you.
Me Time focuses on self love and acceptance, as well as including countless methods of self care, conveniently ordered from least to most time consuming. This book is the perfect fallback to keep around for an anxiety-riddled mind, gently guiding you to stay on track, whilst reminding you that you’re doing just fine.

[Michelle Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really sweet. Lots of great and practical ideas to add a little more self care into your life. Loved this.

[Bronwyn Tasker]

Loved this and all the reminders of why it’s important to take time for yourself ❤️🙏🏻❤️

[Selene Ainsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. The only thing I didn’t like was the coloured pages made it hard to read the writing as it sort of blended in together.