Working moms have a lot on our plate, a plate that often doesn’t include tasty things to help us feel refreshed and revived. After work, we race to pick up the kids, go home, greet a partner (or pet), eat, get the kids to bed, check work email, sleep and wake up to start the same frenzied routine all over again. If you feel you’re stuck in a rut, doing the same monotonous routine every day, this one’s for you. It’s the new year, so exhale—and take some much needed time to put a bit of well-deserved fun back into your life. Here’s your simple four-step plan:

1.    Select one activity you love to do. This may be something you used to do before the kids, work and other life tasks made your days too hectic. Tennis? Painting? Regularly scheduled girls nights out? Pick something that floats your boat.

2.    Decide frequency and time. Whether it’s one hour once a week or three hours once a month, make a plan for your chosen activity. You can always adjust the frequency or time allotment later, after you’ve inserted it into your routine.

3.    Put it on your calendar. Make a recurring schedule and keep it there. If it’s not on your calendar, chances are it simply will not get done. There are always other things you enjoy far less that can squeeze their way into that time slot, but don’t let them.

4.    Ditch the guilt. Remove any guilt or beliefs that there’s not enough time to do what you decide to do. You take care of so many other things and people, and you deserve to experience the simple pleasures—the me time—that bring you bliss. Taking time for yourself also can improve your mood and increase your creativity. Just take the first step to enjoyment and the guilt will melt away!

Dr. Daphne Mobley is a career/life coach, motivational speaker and media personality who transitioned from helping animals have healthier lives to helping people have healthier, happier lives.