You remember when you had a day to yourself — too bad you were 42 weeks pregnant and plowing through a 25-item must-accomplish list before your little bundle of joy arrived. Now everyone takes a piece of your day: husband, kids, parents, friends, siblings, boss, neighbors, late repair people. Even so, you can still eke out quality time just for you. At RealSimple.com, you told us how you keep your sanity by stepping back, finding a moment, and putting everything in perspective.

Create a Support Network

I am the mother of a toddler, and I also work at home. I had very little free time, so I teamed with other mothers at my church to create a Mom's Morning Out program. It's cost-effective because I pay a minimal fee, and twice a week I have a few hours to run errands, follow up on business leads, or take a bath.
Martha Jackson
Winter Park, Florida

Enjoy the Trip

I take public transportation to work rather than drive. It provides me with two hours a day to read and relax, things I never had time for when I was behind the wheel of my car.
Jill Parmenter
Boston, Massachusetts

When I drive, I try to take alternate routes. I go the long way home, listen to music or books on tape, and explore new neighborhoods.
Leigh Vout
Concord, New Hampshire

Before going to work in the morning, I ride my bike on one of the many trails near my home. I enjoy the solitude and the exercise when the air is calm and the sun is rising.
Christopher Ohms
Redwood City, California

I spend a lot of time driving my daughters around and waiting for them to finish softball or gymnastics practice. Sitting in the car used to make me feel anxious and resentful, but now I take advantage of it. I listen to satellite radio, read a magazine or a novel, and enjoy something to drink. Sometimes I'm even disappointed when the girls finish on time, because I want to read one more page.
Melissa Laniewski
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

I arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for appointments. I turn off my cell phone and read.
J. Myers
Richmond, Virginia

I made a mix of my favorite songs from my CD collection, and I listen to it on the way to and from Pilates class. The trip is calming, and the music prepares me for the exercise. When I go home, the music is a reward.
Kendra Adachi
Greensboro, North Carolina

I walk to work. It adds only 10 minutes to my commute and allows me time to just let my brain wander. Plus, it's great exercise, and it's good for the environment.
Dorrit Ragosine
Los Angeles, California

Make Dates With Yourself

I limit evening activities, such as grocery shopping and entertaining, to two nights a week. On the other nights, I pencil myself into the calendar and tell anyone who calls that I already have plans. I take that time to read a book, walk the dogs, or just sit and watch television.
Lynn Ellis
Spokane, Washington

A few times a month, I pack a sandwich and use my lunch hour to get a manicure. It's an inexpensive way to feel pampered and pretty, and it gives me an hour of quiet.
Nora Heitmann
Centennial, Colorado

I buy season tickets to a local theater and invite friends to join me. It means that four or five nights a year, no matter what else is going on, I have a built-in, prearranged night out with someone I care about.
Dinah Posner
West Hollywood, California