I was in the bookstore about a month ago, right after school had started, and overheard a woman tell the sales clerk, "I can't wait to start reading again! Now that the kids are in school, I've finally got some time of my own." That made me realize again just how little time we, as women, may have to ourselves. Between caring for kids, husbands, partners, aging parents, our jobs, life crises, everyday stresses, and more, it's not easy to carve out that time to just exhale -- but it's so important that we do. Experts recommend designating a space in your home -- even a screened-off section of a room -- as your retreat. Choose favorite objects to put in this area that you find comforting and relaxing, whether it's pottery, candles, paintings, a beautiful afghan, big pillows, a vase of flowers -- or keep it simple. Then try to take at least 20 minutes each day to retreat there (even setting your alarm a half hour earlier in the morning is worth it). Let your family know that this is your private space, and that when you are in it, you are not to be interrupted. You'll find that these few minutes to yourself, whether you read, meditate, knit, listen to music, or just stretch, will help to ground you and remind you that you are worth taking care of. The only rule is that the time spent in your space is to be just about you. This little piece of time really can give you a little more peace of mind.