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Learn the informal expression “me time” and ways to describe activities you choose for your own rest and enjoyment.
Vanessa teaches the informal expression “me time” for time someone spends doing something for their own enjoyment or relaxation. She opens by asking whether viewers do many things for other people but spend little time on themselves. She presents “me time” as a familiar way to describe personal time—not work or a boring obligation, but an activity the person enjoys. Her examples include taking a nap, reading a book, or getting one’s hair fixed up.
She then gives examples from learners’ lives. Some students say that an English lesson is their me time because, during the lesson, they can focus on themselves and improving their English rather than dishes, work, or children. Vanessa also describes her own preferences: reading, relaxing, taking a walk, or riding her bike to a nearby botanical garden. She says time with friends can still count as something she does for herself, so “me time” does not necessarily mean being alone. At the gardens, she enjoys walking, looking at flowers, and being in nature. She recalls once seeing a snake, a small unexpected detail in her story.
Because Vanessa works on a computer, much of her preferred personal time is away from the computer. She likes to get away and relax without it. She asks viewers what they would do if they had free time on a weekend and did not need to do something for someone else. Her suggestions include going to the gym, reading, or sitting and staring into space. The video ends with an invitation to leave a comment describing how each person spends me time.
Useful language includes “calm down” for relaxing after a busy day, “focus on” for directing attention, “even if” for describing a condition that does not change the result, and “look forward to” for expressing positive anticipation. The central learning point is that “me time” is an informal, broadly useful expression for restorative time chosen for yourself; it can involve quiet solo activities or enjoyable time with friends. Learners can practise by naming one activity they personally find relaxing.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Vanessa introduces “me time” for activities chosen for your own well-being
Hi, I’m Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa. Today I’m going to teach you a slang expression that helps you describe time you spend . Do you ever feel that you do a lot of things for other people but don’t ? You may need some . “Me time” is a slang expression.
Try it: Name one activity you enjoy doing for yourself.
Phrase cheat sheet
Review each expression, hear it, save it, or jump to where it appears in the video.
Showing 15 of 15 phrases
Vanessa introduces “me time” for activities chosen for your own well-being · expression
Informal time someone spends doing something enjoyable or relaxing for themselves.
Tone and use: Casual and positive. Use it for personal time set aside for rest or an activity you enjoy.
May not fit: It is informal; in formal writing, say personal time or time for yourself.
Example“I’m going to take Sunday morning for some me time.”
Vanessa introduces “me time” for activities chosen for your own well-being · expression
Use some of your time for your own interests or well-being.
Tone and use: Conversational and supportive. Use it when someone gives a lot of time to others and wants to look after their own needs too.
May not fit: It does not mean ignoring responsibilities or other people.
Example“After a busy week, I try to spend a little time on myself.”
Vanessa introduces “me time” for activities chosen for your own well-being · expression
For your own benefit, enjoyment, or needs.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use it to show that an activity is for your own benefit.
May not fit: Context determines whether it means alone or simply for your benefit.
Example“Choose a hobby you enjoy doing for yourself.”
Me time is enjoyable personal time, with examples of relaxing activities · expression
Sleep for a short period during the day.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use it for a brief daytime sleep.
May not fit: A nap is shorter than a full night’s sleep.
Example“I took a nap after lunch.”
Me time is enjoyable personal time, with examples of relaxing activities · expression
Have your hair styled or made neat, usually by someone else.
Tone and use: Informal and conversational. Use it for having your hair styled or tidied.
May not fit: This is casual; say get your hair styled in a more polished context.
Example“She got her hair fixed up before the celebration.”
Vanessa gives examples of unwinding at home and focusing on personal goals · phrasal verb
Become or make someone less upset, excited, or stressed.
Tone and use: Common; can be direct. Use it for becoming more relaxed after stress or excitement.
May not fit: When said to another person, it can sound dismissive; use a softer phrase if needed.
Example“I listen to quiet music to calm down after work.”
Vanessa gives examples of unwinding at home and focusing on personal goals · phrasal verb
Give your attention to a particular person, thing, or activity.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use focus on + noun or -ing form.
May not fit: Follow it with on, not to.
Example“During the lesson, I focused on improving my pronunciation.”
Personal time can include meeting friends, walking, or riding a bike · expression
Despite a possible condition or situation.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use even if + clause to show that the result stays true despite a condition.
May not fit: Do not confuse it with even though, which usually introduces a known fact.
Example“Even if it rains, I’ll still go for a walk.”
Personal time can include meeting friends, walking, or riding a bike · expression
Near in distance or time.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use close to + place or point in time.
May not fit: It means near, not necessarily next to.
Example“The botanical garden is close to my house.”
Personal time can include meeting friends, walking, or riding a bike · expression
Take a recreational trip by bicycle.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it for riding a bike for enjoyment or exercise.
May not fit: For commuting, say ride your bike to work.
Example“We went on a bike ride along the river.”
Vanessa describes time away from her computer and invites learners to reflect · phrasal verb
Leave a place or situation for a while, often to rest or take a break.
Tone and use: Conversational. Use it when taking a break from a routine or environment.
May not fit: It can also mean escape; context makes the intended meaning clear.
Example“I like to get away from my desk at lunchtime.”
Vanessa describes time away from her computer and invites learners to reflect · expression
Not using or being near a computer.
Tone and use: Neutral. Use it to describe a break from computer-based work or entertainment.
May not fit: If you mean a broader break from technology, say away from screens.
Example“I spent the afternoon outside without the computer.”
She suggests more ideas for me time and looks forward to viewers’ responses · expression
Look ahead without focusing on anything, often while thinking or relaxing.
Tone and use: Informal and descriptive. Use it to describe a blank or unfocused gaze.
May not fit: It may suggest someone is distracted; explain if they are intentionally relaxing.
Example“After the long meeting, I sat quietly and stared into space.”
She suggests more ideas for me time and looks forward to viewers’ responses · phrasal verb
Feel pleased or excited about something that will happen.
Tone and use: Positive and common. Use look forward to + noun or -ing form.
May not fit: The word to is a preposition, so use a noun or -ing form after it.
Example“I’m looking forward to visiting the gardens.”
She suggests more ideas for me time and looks forward to viewers’ responses · expression
Write a comment in the space under a post or video.
Tone and use: Friendly online invitation. Use it when asking viewers to respond on a webpage or video.
May not fit: This is specific to online comments, not a spoken in-person reply.
Example“Leave a comment below with your favorite way to relax.”
Knowledge check
What it means · “me time”