Welcome to the Daily Dad podcast, where we provide one lesson every single day to help you with your most important job, being a parent.

I'm Ryan Holiday, and I draw these lessons from ancient philosophy, modern psychology, practical wisdom, and insights from parents just like you all over the world.

Thank you for listening, and we hope this helps.

You must make time for this.

When we have to go to the doctor, we make the time. If the check engine

light comes on in our car, we get it to the shop. When we have some lucrative business

opportunity, we find time to make it happen. Kids take up so much of our time, but there's room.

We always manage to make room. Except, it seems, when it comes to making space for quiet time with

ourselves how inexplicable it seems anne morrow linberg writes in her book gift from the sea which

we've been talking about a lot recently it's have to read it i carry it in the painted porch

if one sets aside time for a business appointment,

a trip to the hairdresser, a social engagement, or a shopping expedition, that time is accepted as

inviolable. But if one says, I cannot come because that is my hour to be alone, one is considered

rude, egotistical, or strange, she writes. As parents, our mental health,

or as we've called it, our mental wealth must be protected. We must carve out time for solitude

and for personal time. Stillness is the key. Obviously, I mean that. But not just to performance on the basketball corridor

in the boardroom, but also at home. We don't want to be fried or frustrated with our children,

which means we must find ways to cultivate and practice stillness. For one person, that could be a long

run in the morning. For another, it could be a yoga class. Maybe it's a few minutes in a cold plunge for you.

For another, it could be journaling or a guided meditation session.

It could be many things, but it has to be something.

Make time.

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