As a dad to three kids and holding down a demanding job, I often feel like the days fly by faster than they used to. My daughter, affectionately known as the “early riser,” starts her day at 5 AM—banging doors, singing, and ready to take on the world.

My partner might claim I do little around the house, dubbing herself the “master of the kingdom,” but I like to think I do my fair share. Not a huge amount, but I contribute in my own way. Our home life resembles a high-speed motorway—constant comings and goings throughout the week, kids’ clubs, weekend plans, and the usual chaos with pets thrown in. It sometimes feels like there’s no pause button.

This Christmas was especially challenging for me. Two weeks of non-stop family time with kids at different stages of development, constantly bickering over the smallest things, left me longing for a break. Honestly, by the end of the first week, I was ready to go back to work just for some peace and quiet. As stressful as work can be, it offers a routine—Teams calls, spreadsheets, PowerPoint decks—and for a moment, that structure felt oddly comforting.

But amidst the chaos, I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments of peace I get during my day. I’ve discovered two golden opportunities for “me time” that allow me to recharge.

The first, and I’m sorry for the graphic nature of this one, is in the most unlikely place—sitting on the toilet. I’m sure many dads can relate to this. It’s become my quiet escape, my little sanctuary where I can hide away, scroll through my phone, or play a game without interruption. It’s rapidly become my happy place. When I was a kid, I remember my dad reading old Readers Digest magazines in the bathroom—odd little things, but now I see he was onto something!

The second, and arguably the most sacred time, comes once everyone else has gone to bed. This is when I finally get control of the TV remote. My partner usually hits the sack early, so the evening becomes mine. I watch random TV shows I stumble upon—Yellowstone, for instance, is glorious. Another passion of mine? Gaming. Yes, I’m a nerd, and proud of it! There’s nothing more satisfying than totally unplugging and immersing myself in a game on my PS5. I may not be the most social person; I don’t go to the pub much and have only a handful of close friends. I prefer my own space, my quiet time, and the ability to switch off from everything.

These small moments of solitude, these “me times,” have become essential for me to recharge and refocus. They might not seem like much, but in the whirlwind of family life and work, they offer me the breathing space I need to stay sane and centered.

How do you find “me time”?