I cannot remember where or when I heard this expression, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. And NO, not just because I love everything to do with Princesses (but it doesn't hurt!)...
It is instinct for women to want to take care of everyone else: boyfriends, husbands, families, parents, kids, pets, etc. And unfortunately, "self" gets throw to the bottom of the list day after day. It is also common practice to think "Oh my gosh, I don't have time to make the bed, let alone do something I want to do!"
This constant go-go-go and viewing everything as an emergency is NOT healthy in more ways than one, but particularly because it raises the hormone, Cortisol. Cortisol is known as the "stress hormone." When it functions properly, it helps regulate blood sugar, glucose metabolism, immune function, inflammatory response, and much more. Unfortunately, when it is OUT of balance, it causes suppressed thyroid function, decrease in muscle tissue, decrease in bone density, impaired cognitive function, higher blood pressure, and increased abdominal fat.
Hence, tiara time. 15 minutes a day. Whenever you can "squeeze" it in, but it has to happen. If necessary, go buy a tiara. Seriously, pick out a sparkly, be-dazzled, light-up tiara and literally PUT IT ON YOUR HEAD as a symbol - this is MY time. (Hey, if you need one, I'm a small jog away from Disney - they have tons!)
So maybe the kids are crying about homework and the dishes are dirty from dinner...it'll all get done! Take those 15 minutes to either sit in a dark, quiet room, or perhaps a walk or yoga, or maybe a bubble bath. No guilt. Feel your heart rate decrease and your mind quiet down. Pay attention to that cortisol - get it under control before you emerge. It is important - for your health, both mental and physical!