Parenting is hard. Couple that with other responsibilities, whether it’s work, volunteering, or managing everyone’s busy schedule of activities, and moms find themselves in need of regeneration. Creating time for yourself is as important as time with your family. Here are three ways to go about Finding “Me-Time” as a Mom:
Work is Not Me-Time
Although working outside the home seldom includes our children, it still carries with it responsibilities and activities, many not of our choosing. It is important not to categorize work time as “me-time”. However, pairing some time for yourself with time outside the home at work may prove fruitful. You can either take an hour or two, or a whole day, of personal time to pursue something for you or stop on the way home for work and take an hour. You may enjoy time at the gym, or shopping at the mall; do something you enjoy!
Me-Time Together
Maybe for you and your partner, time together constitutes your me-time. If your children are in school, perhaps an extra-long lunch is in order with your partner. Reconnect with them over a leisurely meal or a long stroll in the park. If you have young children at home and one parent stays home with them, consider sharing babysitting time with another family. Cooperative child care is a win-win; both families benefit from free child care! Finding “Me-Time” as a Mom should be fun.
You Define your Me-Time
What constitutes me-time is very personal. For some, me-time is physical; perhaps it’s a work-out at the gym or running a few miles. For others, me-time is pampering. A massage or a pedicure is a relaxing way to spend me-time. Yet for others, me-time is pursuing a passion. You may love to browse antique stores or visit estate sales in search of that unique piece. Only you can define how you will renew and refresh!
However, you define your me-time, you must plan some for yourself and enable your partner to plan some too. We love our children and will better for them by taking care of ourselves! Finding “Me-Time” as a Mom is important.