Self-care and “me” time are buzzwords for moms right now! While it’s totally true that most moms do need to spend more time on themselves, many are left asking, “But how?” If it feels impossible to try and squeeze any more time out of your day for yourself, switch tactics. Instead of trying to get more time for yourself, find ways to fit more “me” time into your regular routine! I know it can be so hard, trust me, this mom of four feels you on a deep level and somedays just aren’t meant to have me time but I truly think investing in yourself and filling your cup sure helps when you are constantly pouring from it! These four little people are my world but if I am not in a good space for myself then it’s impossible for me to be the happy mom they need and deserve!
Plan out your “me” time and put it on the calendar! Even if it’s just a 15 walk alone once your partner gets home or a 5 minute break upstairs while the baby is napping, jot it down. Putting it on the calendar means you’re less likely to forget or shove your personal time to the back burner. It also shows the rest of your family that this is a priority!
Seriously, lock it. Like most moms, you’re most likely available to your family 24/7. While being as available as possible can provide your children with much needed security as they grow, it can also mean you’re not getting the time alone that you need. Secure young children in a safe playpen or crib, hand older kids an independent activity, and head to the bathroom and lock the door. Even if you don’t actually have to go!
Moms are infamous for forgoing basic necessities like showers in favor of another task that seems more important. It’s not! Take that shower, momma. You deserve to feel clean and refreshed, and you can create some additional “me” time by declaring it your sacred space. Arrange a time to shower when you’re least likely to be needed and talk to your family about shower time being your well-deserved alone time! #PREACH
It seems counterintuitive to your sanity to get a bit less sleep by waking up before your kids, but I promise you’ll feel so much better once you’ve made this a new habit. Getting up first means you have the whole house to yourself and no one is demanding your attention yet. Dress as slowly as you want (or don’t get dressed at all), and sip your morning coffee or tea while it’s still hot! I struggle with this SO bad but when I do it, goodness I feel soooo much better!
When you aren’t able to set aside a large block of “me” time, try breaking it up throughout the day. Take 10 minutes before the kids wake up to drink a hot cup of something, then spend an extra 3 minutes in the bathroom. On your lunch break at work or while the little one naps or has quiet time at home, sit and catch up with your friends on Facebook or Instagram. When coming home from work, take a few moments to just sit in your car before heading into the house. At night, turn your phone off and pick up a book for 10 minutes before going to sleep. While it seems like those little snippets of stolen time are meaningless, they’ll add up to less stress for you and more “me” time for a mom who really needs it!
Moms. invest in YOU! Fill YOUR cup before pouring from it! I promise you will see a difference and so will the people around you that need you the most!
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