6 Ways Moms Can Fit Self Care Time Into Their Busy Lives
Mothers have one of the toughest jobs in the world and the one thing I have learned throughout my years as a mom is how important and precious my self-time is. It’s not always easy to get it but mothers need our “me” time too. I often think about my own mom who raised four kids of varying ages, and I realize now that she too tried to fit in self-time. I often remember her going on a walk after work and before she had to prepare dinner. And when I saw her reading a book in the quiet, I somehow knew that I shouldn’t disturb her; that this was “her” time. Today, I don’t think moms have it any easier. So, whether you are a working mother or stay-at-home mom, make sure to carve out precious self-time for yourself each week. You’ll feel better and be a better mother because of it.
There are many ways to fit self-time in, here are six ways to get you started:
1. Exercise
Exercise is not only about burning calories, it is essential for stress management. If you’re having a particularly challenging day as a mom, exercise can be refreshing. Your body produces endorphins when you exercise which can make you feel happy. It doesn’t matter if it’s a half-hour or 10 minutes – time focused on you and your body is vital. If finding the time is difficult, you have options. Wake up early before the kids get up and get your self-time in when it doesn’t conflict with school and sport schedules. I was never a wake-up-at-5-a.m.-to- exercise-type of person, but I have become one. It’s not easy at first but once you get into the habit, you will appreciate the time of solace before your day begins. Keep in mind that exercise doesn’t have to be accomplished in one sitting. Split it up into 10-minute increments and you’ll give yourself more opportunities to hit pause during the day.
2. Walk
If you are new to exercise or don’t particularly like working out, walking has many benefits. Take your dog along or go solo. Go at your own pace, review the day ahead or decompress from a long work day or escape the chaos of family life. Breathe in the fresh air and take in the nature around you. Aim to walk early in the morning or in the evening to begin or end your day on a positive note.
3. Yoga
One of my favorite ways to get self-time is taking a yoga class. For me, there’s nothing better for setting the stage for self-time than when I step into a quiet dim studio space. Add heat and the calming scents of essential oil and your tension melts away. The best thing about yoga is you don’t have to compete with the person next to you let alone talk to them. It’s all about you during this time so focus on your breath and pose and shut off everything else in your mind.
4. Pamper Yourself with a Manicure/Pedicure
Give yourself a manicure or a pedicure or even better, treat yourself to one at a salon or spa. DIY manicures and pedicures are also relaxing and can save time and money. This self-time ritual will give you a chance to do something for you while nourishing your skin and nails and adding a pretty pop of color to your fingers and toes.
5. Indulge in your Favorite TV show
Image via StocksnapWhether it’s Homeland or Modern Family, you have permission to be a coach potato if only for a short time. Tuck the kids into bed and tune in to an episode of your favorite show. But do yourself a favor and leave your iPhone out of reach. There’s nothing more distracting than a beeping or buzzing phone and it’s likely that you will end up either lost in your to-do list or the show’s storyline.
6. Take a Power Nap
Most moms I know find napping difficult because we have a hard time shutting off our brains or not thinking of laundry list of chores or tasks we need to get done. But if you can fit in even a 15 – 20 minute power nap, you’ll boost your alertness and memory. Just remember not to sleep for more than 30 minutes or you could wake up feeling groggy.
