One of the only things I miss pre-motherhood is access to unlimited “me time.” I went to the gym daily, used the bathroom by myself, and spent mindless uninterrupted hours in front of the television. Now that I am a Mom of two little girls, I have to schedule my personal time, sometimes days in advance, to keep my sanity.
Ever since my period came back after I quit breastfeeding my youngest, my hormones have been out of control. Once a month I feel manic – depressed one minute, anxious the next, and then all of a sudden I’m carefree and jolly. When you combine mood swings with being a SAHM and blogging full time, there are days when I feel pulled at both ends and fall into bed at night a zombie.
I consulted with my OB about my mood swings and stress. She asked me what I was doing for myself and I had to laugh. There are very few moments that I find myself alone or even the opportunity to be alone.
After meeting with my doctor I realized that having time alone isn’t an appointment I should have to schedule. All Moms deserve personal time, to do whatever she may want, as a way to keep her mental health and well-being on track.
One of my personal goals is to find personal time as a Mom every day, even if it is just for five minutes.
- Make sure my kids (and cat) are preoccupied and escape to the bathroom.
- Take a walk outside.
- Call a friend after the kids are asleep.
- Read a book during Ailey’s nap instead of housework/blogging.
- Sip a glass of wine while I cook dinner… for myself.
- Spend a few extra minutes in the shower to deep condition my hair.
- Wake up a few minutes before the family to enjoy my coffee.
- Schedule an appointment for a hair cut, manicure, or even eyebrow wax.
- Arrive to preschool pickup early with a good book.
- Listen to a podcast while the girls are playing.
Click Here for a Self-Care Checklist
Other ways I take personal time as a Mom is by doing little things that truly make me (and only me) happy.
For example, listening to Christmas music while I work or buying my favorite seafood salad from the market. Acknowledging the smell of the snow in the winter, the sound of the rain in the spring, and the way the sun sets each day are personal moments I find myself appreciating my life. Self-care doesn’t have to cost money or your time.
What are the ways you find personal time as a Mom?
Want to hear what other moms do to find time for themselves?
I’m linking up with a group of bloggers (who are moms too!)
Laura (Have Need Want) | Heather (My Life Well Loved) | Alyssa (Feathers and Stripes) | Samantha (The Samantha Show) | Caitlin (Confessions of a Northern Belle) | Lauren (Outfits & Outings) | April (April Golightly)
I hear you! It is so so hard to take time for myself sometimes. And then when I’m doing it to not feel guilty about it! The thing that pushes me to do it, honestly, is that I tell myself I need to be myself sometimes. Going out with a friend, even once a month, makes me feel more like me.