Earlier this week, I posted about how I made ME-time over our long three day weekend. That’s right, I made the time, and while it may not seem like much, sometimes you have to make it, and take it when you can.
It is with much excitement that I kick off our new 5 for Friday series with this all-important installment.
5 ways you too can make some Mom-ME time for yourself.
- Don’t over-commit. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself first on occasion. You can’t help everyone no matter how hard you try. You need time for yourself. Don’t make excuses for it or rationalize it, just say “No, sorry I can’t”.
- Create a relaxation readybag. This could be a totebag with a book, your knitting, your ipod or headphones in it. Whatever will work at a moment’s notice, to help you relax when that unexpected “free time” arises.
- Lock the door behind you. In the bedroom, or the bathroom, even if it’s to grab 3 minutes (okay 30 seconds) of privacy. Think about it though, that may be your only line of defense, but it could also be your last. (This works better with slightly older kids who have an understanding of privacy)
- Delegate. If the kids are in the backyard, or in my case, the basement with Dad, make sure he knows he’s in charge, and you disappear. Older children can watch over younger ones for 15 minutes while you do whatever you do for your Mom-ME time.
- Schedule your ME time. Look at the week ahead, and pencil in a time slot for yourself. Seeing it listed in your planner will help you remember to make that time, just like you would for anything else written in there ie. doctor appointment, child’s playdate.
You can find the time if you look for it, but then you have to take it, and make it your ME time. Give yourself permission to relax. Go on, you deserve it!
Moms! I’d love to hear some of the things you do to make your ME time. Please leave your comments. Lets see how many different ME time making tactics are out there, and add to the list!
That’s one good thing I can give my hubby credit for. He’s usually pretty good at giving me some me time when I want it. Problem is … I forget to ask for it.
To be honest with you – as strange as it may sound to most – for me – my favorite kind of me time is having an hour in my bedroom w/ the door locked working online. ROFL! Like I said, most may think that’s strange but I personally love a little bit of uninterupted work time every now and then. Guess that’s what happens when you *love* your ‘job’.
Otherwise, some nice quite reading time is perfect for me.
Oops, I forgot a couple things above.
One thing I enjoy doing for me time is simply sit and paint my fingernails. It’s some quiet time for me and I get a little feeling of being pampered.
(Although after I do that, it turns into the complete opposite of me time, lol. Once my daughter sees my nails painted, hers need done of course too.)
I also do kind of what you do – tell everyone daddy’s in charge. You need something, ask daddy. You want to ask permission for something, ask daddy. Mommy is not in the building.
Just having daddy completely in charge in general is a blessing all in it’s own to me. I kid you not, I can be in the bathroom while daddy is with the kids in the living room. My kids will leave the living room, come to the bathroom and ask me if they’re allowed to go do something or ask me to get them something. Hello?!? You just left your father to come ask me this? While I’m in the bathroom? What on Earth can I do from in here??? LOL!
I’ve also been known to tell my kids:
I no longer answer to mom, mommy, momma or anything of the like. I’ve changed my name and I’m not telling you what it is.
Sorry – sounds like I’ve started a whole new topic here – rofl!