5 Ways to Make ME Time

fiveforfriday 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.

  1. 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”.
  2. 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.
  3. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. 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!

Posted in Mom's Well-Being, Our Spirit | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Not Just a Side Salad

This is a delicious salad that’s chock full of antioxidants. So, not only is it good tasting, it’s good for you!

Ingredients:
Lettuce leaves
4 tbsp grated Brazil nuts
4 tbsp chopped dates
2 tomatoes, sliced
2 carrots, grated
2 raw beetroots, grated
About 12 oz grated cabbage
1/2 cucumber, sliced
Vinaigrette of your choice

Preparation:
Place lettuce leaves on plates. Combine the Brazil nuts and the chopped dates and put them in a pile in the middle of the plate. Add the other vegetables in piles around the nuts and create an appetizing and colorful dish.

Just before serving, pour a bit of vinaigrette over the salad to moisten.

Variations:
Perfect as a super-healthy vegetarian appetizer.
Serve a long side a grilled chicken breast, with some crusty bread.
Place the lettuce leaves on a flour tortilla, or flatbread. Arrange nut/date mix along with other salad fixings in center, then fold over or wrap tortilla for a healthy portable lunch.

Posted in Retreat Cookbook, Salads | Tagged , | 1 Comment

How I made ME time

Coming off a long 3-day weekend, and happy for the quality family time we got, all awake and home at the same time – no obligations except Hubby’s usual shift Saturday night. One thing I took advantage of was time the boys got to spend with Dad. The Father/Son outing we had planned for yesterday was cancelled due to rain – thus so did all of the plans I had for those 3 hours I was going to have all to myself.

Not to worry, I found a way to make me-time anyway! I made sure Dad knew he was in charge, and quietly slipped upstairs, and locked the bedroom door behind me – my 2nd line of defense after Dad. Then I turned up the radio and treated myself to a long, uninterrupted shower. To some that’s not big deal, but to me it was. That time with no demands, I have to remind myself is so important!

If you’re like me, and you need that gentle nudge to remind yourself to make ME time, check back here this Friday (or subscribe to our RSS feed if you think you won’t remember this either – lol). I’m dedicating Fridays as “tips day” with a new Five for Friday series.

This week: Five Ways to Make ME Time. ;)

Posted in Mom's Well-Being, Our Spirit | Tagged , | 4 Comments