When I became a mother almost six years ago, I quickly learned that I give best and feel happiest when I have taken a little time for myself.
When I just had my first baby, that meant I would read a lot during nap time and go on runs with my daughter in the running stroller. Since adding two more children, we are busier than ever–but, I hear it gets even busier! (This stressed me out if I think about it for more than 10 seconds . . . )
During this phase of my mothering, here are my favorite ways to incorporate some “Me Time” so I am recharged and ready to take on the next potty accident and mop up another cup of spilled milk without crying myself:
1) Exercise: I’m sure most people can say what a release exercise is, and I’m no different. I’ve always run with my kids, but this past year I learned that I prefer getting my exercise done before they get up for the day. It was becoming more stressful to fit in my time to workout, due to all the logistics as well as the constant interruptions. (I know people love the gym daycare, but I am too cheap and paranoid for that.)
I am not a morning person by nature. But I have slowly trained myself to wake up between 5:20-30 AM most days, or even 6:15 when I sleep in. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve started to wake up right before my alarm goes off. (Not every day, but this is still major for me!)
Now I can’t run as much, so I’ve stepped up my strength training and my exercise classes. I still jog 1-2 times a week outside with two of the kids in tow, but only when I’ve had a really late the night before.
This isn’t going to become a fitness blog, but working out the literally the ONLY time I have to myself. I love to think, listen to podcasts, watch HGTV, or even cry during a hard spin class because it’s so cathartic. Thank goodness it’s dark in there!
PS: I NEVER owned actual “workout clothes,” until after my last baby. I told myself that I deserved some legitimate clothes that pushed me to get going. It’s made such a big difference in both my motivation and my confidence. Fabletics will always have my heart. SUCH great pieces at very affordable prices. (No one is paying me to say this, I love them that much! However, that link does give me points which I always seem to forget to use . . . )
2) Listen to Podcasts/Audio Books: Even when my kids are around and I’m slaving away doing the house chores, if I can pop in my earbuds and listen to a good podcast or book, then I’m tricking myself into some “me time.” Same goes with watching shows while organizing things around my computer–which is in the corner of my kitchen!
3) Passion Projects: We all need to get out some creativity. If you don’t think you’re creative, please believe me–you are! We all have something that we can pursue that acts as an outlet too. What’s mine? This blog and my podcast. They require the hours of a part-time job, pay me nothing, but they give me something tangible to show for those days where all the kids did was whine, fight, and disobey. And these passion projects are not life-or-death either, so they can also be happily ignored if everyone is having a bad day OR such a good day that blogposts and podcasts can wait. My family’s (and my own!) well-being comes ahead of these, but when I can produce things while they’re sleeping or doing quiet time, then it makes a difference to my psyche and the kids get a happier mom, too.
What about you? How do you sneak in some “me time,” regardless of your family’s situation?
Other moms are sharing too! Please check them out below. And if you’d like to participate in the next series, sign up on Madeline or Kiana’s blogs.
Madeline says
I am SO impressed that you wake up that early. I know I could get in a good workout if I would just get out of bed! This is seriously my struggle right now. I need to up my game! I am so into podcasts right now, I listen to them almost every day! It is nice to hear something education/entertaining/uplifting while I do chores and stuff. Definitely makes it feel more like "me time" instead of just work time! I just love this!
Nicki Farrell says
For some reason I have a really hard time with audiobooks, so instead I carry a book with me everywhere and read whenever I have the chance – in the car for pick-ups, in the kitchen when I'm stuck stirring something on the stove or waiting for something to come out of the oven. Sometimes it's great, and other times I accidentally leave the Easter eggs on a hard boil for way too long (oops). I am a die-hard night owl, and have trouble getting to bed (or even feeling tired) before midnight, but I'd love to be able to wake up early like you and get my body moving! One of my goals this year was to go to bed before midnight – even if it's 11:45. I'm not always successful, but that's proven to be one of my hardest habits to break.
Monica Packer says
I'm glad we have that same trick! It really helps me get my chores done without resentment.
Monica Packer says
It's so hard to get in a better habit with sleeping! So, so hard. It's taken me years to get to this point, but I still am not going to bed early enough. Love that idea about your book, too!!
Susan says
In addition to exercise (which is also social for me, as I attend group classes at my Y), a monthly book club has been crucial to my sanity. The monthly routine means it's not overwhelming, but is something to look forward to. It combines hanging out with friends, laughing a ton and being challenged intellectually. I lucked out with an amazing bookclub (12 years and counting!)