Do you struggle with finding time for yourself? You’re not alone. Juggling work, childcare, relationships, and the general responsibilities of being an adult can be all-encompassing, leaving little time left over for relaxing and recharging. But prioritizing “me time” is crucial if you want to avoid burnout. It’s also essential for your mental and physical health and one of the best things you can do to honor your needs as a busy mom.
You deserve more time for yourself. Read on for tips on how to get it, plus a deeper look at why it’s a must.
Why Moms Need “Me Time”
Being a mom is one of the hardest – and least appreciated – jobs there are. Throw in another part- or full-time job on top of it, and it can feel downright impossible to find time to sit down, let alone get in some much-needed self-care.
However, “me time” isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Have you heard the saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? This applies tenfold to working moms, many of whom are pulled in so many different directions that it’s hard to give their all to any one thing – regardless of how important that thing may be.
If you want to feel your best, give your best, and live your best, you need time for yourself. And luckily, even the busiest of moms can do it with a little bit of conscious effort. Here’s how to make time for yourself as a parent and fill up your cup so you have enough to pour out for others.
3 Ways to Make “Me Time” Happen
For today’s working mom, “no time for self-care” isn’t just a common complaint – it’s a way of life. Unfortunately, we’ve backed ourselves into a corner trying to have it all and be it all, and as a result, we’ve lost sight of something key: our wellness
If you want to make better use of the hours in your day, try out these tips for carving out more “me time” and giving yourself a refreshing break.
Put “Me Time” on the Schedule
As a working mom, you’re already a pro at juggling a schedule full of activities, errands, and deadlines. So why not add self-care to the list, too? Whether it’s one full day once a month or three hours every weekend (or whatever else works for you), let your partner know that you will set aside time to do whatever you want and that they’ll be on kid duty. You can also extend the same opportunity to them if they’re burning at both ends.
Let Go of Perfection at Home
The sooner you realize that your own mental needs are more important than having a spotless kitchen, the sooner you’ll become adept at finding time for yourself. Accept that you’re at a stage of life when having a perfectly clean and organized house is just not going to happen all the time, and give yourself the grace to let it go and focus more on what really matters.
Take Shortcuts at Meal Time
Are you also a personal chef in addition to being a working mom? So long as everyone is fed and full, cutting some corners is okay. Fill your freezer with items you can prepare with minimal effort, such as veggie burgers, pre marinated meats and fish, pizza, and yes, even chicken nuggets. Pair with steamed frozen veggies and some fresh fruit and you’ve got a healthy meal on the table with plenty of time to spare.
You’re doing great, mom. Know that one day the craziness will pass and life will slow down again. And until then, it’s okay to indulge in time for yourself, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Explore the site for more tips, and if you’re looking for additional advice, check out my Time Management courses.
