Find Time For Yourself

 

Dear Working Mom,

With all your mom duties, you rarely have a moment to yourself.  Add a job to the mix and free time sounds like a joke!  But, there are some ways to make more time for yourself.  You just need to have an open mind and be creative.

1 – Ditch the grocery store.  Okay, you have to buy groceries.  But, you don’t have to spend hours in the grocery store every week.  If it takes you two hours to shop in the store, order your groceries online and use the time to do something for yourself.  I order the night before and pickup the next day.   But on the way to pick up, I try to treat myself.  For this to work, the kids can’t go. So, plan ahead! Leave them with your husband or choose a time when they are in school or daycare. Use those grocery hours to get a pedicure, have a coffee date with a friend, or catch a movie.  Then, pick up your groceries on the way home.  You’ll be looking forward to “grocery shopping” every week!

2 – Use the time in between.  If you have an hour or two in between the time you leave work and pick up your kids, set aside some time for yourself. Chances are, you use the time to run errands for the family.  Not today!  Go sit in the park with your latte and people watch. Grab a book or magazine you’ve been wanting to read and do it.  Got an empty house? Go home and take a relaxing bath without someone bursting through the door with a question. I consistently use the time in between to exercise and write.  When you pick up your kids, you’ll be in a much better mood because you took some time for yourself.

3 – Take a personal day.  If you have vacation time at work, USE IT!  I try to save my time in case my kids get sick. But, sometimes, you need a mental health day.  When we live out of balance, we begin to feel the effects mentally and physically.  If you need a day, take it before it becomes an involuntary sick day. And, be sure to plan your day off to be just the way you want it. This is not the day to organize your closet or clean out the junk drawer.  This is your day to indulge.  Massage? Mani-pedi? Beach day? Cheesecake, anyone?

Want the printable? Click for download instructions!

4- Ask for help.  Is it possible you have not because you ask not? If you’re not asking for time, don’t expect to get it.   As a mom, you give off superhero vibes.  Your ability to get all things done may be misinterpreted. If you don’t ask for a break, your family may feel you don’t need one.  Use your support system to help you.  Letting your spouse know you need help isn’t a sign of weakness. It may even make your relationship better for him to know you need his help.  If you never ask for a break, the people in your inner circle may feel you don’t need one.  So, ask for what you need and get it!

5 – Embrace the simple things.  Some days, living a balanced life seems easy.  On those days, all the stars align, and everything falls into place.  On other days, it feels like I’m being stretched like a rubber band. When life is crazy hectic, just breathe.  Stop and know that no matter how chaotic your day was, you have an opportunity to start over tomorrow.  In the meantime, embrace the small blessings.  Find a funny show on television and laugh out loud.  Take an extra five minutes in the shower.  Sit still for ten minutes and focus on your breathing. Do a little flirting with your spouse.  And, most certainly, have a glass of wine! You’ll be surprised how little it takes to feel refreshed.

You could wait for life to slow down, but it probably won’t.  Make a decision today to find time for yourself and continue to live your best life in balance!