Finding me-time seems like an easy enough task that all moms should be able to get some of that time in. I mean, right? But, for me, between working, being a full-time student at Idaho State, raising my three kids with all that entails (soccer practices, football practices, dance classes, various doctor appointments), family time, and being married to a husband that travels for 4-6 weeks at a time for work, I don’t find me-time as often as I should.
Life is so chaotic, and my goal is to always put my kids and family first, even if I need some alone time. But let’s be real here, everyone needs that break, that time of solitude and self-indulgence. No matter how much we love our families and our lives, it’s still important for self-care, self-growth, and alone time.
We must remind ourselves that it’s ok to take that coveted time; our children won’t be scarred for life. In the end, we will be in a better place mentally after just one hour of alone time. The world is a madhouse, and we must be able to refresh ourselves as often as possible. So, I had to face the music and ask myself, “How can I make more time for myself?”
The first thing I needed to do was remind myself to stop feeling guilty because I took a little bit of alone time for myself. Then, I looked at my calendar and scheduled Me-Time. Yes, really. I am THAT busy that I have to literally schedule my me time. It ended up being one of the best things I’ve done for myself recently. Sometimes I paint, draw, grab my camera for photographs, embroider, and just create. Other times I will read for leisure, go to the gym, get a pedicure, or take a bubble bath or a small hike. More often than not, I reset by lying in bed while eating those snacks that I hid from my kids and binge-watching that reality tv show I told myself I wouldn’t watch.
I am far from being the perfect mother and I know that I will never be a mom like that. I do the best I can and love my family with everything I have. Loving them also means loving me too. Taking care of my mental well-being helps me become a better version of myself, not just for me but for my family too. With that being said, I have accepted that I need to make me-time a must for my sanity alone and I hope that you will also start making time for yourself.
Whatever you choose to do in your alone time, whether it’s something big or small, make sure it’s solely for you and your mental well-being, even if it includes a Snickers ice cream bar and 10 episodes of a new tv show. You deserve it!
