Being a mom is a full-time job, whether you’re combining that with another job away from the home or you’ve opted to become a stay at home mom (SAHM) while the kids are young. There’s rarely any let-up in the busy day-to-day of being a mom.
Are you the archetypal busy bee?
But everyone needs a moment to themselves every now and then. When you go out to work, at least you have the opportunity for some downtime during a commuter journey. Although it may not always be without distractions, you can block out the rest of the world with a pair of headphones and get your nose into a good book for a while. At home, though, finding those moments where you just zone out for a few minutes can be harder to achieve. There’s always something that needs doing, and if you don’t do it now, logic dictates, you’re just going to have more to do later. That’s why many moms get to a stage where they hardly ever take a break, or at least not until the kids are tucked up in bed, and the final chore is done.
However, if you press on throughout the day without taking five minutes at some point to relax, you’re bound to end up feeling on edge and irritable, and that’s no good for you, or anyone else around you. So do yourself a favour, and have some downtime – even if it’s just for a few minutes.
When to take time out.
by openDemocracy
Make time to unwind
There are always times when your kids don’t need your undivided attention. Nap times are a great example. Time your breaks with their naps or when they sit down to watch their favourite TV show. Or, if they go to nursery, use a little of that time for you to relax.
What to do
We all have our own view on the best way to relax, but here are some suggestions if you don’t know what to do when your time is limited.
Play
Follow the kids’ lead and relax by playing some games. The online world is full of entertaining games that we can dip in and out of. You might be a social gamer and play things like Candy Crush on Facebook, or you might enjoy the idea of having a little flutter when you play. Check out the huge range of 32Red games for Canadian players – it includes casino classics such as roulette, blackjack and poker and slots all at one site. Most gaming sites such as 32red, Roxy Palace or River Belle Casino offer new players free gaming credit when they first sign up; and when you’ve used up that credit, there’s always the option of playing in demo mode if you don’t feel like topping up your account with any of your own money. Slots are a great choice for entertaining games that can help you unwind – they’re fast, fun and easy to play, and although they’re exciting, there’s no stress as the player can’t influence the outcome in any way – it’s down to chance.
Work out
Doing some exercise is not only good for your body, it’s good for your mind, too. While you may not have the time to go to the gym, there are plenty of ways you can work out at home. There are a huge number of exercise apps that you can download, many of which offer 10 or 15 minute workouts that you can customize to suit you.
Making time to do a bit of exercise will benefit you in several ways. Stretching will allow you to free any aches and pains in your shoulders and neck that build up from feeling tense. As you exercise, your brain releases endorphins – happy hormones that will give you a boost and shake off any feelings of lethargy. And if you choose a slower tempo exercise such as yoga, you also focus on your breathing which can be a great way to calm down and feel more relaxed.
Beauty therapy
Putting on a face mask enforces relaxation for at least a few minutes!
Remember the days when you could book a massage or hair appointment without wondering who you could get to watch the kids? Although the time you can spend in a beauty parlour has probably been massively reduced since becoming a parent, there’s nothing to stop you having a few DIY beauty pick me-ups.
It only takes five minutes to file your nails and apply a coat of polish. Alternatively, give yourself a mini-facial with a face mask. Most face masks require you to sit still for three or four minutes, so it’s something you don’t always feel like doing right at the end of the day. Make time for a post-lunch face mask instead. Even just opting for a midday shower and hair wash can be relaxing and refreshing, and when you’ve got dressed again, you’ll feel like you’re starting a new day.
It doesn’t really matter how you spend your ‘me time’. The most important thing is that you get some of it, every day, no matter how busy you feel. You’ll feel better for it, and it’ll make the rest of your day go much more smoothly.
What are some ways you take care of you?
*GUEST POST*
Taking a moment for me as a mom is important to me. Things can get so hectic, I just have to slow down and do something for me, and it helps.
susan recently posted…Looking for a place to shop on Black Friday? Check out @Kmart Black friday #ShoppingIsFunAgain #AD
Doesn’t it?!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
Getting out and getting some fresh air seems to help. It can be hard to find time for myself with such a busy life.
Stacie recently posted…Explore, Play, Imagine + Create with the LeapFrog Epic Tablet #LeapFrogEpic
Fresh air does a body and mind good.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I have started working out and I give myself a lunch break now from my job (I work at home). These are all good tips!
Jeanette recently posted…Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
I just started running again, too. I feel so much saner!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I like to unwind with an app myself. If you can time it just right you can even play uninterrupted. 😉 These are some great ideas to think about in terms of taking care of yourself. 🙂
Dawn Lopez recently posted…DIY Spa Gift Idea: Fa La La La Spa or Spa La La La La? (Giveaway)
Getting to play uninterrupted is so important!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I always struggle with remembering to take time for me! With a new baby it is extra hard. Today I had to give myself a timeout just so I could take a shower! That is how I am taking a moment for myself, handing the kids off to the husband so I can shower. 🙂
Amber Edwards recently posted…A Beginners Guide to Baby Photography, 10 Baby Portrait tips.
I still have trouble with this 2 kids later… my youngest got in the shower with me last week, with her PJs on, because she could not wait for me to get out.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
My kids know I am off at 8pm, that’s why bedtime is 7:30. After that they need to go see Daddy for anything they need or want.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom recently posted…A Morning Shower Scene
That only works because they’re older! <3 No fair! LOL!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I could use some beauty therapy! If I get a few minutes to unwind during the day, it’s usually when I’m nursing my baby and I doze off for a few minutes while she’s eating, haha.
Danielle recently posted…GIVEAWAY: Zipit Bedding
I just got a new face mask… I LOVE it!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I would love to schedule some “me” time. I could definitely use it. A relaxing day at the spa would be so amazing, but I would be happy with just an at-home face mask and relaxation, too!
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas recently posted…The Story Starts Here: Scholastic Books for Early Readers
I stay up working late, so I like to put a face mask on and relax-ish then.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
It is so important to take time for yourself, and it is easy to do really if you just make it a priority! I personally enjoy a nice walk or if I can’t get out of the home, I nice hot shower when the kids have all gone to bed and they won’t be opening the door to ask me for stuff.
Brandy recently posted…Gorgeous “”Five-Free” Nail Polishes From Côte Shop That Are Safe To Use!
So true- if you schedule it for yourself, you’re more likely to do it.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
A moment for ourselves is essential. A good book or a warm bath are some of my favorite ways!
Scarlet recently posted…Whole Home Steam Cleaner- Dupray ONE
Ooooh! A good book- amen!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I like to relax in a hot bubble bath with a good book. It is a great way for me to unwind. These are all great tips for finding time for yourself.
That does sound like the most relaxing!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
It’s so important to rest and recharge! I love putting on a face mask at night!
Krystal recently posted…How to Grow Your Business
YES! My fave, as well!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
That’s my biggest problem. I don’t really take time for me.
I am just learning to do this, too.
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
Having a moment for yourself is so important! Exercising is a great way to unwind.
Amen to that!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I’ve been making sure I’m really playing a lot more with my kids. Like, really playing. It’s amazing how refreshed I feel after.
Lisa recently posted…Awesome Barbie Toys at Toys”R”Us this Holiday Season
YES! I found that when I unplug and really take a good hour to PLAY, I feel so much better, too!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
Time out for myself? What’s that? I seriously need to take some time out for myself…I really need a break from a the chaos.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins recently posted…Poppy Seed Pound Cake
Yes you do!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
When I put on a beauty mask I can feel the stress melting away! I love these tips and need to take the kid’s lead more too!
Amy Desrosiers recently posted…Spiced Zinfandel Cranberry Sauce
I love a good mask!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
Life can get so crazy! It’s so important for us moms to take a little time for ourselves.
Sarah recently posted…DIY Shopkins Snow Globe + Shopkins Shelves!
So true!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out
I’m definitely one of those busy bee types who tends to overlook taking care of myself when I have non stop work to do. Two great respites I enjoy are working out and beauty therapy, both which are great for unwinding as well as regenerating new energy to face the tasks ahead.
Janis @MommyBlogExpert recently posted…Disney Zootopia Trailer Preview Ahead of Animated Comedy’s March Theatrical Release
Sounds invigorating! Keep doing for you!
Chelley @ A is for Adelaide recently posted…Taking a Time Out