Being a mom is hard. I think we can all agree on that. It doesn’t matter how many kids you have, if you work, or how much support you have—being a mom can be tough. One of the reasons being a mom is so hard is that we have to be “on”
All. The. Time.
It’s really exhausting! Since being a mom requires giving so much of ourselves, we can end up feeling a bit burnt out or stressed out. And I’m sure you know that when you feel this way, you’re not the best version of you. This is where “me time” becomes critical.
“Me time” is something that moms often feel guilty about and don’t make the time for. It can seem extravagant and selfish to take time for yourself. But it isn’t. Here’s why:
- When you take “me time” you’re allowing yourself to recharge
- “Me time” can make you more appreciative of “them time”
- Patience with others is probably easier when you’ve gotten your “me time” in
When I’ve gotten my “me time,” I actually feel like myself. Without it, I feel like a stressed out, on-edge version of myself. It’s no fun for me and it’s no fun for my family. Is it hard to take make the time for myself? Absolutely! Do I go too long without it? Probably! But we need to stop making excuses for why we can’t take the time or how we don’t really need it, and instead just do it. Make it happen.
What does “me time” look like?
Keep in mind, “me time” can consist of many different types of activities. Sometimes my “me time” is a pedicure, other times it’s just running out of the house to grab Starbucks before I tackle the rest of the day. On occasion my mom friend(s) and I can actually coordinate schedules and get out of the house together for some adult time. I love when that happens. It’s really nice to recharge with a friend, socialize, and remember that I’m meaningful to people other than those in my family. I don’t feel guilty about those times at all. I’m a better mom because I’m taking that time.
“Me time” will look different to every mom. Some moms will be able to get away from their kids and family for (gasp!) a whole weekend! (I do dream of a day when that can happen), while for some it will take lots of planning to get out of the house for just a few minutes. Don’t let your circumstances become an excuse for not creating the time. Taking time for yourself is a form of self-care and can be effective in as little as 15 minutes.
I am a better mom when I take time for myself. That’s because I’m not just a mom. I am a person who had a whole life for almost 30 years before these kids came into the picture. It’s important to create time to nurture other parts of myself, recharge, relax, and not be needed for just a few moments. Ditch the mom guilt when you take this time. “Me time” makes me a better mom; you might find it makes you a better mom too.
What do you do for “me time”?