HOW TO MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF

Lately, I have been going non-stop shuffling kids around, slinging dinners, and trying to keep my house (sort of) clean that I completely forgot about…myself. Us moms know we need a break, but never actually take the time to make it happen. My husband was away last week and I literally feel like I didn’t have time to breathe, I have been exhausted. On Saturday, all I wanted to do was sleep in but instead I pealed myself out of bed and I had some “me” time.  I went to a Barre class and then picked up coffee and a magazine. After I got home I relaxed in my living room chair and read before even telling anyone I was home. I briefly thought about how nice this moment was and how I can do it more often. Finding time for me isn’t easy but I thought my action list might help you work some alone time into your schedule as well.

1. Ask for help: I never, ever ask my husband if I can take off for the morning because I assume he will say he would be overwhelmed with all three kids at once. So silly! I mentioned getting up early to work out and he didn’t even bat an eye lash. Sometimes all you have to do is ask, and all you need is an hour or two of alone time to feel new again.
2. Think ahead: Schedule in some “me” time via your ical or calendar and then stick to it. Even if you don’t know what you will do during your alone time, schedule it anyways! Giving your partner a heads up you need a few hours to recharge will help them prep for kid chaos (oh is that just at my house?).
3. Brain storm your perfect day: If you had a few hours alone without kids, what would you do? Go work out ? Or take a bath, go shopping, grab breakfast at a cafe? Whatever it is, brain storming what that day would be like is motivation to make it happen.
4. Make a trade: Ask a good friend if they want to do a trade! You will watch their kids for two hours while she takes some time for herself and then in return she watches your kids on another day so you can do the same. When my kids have other children to play with, then they completely entertain themselves and I can get things done around the house. It can be a win/win!
5. Make the commitment: Instead of feeling bad that you never get to do things that you enjoy, make the commitment make time for yourself and stick to it. Don’t back out. Beyond scheduling “me” time, make the commitment to your well-being to 2-3 hours (even once a month) to dedicate to you, and only you. Do something that you really love!

I hope these tips inspire you to do the things that you love, for yourself, and on your own time. It’s so important that we all foster our hobbies, loves, and give ourselves some self-care. I would love to know how you all spend your time when you aren’t with the kids. Let me know on Instagram or Facebook!

Wesleigh’s Dress by Marie Chantal and Photography by First Mate Photo