A mum’s life is often a case of lurching from one chaos-filled moment to another – a rollercoaster ride of trials and triumphs. Busy schedules, constant caregiving, managing household chores, and balancing work can take a toll on our well-being. So, for your own well-being and that of those you care for, you must plan in the occasional sliver of time to yourself. Here’s how to get – and to make the most of – that all-important ‘me time’.
This is a collaborative post.
Make The Most Of Your Evenings
Evenings, after the kids have gone to bed, are prime for ‘me time’. But all too often, we’re either too exhausted after dinner, bedtime stories, and the nightly Battle Of The Teethbrushing that we don’t actually treat ourselves to the rejuvenating evenings we deserve. What can help here is to treat yourself to some evening comforts and build routines around them. For example, buy some luxury bamboo nightwear for women, treat yourself to an indulgent foaming bath, and then slip into your silky new pyjamas and a soft, fluffy robe. This will instantly switch your mindset from ‘mum’ to ‘me time’.
Plan ‘Me Time’ Into Your Schedule
‘Me time’ doesn’t have to be a lengthy wellness routine or going on a spa session every other day. Small pauses can do wonders, too. Start by planning slices of me time into your daily routine. It could be five minutes of solitude with a cup of coffee in the morning, a short walk in the afternoon, or a chapter of a book in the evenings. Whatever fits your schedule and preferences!
Develop a Morning Ritual
There is something magical about mornings. If you’re an early riser, make the most of this exclusive opportunity to enjoy solitude while the kids are asleep. You could seize this time to meditate, read, practice mindfulness, or simply enjoy your cuppa in peace. Starting the day on a tranquil note can set a positive tone for the rest of it.
Saying ‘No’ is Okay
Bear in mind that you cannot pour from an empty cup. To stop yourself from burning out and ‘emptying’, identify tasks that you can delegate, and learn to refuse things that are asking too much of you (even if it doesn’t feel like too much at the time! Be sensible and realistic about what you can achieve). Saying no to things that aren’t critical can free up time for self-care.
Make Use of Downtime
Everyone has pockets of downtime throughout the day, even if they’re fleeting. Maybe it’s the five minutes you’re waiting to pick your child from school, or the ten minutes you’re waiting for dinner to cook. Use this time to listen to an audiobook, watch a quick episode of your favourite show, indulge in some mum-self-care, or listen to some calming music.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is a proven stress buster and mood lifter, especially for mums. You don’t necessarily have to hit the gym for that. Even a brisk walk around the block or a short home workout routine can get your endorphins going.
Invest in Yourself
Expand your horizons and indulge in interests which are separate from being a mum. This could be something as simple as learning a new recipe, gardening, reading a book, or taking up an online course. It will help you retain your individuality and give an outlet for your creativity.
Juggling the roles of mother, wife, employee, and others can be challenging. As such, it’s vital to keep reminding ourselves that ‘me time’ is not a luxury, but a necessity. It is as critical to our well-being as any other activity is to our daily lives. And not just our own well-being, but also that of our kids. Do not feel guilty about assigning some time to yourself, because a happy mum is the best mum your child can have.