Being a mom is a full-time job, not to mention if you have a full-time or even part-time job on top of it. It can be overwhelming and feel like you have no time for yourself. But as the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” You’ve probably heard on flights that you need to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others. The same is true in motherhood. Prioritizing your well-being allows you to be the best version of yourself for your family. So, how can you carve out time for yourself as a mom? Let’s explore some practical tips.
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Why Carve Out Time for Yourself?
Taking time for self-care is crucial for your overall happiness and well-being. It makes you more focused, productive, and energized, and it can even boost your self-esteem. When you’re happy, your spouse and kids are likely to feel happier too. Children learn by example, so if they see you taking care of yourself and pursuing your interests, they’ll grow up understanding the importance of self-care and confidence.
Reflect on what made you happy before motherhood. Did you enjoy working out, getting your nails done, or reading a book every week? Try to reintroduce these activities into your routine, even in small ways. Remember, making time for yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities; it means finding a balance that benefits everyone.
How to Make Time for Yourself as a Mom
The journey to finding time for self-care starts with accepting your new season of life. It’s natural to miss the spontaneity of your pre-mom days, but dwelling on the past only wastes precious time. Instead, focus on the present and how you can integrate self-care into your current lifestyle.
Create a Routine
One of the most effective ways to find time for yourself is by creating a simple, manageable routine. Delegate tasks to other family members, especially if your kids are old enough to help out. A routine with 3-5 main tasks will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and give you clear stopping points throughout your day. Need help setting up a routine? Check out this post on streamlining your morning routine here.
Get Organized
Decluttering your space can declutter your mind. Give everything in your home a designated spot, making cleaning up quicker and easier. Although organizing takes time, think of it as an investment in your future self. For some, organizing can be a form of self-care, so if that’s you, grab your label maker and get to work!
Include Your Child
Instead of trying to carve out time away from your child, include them in your activities. Whether you’re folding laundry, cooking, or gardening, let your child join in. This can be especially fun for toddlers who love to help out. Not only does this give you more time to get things done, but it also allows you to bond with your child while teaching them valuable skills.
Schedule “Me Time”
Prioritize your self-care by scheduling it into your day. Treat it as a non-negotiable appointment, just like any other important task. Try to schedule it early in the day to avoid running out of time. A time-blocking method, where you dedicate a set amount of time to self-care, can be very effective. Set a timer and focus solely on your chosen activity, allowing your mind and body to rejuvenate.
Take Advantage of Short Pockets of Time
Even a few minutes to yourself can do wonders. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, use those small pockets of time for quick self-care activities like journaling, stretching, or reading a few pages of a book. These little moments add up and can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Need inspiration? Check out this post to download list of 25 self-care activities you can do in 5 minutes or less.
Ask for Help
Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. Don’t hesitate to ask your spouse, relatives, or friends to watch the kids for a few hours so you can have some time to yourself. If you don’t have family nearby, consider building a support network of mom friends for playdates and outings.
Romanticize Waiting Times
Turn waiting times into “me time.” Whether you’re sitting in the car during your child’s extracurricular activities or waiting in a library, use that time to do something you enjoy. Bring a coffee to go, a book, or even a sheet mask to make the most of those moments.
Incorporate Quiet Time and Encourage Independent Play
Incorporate a designated quiet time each day where your kids do a quiet activity like reading or coloring while you do the same. This not only gives you some peace but also promotes independence in your children. Similarly, encourage independent play by setting up engaging activities for your kids and allowing them to focus without interruption.
Simplify Meal Time
Free up some mental capacity by planning meals in advance. Set aside time each week to plan your meals and do one big grocery trip. You can even opt for grocery pickup or delivery to save time. Simplifying meal planning allows you to spend less time thinking about what’s for dinner and more time on yourself.
Cut Out Time Wasters and Let It Go
We all have time-wasting habits, whether it’s scrolling social media or overthinking. Identify these habits and work on reducing them. If you’re feeling burnt out, give yourself permission to let go of non-essential tasks for the day. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is order a pizza, skip a chore, and take a well-deserved break.
Summary
Making time for yourself as a mom is not only possible but essential. By creating routines, staying organized, including your child in your activities, and scheduling “me time,” you can find balance and take care of your own needs while still being a great mom. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a necessary part of being the best mom you can be.
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These are wonderful tips for mom and by the way I love how clean this website is.💞
Thank you so much! 💞