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Are you a mother? Do you have children? Do you do at least two chores everyday? Do you work outside of the home? Do you work from home? Are you a stay-at-home-mom? Does your job (whether at home or outside of the home) require you to take care of others? If you answered yes to any of those questions, chances are you aren’t taking proper care of yourself. Chances are, you put others before yourself day in and day out. You’re wiping snotty noses, pulling your hair out over deadlines at your nine-to-five, Isn’t it time to put yourself first for once?
Now that I’m working almost-full time, I’m still trying to keep up a home, take care of my family and blog. Not to mention wedding planning and birthday party planning for Miss Alea. I have a lot of plates spinning, but the only way I’ve found I’m able to keep them all in the air at once is to stop worrying about them at some point in my day. I know what you’re thinking. “If you stop worrying about them, how are they all going to get done?” My answer? They’ll get done when they get done! I can’t function without a little time to myself and a little “me time”. Without that time, my anxiety goes up and I reach my breaking point so much easier and faster.
Sometimes we as moms feel a little guilty when we take the time to take care of ourselves. There’s so much more we could be doing for others during that time, but we really need to just take a deep breath and realize that we won’t be give our family, our job, or our friends they love and care they deserve if we don’t take some time for ourselves first. Need some “me time” ideas? I have four tried + true ways I soak up that me time whenever I can!
one | Kick up your feet. For no reason at all but because you don’t do it often enough. Yes, there may be a pile of dishes waiting to be washed, yes you could be folding that load of laundry that just came out of the dryer, but instead, kick up those feet and take a load off. You deserve it. Bonus: fuzzy, comfy socks!
two | Pour a glass. And make it one of your all time favorite relaxing beverage. My personal favorite? Ginger-Ale. It’s not something I have around the house very often, but I when I do, it’s quite the refreshing treat. Add a mason jar and a lemon slice and you’re all set! My favorite part? I don’t have to feel guilty about indulging, because this is a Four Ten Calorie DPSG product! Only 10 calories! (They also have 10-calorie A&W, 7-Up, and Sunkist + they’re available at Walmart!) Right now you can get $1.50 off your DPSG purchase with this coupon! You’re welcome! (Offer available until April 17th or while supplies last.)
three | Teach yourself a new hobby. The most recent hobby I’ve taught myself is the knitting loom. It’s hard to explain, but when I’m sitting down with my knitting loom and maybe some quiet music on in the background, I just feel like nothing else matters in the world. I’m just right there doing my thing. Just me and my thoughts. Sure, Alea might by running around and Bentley (our chocolate lab) might be barking at the passersby, but it’s my time to just zone out and relax. Take up crocheting? Maybe needlepoint? What’s the one thing you’ve been wanting to try that you’ve been putting off?
four | Read.
The way I feel about reading is similar to the way I feel about working on my knitting loom. Reading gives me the opportunity to transport myself into a whole new world. I don’t have to be me and get lost in my own thoughts, but rather I can get lost in the thoughts and the life of someone else. It’s a very freeing and exciting feeling. That’s one reason why I’ve always loved reading. Currently I’m reading Gone Girl, but I’m always open to book suggestions!
Now tell me, when’s the last time you sat down and really took some time for yourself? I know I don’t do it as often as I should, either, but it’s become a goal of mine to make sure I’m taking plenty of “me time” throughout the week. It’s the only way us mama’s can recharge our batteries, you know? The saying is so true. “We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves.”
How do you enjoy your “me time”?
a weekend away.
Just Bloom
How to Make Maternity Leave Affordable
An Interview with Alea Lou
I just blogged about how I need to start reading more!!!! Now – what book?!
50 shades of grey, the husbands secret or the secret life of bees- all great books or ANYTHING by Mitch Albom! 🙂 just a tip- i also love using GoodReads if you are not on that site, check it out and get recommendations and be in book clubs!
Good for you…we all need a little time for ourselves (although Gone Girl is far from a relaxing read)! And yes to fuzzy socks!
What a great reminder! That ginger-ale looks so refreshing!
A Great reminder. I love all of these things. I need to learn to knit on a loom. I know how to knit with needles.
I need to do this more often… just kick my feet up and relax a little. Oh and I LOVE Ginger Ale. So happy to hear they have the low calorie option now!
love this! with having a newborn and now going back to work again i def need some me time! I love to just take a long bath or go to the gym to have some “me” time. if i dont have it , i def freak out as well ha.
I’m a total Canadian for the reason that I LOVE ginger ale…but it HAS to be Canada Dry! I don’t know what it is but some of the other brands don’t have the same flavor!
Danielle at Framed Frosting
I can’t remember the last time I just kicked back, read a book, watched some TV and just relaxed! I really do need to make more of an effort. For sanity’s sake, right?
How are you liking that book so far? Love your fuzzy socks..those are a must for relaxing!
So true! I was running on empty for a few weeks and it all got too much, so this evening I have a Chinese take-out, catching up on some blogs and working on my new one. It is bliss! x
I just realized how much I missed reading for years and now like many people I love reading digitally (on my phone for me) and I love reading til I fall asleep at night- it’s been so wonderful and making more concentrated time to blog is higher on my list of priorities now… feels good! I love treating myself to little things like a haircut or a pedi. or a new lipstick- instantly makes a woman feel better!