I’ve discussed the topic about making time for yourself quite frequently on this blog. I always mention that I never find enough time to do so, but I always intend to make time for me as much as possible. It’s not an easy task to weave out some time in your day to solely devote to yours truly, but it’s so important and completely necessary for your sanity! (Trust me on this one!)
Between meal times, bath times, running back and forth between school and daycare and activities it seems as though we’re constantly with our families. And by constantly I mean all the time. It seems as though the only time we get a bit of a break is late at night after everyone has gone to bed or early in the morning when everyone is still in bed. Those few moments of peace and quiet are absolutely priceless, to say the least.
I’ve read a couple of blog posts recently from others who think that “me time” is a myth and that “me time” is actually a selfish notion that us mom’s yearn for in our heads that can actually be detrimental to our family life.
I’ll give you a second to think about that for a second…
I don’t know about you, but I know that I need time to myself. Being an introvert, I oddly love being around people, but only for a certain amount of time. I love hugs and snuggles from my Alea, but I also love having my own space and I yearn for those moments when I have no one within an arms reach. I spend a lot of time doing chores, working and taking care of my family so I don’t think it’s unusual or inconsiderate to want a moment that’s just about me and no one else.
That all being said, I do not think that “me time” is selfish. Not even a little bit. I firmly believe that us mamas don’t get enough of that “me time” and we spend far too much time caring for others rather than caring for ourselves. If anything, not finding time for “me time” is more unhealthy than it is selfish. Even if it’s just locking the door (while making sure your kids are safe on the other side of the door), blasting some tunes and taking a steaming hot bath or shower, staying in your car after you return home and sipping the rest of your iced caramel macchiato in peace, or grabbing your favorite magazine and enjoying some reading with yummy snack of an OREOs 2-pack and milk.
Pro “Me Time” Tip: Don’t over-induldge during your me time or you might end up feeling a little bit guilty. Instead, grab a 2-pack of OREOs. And they’re also available in 2-pack Nutter Butters– both of which are available in 18-packs at your local grocery store. While it’s nice to sit down with a whole package of OREOs, these new 2-packs are perfect for “me time” anywhere and everywhere. Keep one in your glove box, in your purse, in your nightstand drawer, and maybe even in your closet for those especially chaotic moments you just need to get away from it all!
Because after all, you deserve it!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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As a psych major, I had to study the (clinical) importance of self-care, and the concept is the same for parents. “Me time” is not a guilty indulgence – it’s a necessary part of self-care, just like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. Without a bit of “downtime” every now and then to destress and focus on our own mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, etc. well-being, we’re actually worse parents because we’re exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed, etc. (which often leads to being short-tempered, impatient, distracted, etc. with our family) and we’re also setting a bad example for our children by not making them see the importance of self-care. Just because you become a parent doesn’t mean YOU “die” – you still have your own personal hopes and dreams and goals and aspirations, and IMO, it’s important for our children to see us continue to pursue those things. It gives THEM hope and inspiration. And I also think it’s funny that most of the negative comments you see about “me time” are posted online – something that can technically only be accessed during their own “me time” – hmmmm….
You are absolutely right, not selfish in the least. How can you be expected to be the mother you want to be if you never have that time to process, take inventory, and consider who you want to be. I don’t think there would be a woman show says she wants to loose her patience and be snappy all the time. She probably just needs time to be to herself. Time to work on that mother that she wants to be. Thanks for posting. And for giving everyone an Oreo craving! lol
I think “me time” is totally appropriate, especially when oreos are involved!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
“me time” is SO important!! It helps me so much when I take a little bit of time for myself to relax, do something I enjoy, or get a way for a couple of hours. After I have me time, I’m always ready to tackle the next day or the rest of the week or whatever the case may be. I’m much happier when I take time to care for myself and that makes it easier to take care of my little ones, blogging, writing, running the home, etc. If “me time” is selfish, I’ll gladly be selfish.