Where’s The Time For Me?

So many of my friends who are Moms seem to be lamenting over this particular question. Time seems to evaporate during the day. Between work; seemingly endless loads of laundry; trips to the dry cleaners; grocery shopping; car pool runs; cooking dinner and assisting with homework there seems to be no time left for good ‘ol Mom. Time is a commodity more valuable than gold. So, how do we get some for ourselves?

Nike had it right when they said, “Just Do It.” Just as you would schedule any other errand or responsibility, you have to schedule time for yourself. Setting aside time for you is not selfish; it is self-preservation. It is essential to your well- being and, in turn, fosters the positive growth of your family. When you are recharged and reenergized, you are better equipped to be a nurturing Mom and spouse. You’ve heard of trickle down economics? Well, this is trickle down family dynamics.

So, drop the guilt and allow yourself a minimum of twenty minutes a day to do something for you and only you. I know what you are thinking, “Twenty minutes? I can’t seem to have five minutes to go to the bathroom without children or pets pawing at the door!” The funny thing is, when you schedule the time, just as you would a doctor’s appointment or a teacher’s conference, it becomes a priority and you shift your other items in order to accommodate the additional “Me-Time.” In your calendar, block off twenty minutes for a  walk, a relaxing bubble bath; reading a mystery novel; making yourself a Momosa (my version of the traditional Mimosa) ; doing yoga…whatever it is that will help you unwind and reconnect with your inner spirit.

“Beginners” should shoot for twenty minutes per day. Then, when you become better at me-time management, you can expand the blocks of time to an hour. For the very adept, these hour blocks can occasionally grow to include Mom’s Night Out with girlfriends or a weekend escape.

Moms, the time has come to make sure you land somewhere near the top of our own “To-Do” list!

Images: Getty Images

Comments

[Amber]

Rachel,

One key I have found dis waking early before the rest of the family. It gives me time to work out and get ready for the day. I can great each person with a smile every am instead of a grumpy "hello" when I am trying to wake up. I am not a morning person by trait, it has been a learned skill but well worth it.