If you’re like me, then most of your time is not your own. I spend my mornings rushing to get the kids off to school. I then take 4 trains to work. By the time I leave work it’s already dark and I’m running to catch my 4 trains home.

Once home, the marathon doesn’t stop. I kiss my kids hello, check over homework, read books to the kids, put them to bed, eat dinner and prepare lunches for the next busy day. This list doesn’t even include household chores like dishes or laundry.

There is always so much to do and so little time, but I always keep in mind the importance of having “me” time. I use this time to decompress and do whatever I want to do. Being that I’m an introvert I need this alone time to recharge, so I try my best to make it a priority.

So, for all you busy moms out there, here are the 4 ways I make time for myself:

1. Relax While Commuting

I don’t have a very relaxing commute, but I try to make the best of it. It’s when I read e-books, catch up on blogs I like, and write my own blog posts. In fact I’m writing this right now on my way home from work. I definitely find all of these activities more relaxing than checking my work email (doesn’t everyone now have their work email on their phone?).

2. Choose One Activity Per Night

I choose one personal activity to do each evening.  Now that my kids go to bed later than they used to I really only have a good 1.5-2 hours of alone time. And that’s why I go to sleep later than I probably should. Instead of feeling like I have to accomplish a million things in this short amount of time, I now choose one activity per night.

3. Cherish Alone Time at Home

Although having a few hours to myself every night is great, sometimes it just isn’t enough. Since I work from home twice a week I use my time alone to recharge. I mentioned this as one of the ways I make working from home work for me and it’s sometimes a lifesaver.

4. Take a Day Off

I can’t stress enough how important time to myself is. If the 3 tips above don’t work, then it’s time to take matters into my own hands and create the time I need by taking a day off of work. I don’t do this often, but the few times I did were amazing.

Before my day off I planned a short agenda and stuck to it. I didn’t spend my precious time on household chores, because the point was for me to spend my time my way.

So, want to know what I did on my day off? I spent the entire day at the mall. I didn’t need anything and barely bought anything, but I just wanted to walk around and see what was there.  At the end of the day I felt relaxed and recharged.

 

No matter how you do it, carving time out to nourish yourself is vital to being a good mom/wife/employee/person.

How do you make time for yourself?

Until next time,
Shaindy