Dear Moms: When Did You Last Have Some Serious Me-Time?

Dear Moms,

When did you last have some me-time? I’m not talking about the five minutes you had yesterday, sitting on the end of the bed while your child was in the shower. I’m not talking about the hour after the kids have gone to bed, as you were probably busy packing tomorrow’s lunches instead of actually going something like relaxing, and I’m not talking about the hours when the kiddos were at school, because you were probably at work or getting on with the chores at home. I’m not talking about any of those times where you were doing something for someone else, or waiting to do something for someone else.

Instead, I’m asking, when did you last have some about serious me-time? You remember that don’t you? When you had time to fully relax without any thoughts of the things you have to do after you’ve finished resting. I’m talking about you thinking of yourself for a change, where you can do what you want, without anybody else getting taking priority over you. 

But isn’t that selfish?

Nope. Having me-time is not selfish. You are a person too, with wants and needs that deserve to be met from time to time, just like anyone else. 

But I don’t have time

I appreciate that, but sometimes you need to make time, just like you would make the time if it were someone else’s needs you were trying to meet.

But my kids need me

Yes, they do, but let’s be honest, if you’re tired, burnt-out, and consequently snappy and irritable, you won’t be much good to them. Remember the saying: you can’t help others until you help yourself.  Your kids won’t come to any harm if you are away for a day/evening/weekend. Provided you have left them in safe hands; you will return to them better and brighter than before, and as the other saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, for all of you.

You also need to remember the fact that you are not the only person in the world who can look after your kiddos, other people are perfectly capable of doing so. 

But I wouldn’t know what to do with myself

Well, that just goes to show how long it has been since you had some me time, doesn’t it? Admittedly, it may have been a long time ago since you had some time to yourself, but there were things you enjoyed doing before parenthood took its hold on your life.

If you are out of ideas, you could…

Go for a walk somewhere scenic, experience the fresh air, read a book and eat a picnic. Or you could…

Have a pamper night at home or in a hotel room, soaking in a bath, and lavishing in some of the best natural skin care products to give your body a treat. Or you might…

Grab some popcorn, a large drink of something reasonably healthy, and enjoy a movie of your choice at home or at the cinema, without being forced to watch Frozen for the umpteenth time.

Do whatever you want. It’s your time, so make the most of it.

You see, you are more than a mom, you are more than a wife, you are a person too. You will become a much better mom if you take the time to reconnect with yourself. So, what are you waiting for? Dig out your calendar, find a time that suits your family, and book in some me-time today. You need it, you know you do, and your whole family will benefit.

And when you have had some me-time…

Book yourself in for another time, as you don’t have to wait until your kids have flown the nest before treating yourself a second time, or a third time, or a… well, you get the point!