When you’re a busy mom it can be difficult to find time for yourself. However, self-care should always be a priority. You need to make sure that you are taking time to pour into yourself so that you will have more to give to your family.
This is often easier said than done and they find themselves running about the day feeling stressed. If you are in this situation, here are some tips that you can use to make sure that you are taking time for yourself.
Get Kids to Help With Chores
Getting your kids to help with the chores is one way to make time for yourself. It would be best if you started teaching your children responsibility from early and in doing so you will free up a lot of time that you can use for self-care.
Even if your children are younger they can still help to do small things that will take the burden off of you. One step in having the children help is making sure that your kids learn how to clean up after themselves.
See that they take up their toys and reward them appropriately when they do. You must build a spirit of teamwork in your home early. This is one of the best ways to help free up your time so that you can take some time for yourself.
It is not just the kids that you should get involved in chores. If you have a spouse, you need to make sure that you discuss with them how you can divide up the chores equally so that both of you can find some time to rejuvenate.
Wake Up Earlier
One thing you can do is to make sure that you wake up an hour or two before the rest of your family. This is essential and something I do daily and have been doing for years.
Taking this approach gives you some time to yourself before your children wake up. Many children can sense when you are up and will get up as well. Changing up your morning routine a little to get some time before the hectic day begins it’s a great way to reset yourself for a new day.
You can use this time to journal, meditate or even exercise. If you’re a new parent this can be challenging and you will probably need to be a bit creative as you may already be sleep deprived. You can read these survival tips for new parents to help you cope.
Schedule It
As a planner and someone who strives on to-do lists – it is extremely important and necessary for me to schedule some “me time” in my planner. It may become necessary for you to schedule time for yourself when you are a busy mom. Planning every hour of the day and making sure that you are putting in time for yourself may be the only way you get to have it.
Use a daily planner if necessary to schedule your time alone. Try time blocking if possible to see if it works for you. Many people have found this an effective way in which they can schedule their day so that everything gets fitted in.
Scheduling time for yourself this way may seem mechanical but often busy moms put themselves last and having your schedule that clearly defines when you get alone time is often necessary to make sure that it happens.
Start a Hobby
Starting a new hobby is one way in which you can force yourself to get some self-care and alone time. This is especially useful if your hobby is outside of the house.
It makes it less easy for you to switch back into mom the minute one of your children calls you. During your time for your hobby, you can schedule a babysitter to come and take care of your kids so that you can go and do your hobby without worrying.
Take a look at your interests and try to find something that is challenging but fun at the same time. This will keep you motivated to continue doing your hobby.
If necessary take a class so that you can learn everything necessary for your hobby. For example, you can take up a pottery class or dance class.
Switch Careers
This may not be something you can do but if it is right for you then do not be afraid to meet. If you find yourself over-taxed by everything that you have to do, and you are unable to find a good work-life balance it may be time to consider a new career.
While this is a drastic step sometimes it is necessary. Especially if the inability to find time for yourself is affecting your health. Sometimes the only way to resolve it is simply by switching careers.
If you can’t switch careers then consider getting a job that is more flexible. One that helps you to have a better work-life balance. There are now hybrid jobs available where you can work in the office on some days and work from home on others.
Consider freelancing work instead of a regular 9 to 5. This way you can take time for yourself and work whenever you want to. The bottom line is that you need to take the time to take care of yourself.
Join a Gym
You must start exercising. However, you may find it difficult to exercise at home for various reasons. One way in which you can cultivate self-care time is to join a gym.
The time that you are away from home and at the gym can be a time of self-care and reflection. You could exercise at home but you might find yourself distracted. This results in feeling required to tend to the needs of your family members.
Get out of the house if you can. If you need motivation try finding a workout buddy to go along with you. While this may not be classified as alone time, it does get you out of the house. This time helps get you thinking about your well-being.
Do a Solo Trip
Solo trips are not something that many people think about especially after having children. But it is something that you should consider if you want to take time for yourself and get quality self-care. For your solo trip, you can travel to another part of the country or even out of the country. You could even take a weekend getaway and have a little staycation outside of the home.
Many people find that solo travel is refreshing and it connects them with parts of themselves that they had lost. Whether from being in relationships or from taking care of their children. When you are on your own and traveling, it forces you to be in solitude. This jumpstart also helps to keep your survival skills high.
You may discover things about yourself that you never knew while on a solo trip. This past year and into 2023, I have been traveling more and it has surely done wonders for my self-care.
Find the Time
It can be very difficult to find the time to take care of yourself, but you must. It is often said you can’t pour from an empty cup and this is very true.
When you are a mom it may seem as if you will never have the time to take care of yourself. By carefully looking at how you currently use your time you can make time for yourself. The important thing is that just as you make taking care of others a priority you should do so for yourself as well.
Once you do so, you will be well on your way to creating a healthy work-life balance that sees you prioritizing yourself and your needs. I hope that these simple tips can help you in giving self-care a chance. Being a mom is a full-time job, whether you work at home, outside the home, or are a homemaker – parenting is a job all its own. But we must not forget how important it is to also care for ourselves. Make You a priority too!
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own, 100% honest & unbiased. Affiliate links are posted throughout. Feel free to read my Disclaimer Page for details and information on sponsored posts, affiliate links, and more.
