I hosted two teleseminars recently. One was on the topic of time management and the other was on self-care. As moms, we have a lot to manage no matter what time of the year it is. Our job never seems to end and we are always multi-tasking.
Do you constantly push yourself? In your drive to get it all done, you may wind up taking on so many projects that life can seem chaotic. In the midst of doing it all, do you remember to take time for yourself?
Spending time on YOU is critical! It enables you to feel rested, calm, stress-free, and fulfilled. When you’ve had proper rest, you can accomplish more and maintain the stamina to continue.
On the other hand, if you neglect to make time for yourself, you’re more likely to become depressed, stressed, or unhappy.
Perhaps you feel that there’s just not enough time for you. Somewhere in the mix, you lost any time you ever had for yourself. However, the good news is that, with some creativity and perseverance, you can recapture some of that critical you-time!
Consider using these strategies to reap some rejuvenating time for yourself:
1. Make an appointment with yourself. Make time for yourself by adding it as a priority in your schedule. As you fill out your planner, include it along with your other important tasks and stick to the appointment!
2. Give yourself 15 minutes when you get home. Insist on at least 15 minutes of recoup and rejuvenation time when you get home from work. If you have to lock yourself away from stressors or even family members, than that’s what you must do! This time allows you to properly transition from your work life to your home life.
- Explain this new technique to your family so that they understand its importance. This way, no one feels like you’re just avoiding them!
- You can soak in the tub, sit in quiet, meditate, listen to calming and peaceful music or whatever technique resonates with you to clear your mind.
(Note – this technique also works for stay-at-home moms and work-at-home moms – get your family on board to see where you can fit this time into your schedule).
3. Take advantage of your lunch break. Your lunch break is there for you to do what you please. After you eat, make good use of your time by going for a walk, exercising, listening to inspiring music, or even get in a bit of shopping if that’s what relaxes you. Are you a work-at-home mom? Make sure to step away from your desk and give yourself a break to eat your lunch.
4. Enjoy a break while the kids nap. Here’s a good tip for stay-at-home moms. Give yourself some much needed “you” time whenever your children sleep. You might be tempted to get as much work done as you can while they’re asleep, but you’ll find you actually get more done if you give yourself a chance to rest and rejuvenate yourself.
- Explore new ways of accomplishing things like household tasks while your kids are up. For example, turn chores into learning games that you can all participate in.
5. Go to sleep earlier. Going to sleep earlier at night will enable you to get up in time to enjoy some morning “me” time. Morning “me” time is my favorite part of the day! It’s so peaceful and quiet – I start the day renewed and refreshed!
6. Take a vacation day. Take a vacation day to just relax and do whatever you like. You don’t have to take a trip to take a vacation! Time spent on your favorite hobbies will also rejuvenate you. When you return to work, your renewed energy may surprise you!
A good way to get started with these strategies is to start with just one. Which one resonates with you? What do you think you could easily implement? As you become accustomed to that one strategy, you can add another, and then another, until one day you’ll find that making time for yourself is easy.
Once you learn to make time for you, you’ll have more energy and a renewed sense of self!
