Now that the holidays are over, and hopefully that stress is lessening, let’s talk about "me time."
A bubble bath with candles and calming music sounds magical. How about a nice, long massage? LET’S GET REAL. We don’t have time for that every day let alone in each month.
Five minutes though. You can find that in your day. You have to take care of yourself. “Me time” is something I feel slightly guilty even mentioning that I think we, as parents, need.
Patience runs low every day when you have little ones and a simple reset can be vital to being a better mom and a better wife.
So here are some things I do to try to do:
Start on a strong and positive note
I start by reading a short devotional. This helps me feel more in control of my actions and emotions for the day.
The book I'm reading right now is called "100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self" by Annie F. Downs. You can get it just about anywhere. I got mine from Amazon.
My husband is currently reading "Relentless Optimism: How a Commitment to Positive Thinking Changes Everything (Sports for the Soul Book 3)" by Darrin Donnelly. This is a best seller about a baseball player (I think haha). It helps you see your every day life in a more optimistic view.
Have a play date
Talking with other adults really can do wonders. Let your kids run around the park or even "disaster-ize" a room in your house while you have some mom time.
Download a good audio book or podcast
If you’re a working mom, I've found it a good way to take me away from my stressers and concentrate on something totally different on my commute to and from work. You can see a glimpse of my downloads in the vlog portion of this.
Get the kids involved
Pull out your wedding album or photos from when you were a kid. It'll bring you back to that time and it's always fun to see what the kids think.
Or take them for a walk
I'll buckle the kids in the stroller and go for a brisk walk. I love to put on some music and just take in the scenery. It really helps me to reset.
Deep breaths
Get to the gym
A lot of gyms here in the Springs have free daycare. I wish I could do this. My gym does free daycare. They have an awesome set up with wonderful people in charge. My kids, however, have an attachment to their mama that doesn’t allow for strangers. I drop them off and within minutes the gym is calling because one of them is hyperventilating. Not relaxing for me. Maybe in a year.
At home workouts
So I do at home workouts, sometimes just short bursts throughout the day. Gets my endorphins going and energy levels up.
Warm up:
- High knees — 1 minute
- Squats — 30 seconds
- Lunges — 30 seconds
- Plank — 30 seconds
- Squats — 30 seconds
- Lunges — 30 seconds
- Plank — 30 seconds
- Stretch — 1 minute
Get involved in a group
MOPS. This is a mom group I recently joined and has become key in my life. If you can find a class, group, volunteer effort, really anything to join I highly suggest this. MOPS is twice a month and just a great place to talk with other moms who are in the thick of it. It's also led me to parenting classes and bibles studies that I just love.
Take advantage of nap/quiet time
For a lot of this, it's when we catch up on chores around the house but every once in a while make it about you: read a book, lay down, paint your nails or do nothing.
IF that laundry must get done, do it while you binge watch a little Netflix.
I’m not lucky enough to have family right next door but if you do, take those offers for a date night and go get your nails done. Have some lunch with a girlfriend. I am that person that never wants to leave my kids though. So easier said than done.
And WINE
If i could, I would wind down with a glass most nights!
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If you have questions about how I'm able to handle a busy work and home life, join my Facebook Group - Brie and Baby Three to get involved in the conversation.
You can also reach me on my Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram. Or email if you prefer - brie.groves@koaa.com.
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