Mommy Me Time

We all have our mommy to-do lists. After dropping off the kids, working a full day with deadlines that never end, picking up the kids, making dinner, doing homework, giving baths, reading stories before bed and doing housework, I am too tired to do anything for me. I just put on my pjs and go to sleep. I know that tomorrow will be the same as today. That’s why I realized that taking time for myself is necessary.

I Need Self-Care & Me Time

I’m impressed with the moms who can do it all. But this mom needs sleep. I didn’t acquire the selfless motherhood gene. I think my mom got it but failed to pass it on to me.

A few years back, I decided that taking care of myself was just as important as taking care of everyone else. I didn’t have it all figured out in the beginning…and I still don’t. I didn’t know what type of self-care I really needed. Was it quiet time? Some sort of stress relief? Eventually, I decided what I needed was to work out, and that has played a big role in who I am now.

But it wasn’t until recently that I decided I needed to do more for myself. I had to make a healthy lifestyle change beyond just working out. I needed to eat right as well. Little did I know that my lifestyle change would also change my families.

In the beginning, my husband was reluctant on how much time was needed and what all consisted of “Me Time.” He started picking up the kids and making dinner with healthier options, allowing me to get to the gym right after work. Not only did my “Me Time” consist of going to the gym and eating better food, it also included more bath time, silently doing the laundry (without help from the kids) and reading.

But then my husband wanted his “Me Time.” In the end, we compromised and decided that we both deserved some time each week to do whatever we felt like, whether that was working out, shopping, reading or whatever. We realized that “Me Time” was simply about taking time to relax, refuel and renew consistently.

Why “Me Time” Is Good for Parents

I know that some people who read this might think this sounds selfish. What about your family, you might ask? What about their needs? What about quality time with them?

Well, first, I have to admit that I am selfish, and I have accepted this because it has made me the type of mother who has taught her children what balance looks like…that most of us need a minute or two for ourselves. Sure, I would like my children to think of me as Super Mom, but I also want my children to realize that it’s okay to ask for help or know they can’t do it all.

Before self-care, I had zero balance. I was tired, overwhelmed and exhausted most days. Now, my kids have an opportunity to interact with a mom who’s more connected, engaging, fulfilled and who has healthy outlets for stress. Now, I have a greater sense of worth, and I feel better about myself.

What “Me Time” has taught me most is that my family gets a happier, healthier mom!