I have five kids. Sometimes I wonder why I’m not bald from pulling my hair out in frustration. I love them so stinkin’ much, but honestly they can drive me super nuts sometimes. I find that sometimes all my time, every moment is spent doing something for my kids. It can be very overwhelming. It took me many years to realize that I’m happier if I spend just a small amount of time each week away from the kids (and husband) and just having “Me time.”
I received compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.
Take a Class
I love taking exercise classes. My gym has a wide range, and excellent child care. I drop off the kids to play and lose myself in Zumba or whatever! If you don’t have a gym membership, check your community. You can tons of different classes. The exercise will give you an escape and help your body and mind.
Community programs are also available for craft classes, education, the works. Find something you will enjoy and get out there. It’s wonderful to meet new people and develop a hobby or further educate yourself.
Take a Trip
Find a group of girlfriends and take a trip. It can be a staycation, a trip to a spa, camping or even Disneyland. Last year, I went hiking in Havasupai. I had time to sit and enjoy nature and think. I really got to know myself and what I was capable of. I’m excited with the possibilities the future holds!
Have some beauty time
Getting your hair or nails done routinely will also give you a bit of me time. It takes several hours to color my hair, I get time to chat with my stylist (a close friend), read a book, and just be with myself. At the end, I feel beautiful and refreshed! Check with beauty schools in your area. Don’t be afraid, the students are closely monitored and don’t serve customers until they have gone through a ton of training. You will save yourself a ton of money and look fantastic!
Get up Early
If you get up before your kids, you will have a bit of pleasant time by yourself. Don’t clean, or start the wash. Just grab a cup of cocoa and a magazine and just chill. Your day will be nothing but running as soon as the littles rise. I love peppermint hot chocolate and Entertainment Weekly.
If you want to leave the hassle of paper behind (every magazine I have is always ripped or wet within a day) you can use your tablet and download the Next Issue app, a magazine subscription service that brings over 131 magazines directly to your fingertips for one monthly fee. You no longer have to get separate subscriptions for all of your favorites, and with a premium subscription you not only monthly issues of magazines, but weekly as well! These aren’t random, or little known magazines but instead favorites like Cosmopolitan, Allure, Better Homes & Gardens, Men’s Health and National Geographic!
Check out how amazingly easy it is to use!
I took a trip to Las Vegas recently with my husband and another couple. I was able to use Next Issue on my car drive up and back. It was awesome! It was so cool to be able to scroll through the magazines, pick one that’s interesting to read and then just store my tablet in my bag. It takes hardly any space to bring a tablet! The selection is absolutely amazing. I found a new favorite in Geek (yes, I’m a crazy geek girl) and was pleasantly surprised to see Brides (I don’t need it, but I remember how expensive Bridal magazines are!)
If you’d like to sign up for Next Issue, you can try 30 days FREE! Subscriptions start at $9.99 a month, the cost of some magazines monthly subscription fee, and you’ll get 131 for that price! Next Issue is compatible with iPhones, iPads and Android tablets and Windows 8 PCs and tablets.
Finding time for Mommy to have me time is really important. You need to be the best for your family, and being your best means every once in awhile taking a step back. It always makes you appreciate what you have when you can step back and take a look at all the amazing things in your life!
Sarah Marturano
Saturday 2nd of August 2014
You are so right on with this. I am guilty of not making enough me time.
Brett
Friday 1st of August 2014
It's hard to find mommy time sometimes. Thanks for the ideas!
CrazyMom a/k/a Melanie
Friday 1st of August 2014
This sounds awesome.. I love to read magazines on my kindle or iPad and this sure looks like a thing I would enjoy...love when I can read a magazine on my time and don't have to lug around a big bag of paper... thanks for sharing
kristin
Friday 1st of August 2014
I exercise, it's amazing how much better I feel after a workout and it's an hour that I give to myself every day!
Greta
Thursday 31st of July 2014
It's important for everyone to have time to themselves!My favorite thing is to go look through little stores, since no one wants to come with me!