Your blossoming sense of identity is crammed into a single word as you undertake the demanding role of mom. In a way, this title multiplies your responsibilities and accomplishments in more ways than you thought possible. You wouldn't trade it for the world. However, your sense of individuality you worked so hard to develop in your twenties is drowning in lunchtimes, naptimes, bath times, and bedtimes. Though "mom" is your favorite persona of all, letting your sense of self slip away is the opposite of what you should do. Here are 6 things you can fit into any schedule to help you find some "me" time.
1. Test a trend
Your 20s were a time of fashionable experimentation (for better or for worse), but what changed? If you love the bold lip you saw as you flipped through magazines at the pediatrician's office, who is stopping you from testing it out? Try a new nail color, this season's look or call your hair stylist for a trendy update.
2. Rock out
I doubt your music of choice is the sing-a-long version of your childs favorite movie. While a full-on evening out listening to your favorite band in concert is a good fix, a pair of headphones can help you out in a pinch. Reunite with your music-loving self, pull out your favorite albums, and rock out.
3. Take-in, dont take-out tonight
Theres no way your love of eating pad thai straight out of the take-out container disappeared when you got the promotion from wife to mother. Get your kids involved and decided to spend an evening in, while whipping up your favorite foods for a change.
4. Make a hobby a habit
Your grownup life does not allow the free time your younger days did. But does that mean you should abandon your talents? Absolutely not. You used to pour hours into the now-forgotten sketchbook and havent touched your bicycle in years. Your interests help make you unique; try integrating them into your life by running errands by bicycle or sneaking in a quick sketch of your little ones snoozing.
5. Talk, not text
Social media and texting make it easy to stay in touch with friends from high school but when was the last time you had a conversation with the pals from your past? Your friends were your foundation before you started your own family. Why not indulge in some reminiscing and block out some time to actually talk. If you are worried you don't have the time, your awesome mommy multitasking skills mean you can chat while still getting things done on your to-do list.
6. Call in a favor
Theres no shame in asking for a night (or morning) off from the duties of motherhood. Set up a darling little daddy daughter date to free up some time for you. Let yourself hit the snooze button half a dozen times while they go out for breakfast and spend the remainder of the morning hours with a breakfast that isn't leftover Cheerios.
The best part about these "me" moments is that your kids love to hear about what you were like when you were younger. Don't hide your quirks. You will always be their mom, but someday they will come to realize you were once a kid, too.
1. Test a trend
Your 20s were a time of fashionable experimentation (for better or for worse), but what changed? If you love the bold lip you saw as you flipped through magazines at the pediatrician's office, who is stopping you from testing it out? Try a new nail color, this season's look or call your hair stylist for a trendy update.
2. Rock out
I doubt your music of choice is the sing-a-long version of your childs favorite movie. While a full-on evening out listening to your favorite band in concert is a good fix, a pair of headphones can help you out in a pinch. Reunite with your music-loving self, pull out your favorite albums, and rock out.
3. Take-in, dont take-out tonight
Theres no way your love of eating pad thai straight out of the take-out container disappeared when you got the promotion from wife to mother. Get your kids involved and decided to spend an evening in, while whipping up your favorite foods for a change.
4. Make a hobby a habit
Your grownup life does not allow the free time your younger days did. But does that mean you should abandon your talents? Absolutely not. You used to pour hours into the now-forgotten sketchbook and havent touched your bicycle in years. Your interests help make you unique; try integrating them into your life by running errands by bicycle or sneaking in a quick sketch of your little ones snoozing.
5. Talk, not text
Social media and texting make it easy to stay in touch with friends from high school but when was the last time you had a conversation with the pals from your past? Your friends were your foundation before you started your own family. Why not indulge in some reminiscing and block out some time to actually talk. If you are worried you don't have the time, your awesome mommy multitasking skills mean you can chat while still getting things done on your to-do list.
6. Call in a favor
Theres no shame in asking for a night (or morning) off from the duties of motherhood. Set up a darling little daddy daughter date to free up some time for you. Let yourself hit the snooze button half a dozen times while they go out for breakfast and spend the remainder of the morning hours with a breakfast that isn't leftover Cheerios.
The best part about these "me" moments is that your kids love to hear about what you were like when you were younger. Don't hide your quirks. You will always be their mom, but someday they will come to realize you were once a kid, too.
