Ways to Make Time for Yourself, Even If You Have Kids

I’ve heard tales of moms hiding in the back of their closets to eat a piece of candy in peace or locking themselves in the bathroom just for a moment to themselves. And while I’m not quite there, I do have moments that I wish still belonged to only me. I find myself scoffing down a meal to either have it to myself or rush to do something for the baby. Showers that used to last 20 minutes have been reduced to 10 minutes or less. And anything else that I want to do for myself has to wait until the baby is asleep. Where’s the fun in that?

When I don’t make time for myself, I find that I’m not at my best—I’m a ball of irritability and anyone in my path feels my wrath. That’s no way to be, especially with an infant who’s only in the beginning stages of learning to be independent. I’m at my best when my nerves are calm and my mind is relaxed. Yes, there is a such thing as relaxation as a new mom. Here’s how to make time for yourself, even if you have kids.

Ways to Make Time for Yourself

Find a creative outlet. Writing is my outlet. I love putting all of my thoughts out there, cleaning them up, and watching others enjoy what was just a thought in my head not too long ago. Putting my feelings out there helps me to not keep things bottled in which, in turn, helps me to not be a ticking time bomb waiting to explode at the slightest irritation.
Pamper yourself. Enjoy a spa day, get your hair and nails done. I truly believe that the better you look, the better you feel.
Go to Target. There was one time when I made a trip to Target at least three times in one week! The first day, I actually needed something but the other Target runs were therapeutic. There’s something about being inside that store that allows you to forget about all other responsibilities. Now, I wouldn’t recommend this often because I can count on one hand how many times I’ve left Target without spending more than $100.
Take yourself on a date. Get a sitter if you need to. Get dressed up and take yourself out on a date; that could mean a walk alone through the park or a fancy, upscale dinner. Whatever your speed, use this time to enjoy yourself.
Have a glass of wine—or two. I typically wait until the baby is asleep to have a drink but sometimes those extra packs of frozen, expressed milk come in handy.

Whatever you need to do to make sure you’re the best you for your baby, do it! Your baby will appreciate having a well-rested mom. They feed off of your energy. A happy mommy is a happy baby—most of the time.

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