This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of InStyle®, PEOPLE®, and StyleWatch®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Making time for yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a parent but is probably the hardest thing for us to do. Why is that? That mom guilt comes on strong, the play-dates take any available spot on your planner or maybe there isn’t a sitter when you need one. Parents have one of the hardest jobs in the world, and we deserve an award for that job well done.
I love being a mom but there are days that I feel like I am not being a good mother because of the stress, worry, long to do lists, lack of sleep, homework, chores, etc. Seriously, I could go on and on. When I get to that point in life – it is clear. I need some “Me Time”. There are ways to really focus on you once in a while and make sure you are being awarded with some much needed Me Time. The suggestions and activities do not have to take a ton of time out of your day and I promise, after you have that “Me Time” you will be rejuvenated and ready to take on the next task.
Ways to Award Yourself with Me Time:
Time for Some Pampering:
Bubble bath, bath bombs, bath salts and bath scrubs. Bring them all! Find a time to run a hot bath with candles and bath treats and close the door! Seriously…maybe even LOCK the door. This is your “Me Time”. Pampering your tired body in a hot bath will instantly give you energy to be the person you need to be once you dry off. Don’t forget to grab your favorite magazine and enjoy your time to the fullest.
Take a Nap:
Did you know that a 20 minute nap a day is actually pretty healthy? Napping has many benefits which means you cannot feel guilty for taking a nap. A 20 minute nap provides significant benefit for improved alertness and performance without leaving you feeling groggy or interfering with nighttime sleep. All great reasons to set up camp in your comfortable bed for some well-deserved “Me Time” napping.
Work it Out:
We all feel like we do not get enough exercise but why not pen in working out for your “Me Time” Award? You deserve this. Healthy living comes in many different forms and getting exercise a couple times a week should be something on all of our lists. Call a friend and start having them be your accountability partner – start this habit together. As you get into a habit your body will become healthier and stronger plus those natural endorphins are great for feeling like a new person after a long day in parenthood or at the office.
Read:
Reading is a great way to escape your reality and a great way to be inspired. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite red and sit down in a quiet space and read. Some people love reading long novels, others like reading light fiction but all of us have time to sit for a few minutes and enjoy a great magazine. I love picking up PEOPLE and InStyle because they both keep me up to date on trends and pop culture but also gives me some inspiration to be creative with my recipes, my clothing and my home but especially inspires me to award myself for a job well done.
I picked up the newest copies of PEOPLE and InStyle at my local King Soopers store while checking out with our weekly groceries….you know doing the mom thang! I could not wait to get through that line and let my husband unload groceries while I poured myself a glass of wine and enjoyed my new magazines! Because….I needed it!
Write:
As a blogger, I obviously like writing, but when I really need to escape and be inspired I need to pick up a pen and write on a piece of paper. That release is really hard to describe but it is pretty therapeutic for me. As a big planner addict I also use my “Me Time” to plan out my week and my family plans. It is a time for me to really focus on what is on my mind.
Writing, Reading, Napping, Working Out, and Pampering – these activities sound like pretty fantastic ways to award yourself with some “Me Time”. Do these things to make sure you are the best mommy, daddy, wife or husband you need to be to your family. Stepping away for some much deserved time will only allow you to create more happy and healthy memories with your family. Enjoy those moments.
To get the inspiration flowing for your award, make sure you head to your local King Soopers to pick up PEOPLE, InStyle and StyleWatch and use this coupon for $1.00 off. Oh, can I also suggest stopping at the florist and picking up something fresh and beautiful? Yes, you do deserve those as well.
Coupon Information:
$1.00 off 1 PEOPLE, Instyle, and Style Watch at Kroger, King Soopers, Owens, Dillons, Foods Co, City Market, JayC, Food4Less Fremont, Food4Less, Bakers, Gerbes, Payless
How do you make sure you take time to Award Yourself with Me Time?
I need some me time. I am so tired today. I had to do so much stuff yesterday that I am still tired today! I need a nap, and a hot bath and some alone time!
Me time is so important! I dont do enough of that. I give myself to the family that I forget about myself.
I don't have young kids, so it isn't as much of an issue, although relatives then think you have all kinds of time they can claim as rightfully theirs! I like to do a craft for me. I do crafts for others, but rarely for me, so it is fun when I do something just for me, me, me!
I cannot agree with you more. I'm still single so I don't have any trouble finding time to myself, but my friend has 2 kids and a husband and is a stay at home mom. She's running herself into the ground taking care of everyone, and because she does not take time for herself she is becoming resentful and her relations are becoming toxic. I convinced her to do something for herself, and she went to the movies alone a couple weeks back. I can tell that there has already been a positive change in her attitude. It's so easy for people to forget what having some time to yourself means. I never plan to!
I do love to read People! I think Me Time is a necessity and I used to treat it as a luxury. With work stress, parenting exhaustion, and allergies, I'm feeling more than ever like I need a bath with a magazine tonight. That's my favorite combo!
They say that the larger the territory , the bigger the demand and there is no bigger job that anyone can have than being a mom. You are a great one and that is so beautiful. Celebrate it with me time and don't feel guilty about it. You work hard and you deserve it.
I love the message that you are spreading here! I never seem to make time for myself and I always end up getting burned out from life/work. I am definitely trying to carve out some time every week and then, eventually, every day where I can focus on taking care of me.
I still take naps – 20 minutes is the perfect time for me also – I do read a bit first to relax into the nap – I'm sure I'll always love those long warm bubble baths – Fun post
I know that I always need ME time in order to work at my absolute best. If I want to be a great mom and a good employee, I have to disconnect and relax with a good book or magazine and enjoy myself!
I give myself ME time every single day – whether it be a few quiet moments in my room when I get home from work, meditating first thing in the morning or right before bed, and gym days. If I didn't do this, I would lose my mind!
Those are all great suggestions for "Me Time". Moms tend to do better with others when they take some time for themselves. I take a nap everyday, and I'm not ashamed of it.
I love all these ideas, especially taking a nap! I always feel so much better afterwards!