When did you last give yourself some ME time? It can happen when you take a bath, read a book, go for a walk, exercise or do yoga, get a pedicure or manicure; it can happen in any number of ways. As long as you’re alone with your thoughts or are being present in what you are doing, you are giving yourself the gift of time.
As a parent, you are very busy it feels nearly impossible to fit in moments for yourself. There’s a whole list of things that come along to push it out of the way.
I believe that every parent knows how important ME time is, or at least they say they do, but knowing it and actually doing it are two very different things. Perhaps one of the reasons parents find it so hard to schedule is because they simply are not making it a priority. I KNOW you are busy. The kids have school, sports, clubs, friends, and doctor appointments, and then there are the unexpected interruptions that crop up every day.
However, you will make room for what you truly want and need to do, IF it is important enough.
Time for yourself is crucial, in my opinion, if you are to function calmly and effectively in your parenting.
ME time boosts your self-confidence. Simply by prioritizing it and following through with it, your choice to set aside space for yourself sends a strong message, through your actions, to your own mind and spirit. Your ME time speaks to YOU that “I’m worth it.”
ME time gives you a chance to grow. It can be an opportunity to learn and try new things. Maybe to take a class, learn a hobby, or develop a new interest or skill. It can open up opportunities for self-discovery, nourishing creativity and creative thinking.
Me time helps relieve stress. Studies state that taking prioritizing yourself periodically is a de-stresser. It allows you to relax, which helps your body repair itself. It also helps lower the risk of mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
ME time is good for your relationships. It may seem contradictory to say that time away from people you love is good for your relationship with them. But when you are overwhelmed with life and feel stressed, you will most likely become more easily irritated and moody. Regular ME time is a chance to “unplug” your brain, unwind and as a result, relieve some stress in your life. It can even help you sleep better and thus be more patient with your kids.
I’ve worked with single moms who really struggle to find time for themselves. If there is no family nearby to offer support, it can be hard. I would suggest that you sit down with a friend or mentor and talk through possible solutions to find the ME time that you need. Or schedule a call with me for some help.
Making time for yourself is crucial for you and for your kids. Stop thinking of it as a luxury or as being selfish. Your kids NEED you to have ME time, even though they may not know it. You cannot be the best version of yourself and parent effectively if you are stressed or tired.
