Me Time for Mums - Why it's So Important
Last updated on Thursday, May 11, 2023 | By Adam Heaney
They used to say ‘Happy Wife, Happy Life’ but the saying now goes ‘Happy Mum, Happy Life’ (if you say it enough times, it starts to rhyme). The truth is, the energy of a family home generally flows from the top down. So assuming ‘Mum’ is the head of the house, when she’s is in a good space, you’re on track to domestic nirvana.
Being a mother is a full-time job. It requires you to be on your toes 24/7. From head chef, to laundry maid, uber driver, cleaner, boxing ring referee, teen therapist, first aid nurse and often, on top of all that, a job to keep the bread on the table. In order to keep all things running smoothly as a mum, it's not just recommended, but rather essential you take some time for yourself - AKA ‘Me Time’.
Here’s Why
First and foremost, ‘Me Time’ helps recharge and avoid burnout. Imagine a phone that needs charging but is constantly being used; it eventually goes flat, runs out of juice. That's precisely what happens to mums who don't take some time for themselves. Something as simple as a regular 15 minute meditation or settling in to a chapter or two of a book, can be all it takes. There are situations where a little more recharge may be required - perhaps a night off - whether that means date night, girls night out, or a night at home with the kids offloaded to friends or family. With just a little bit of planning you can make it happen.
Becoming a mother can sometimes lead to your identity, dreams, and aspirations being forgotten and your interests put on hold. ‘Me Time’ allows you to rediscover your passions and reconnect with yourself. Don’t loose your spark, your creativity, your drive. Chances are, these are the things that made you a mum. and these are traits you want your kids to have. Use your ‘Me Time’ to reignite your lost self. If you’re a sporty mum, join a team in the sport you once played. Creative Mum? Sign up to that art or writing course you’ve been dreaming of. Perhaps you’re an adventure mum. Start a new passion! Surfing, rock climbing, scuba diving. ‘Me Time’ has no limits. It just needs to be prioritised, and made to happen.
Taking some time for yourself also sets a positive example for your children. When your children see you recognise your needs and take care of yourself, they learn that self-care and self-love are essential. As a result, they will also learn to understand that it's okay to take some time for themselves when they need it.
‘Me Time’ can help you be a better mum. When you take care of yourself, you'll be in a better position to take care of your kids. You'll have more patience, understanding, and tolerance. You'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood and be more present and engaged when you're needed.
Finding the time for 'Me Time' is often the greatest challenge. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends. Why not create a mums group Kid Care Share roster? Or plan your ‘Me Time’ with your kids extra-curricular activities. If you need help finding activities that work with your schedule, help can be found here.
Whether it’s time at home, or time away, free or fiscal, cerebral or physical - as long as you are giving your mind and soul some time to regroup and recoup, it’s all ‘Me Time’ and you’re heading down the right track to Motherhood Bliss.
Being a mother is a full-time job. It requires you to be on your toes 24/7. From head chef, to laundry maid, uber driver, cleaner, boxing ring referee, teen therapist, first aid nurse and often, on top of all that, a job to keep the bread on the table. In order to keep all things running smoothly as a mum, it's not just recommended, but rather essential you take some time for yourself - AKA ‘Me Time’.
Here’s Why
First and foremost, ‘Me Time’ helps recharge and avoid burnout. Imagine a phone that needs charging but is constantly being used; it eventually goes flat, runs out of juice. That's precisely what happens to mums who don't take some time for themselves. Something as simple as a regular 15 minute meditation or settling in to a chapter or two of a book, can be all it takes. There are situations where a little more recharge may be required - perhaps a night off - whether that means date night, girls night out, or a night at home with the kids offloaded to friends or family. With just a little bit of planning you can make it happen.
Becoming a mother can sometimes lead to your identity, dreams, and aspirations being forgotten and your interests put on hold. ‘Me Time’ allows you to rediscover your passions and reconnect with yourself. Don’t loose your spark, your creativity, your drive. Chances are, these are the things that made you a mum. and these are traits you want your kids to have. Use your ‘Me Time’ to reignite your lost self. If you’re a sporty mum, join a team in the sport you once played. Creative Mum? Sign up to that art or writing course you’ve been dreaming of. Perhaps you’re an adventure mum. Start a new passion! Surfing, rock climbing, scuba diving. ‘Me Time’ has no limits. It just needs to be prioritised, and made to happen.
Taking some time for yourself also sets a positive example for your children. When your children see you recognise your needs and take care of yourself, they learn that self-care and self-love are essential. As a result, they will also learn to understand that it's okay to take some time for themselves when they need it.
‘Me Time’ can help you be a better mum. When you take care of yourself, you'll be in a better position to take care of your kids. You'll have more patience, understanding, and tolerance. You'll be better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood and be more present and engaged when you're needed.
Finding the time for 'Me Time' is often the greatest challenge. Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends. Why not create a mums group Kid Care Share roster? Or plan your ‘Me Time’ with your kids extra-curricular activities. If you need help finding activities that work with your schedule, help can be found here.
Whether it’s time at home, or time away, free or fiscal, cerebral or physical - as long as you are giving your mind and soul some time to regroup and recoup, it’s all ‘Me Time’ and you’re heading down the right track to Motherhood Bliss.
