Alone Time For Moms Is Key To Better Mental Health
It’s so important to give alone time for moms or let them do what they like outside of parenting. If only for the simple reason of mental health.
Self-care for moms is one of the key things that help them keep sane! There’s been much written about this topic and how to find alone “mom me time”. In particular, just after giving birth can be very tough. Lack of sleep, constant feedings, changing diapers and the need to ensure baby is fine can lead to depression. I’ve been there.
Your spouse/partner is often key in giving you a break. I often ask my husband Michael to take care of our little guy for a few minutes. It gives him one-on-one time with him, something that I do most of the time anyway.
When your significant other isn’t around to help out, parents, in-laws and other family members can be a big help. Don’t be afraid to ask! Just remember to say thank you in moments of sanity.
Mom Me Time If You Have 5 To 10 Minutes To Yourself
By no means a definitive list! A few ways to enjoy “mom me time” when you have 5 to 10 minutes to themselves.
- Sneak in a few minutes of reading your book.
- This is the easiest way of self-care: give yourself a hand massage with a scented hand cream.
- Do a few yoga stretches to work out kinks in your muscles.
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply, while sitting in a comfortable spot.
- Have a treat! Coffee or tea and a cookie/piece of cake is a favourite. Zavida Coffee is my guilty pleasure every day.
- File your nails.
- Put on some make-up if you haven’t had the chance to do it in the morning. You will feel more put together.
- Lay down on a sofa or bed and take a breather. Don’t think about anything you need to get done.
- Call a friend for a quick touch-base without your kid screaming in the background.
- Enjoy a bowl of your favorite ice cream. You deserve it.
Mom Me Time If You Have 30 Minutes To Yourself
More than a few minutes!
Wow!
However, any more than 30 minutes may be stretching it.
- Take a long shower with your favourite body wash.
- Go for a short walk around your neighbourhood for exercise.
- Catch up on your favorite sitcom.
- Online shop!
- Put on a facial mask.
- Take a power nap. Twenty minutes are all you need. The other 10 minutes is to luxuriate under the covers without your child demanding your attention.
- Meditate. Put on some calming music and soothe your soul.
- Grab your camera and enjoy taking photos of something other than your kid(s).
- Spend some time in a garden. Smell the roses.
- Knit, embroider or do your favorite craft.
Me Time For Moms If You Have More Than A Hour
When do we have this kind of luxury? Instead of just a mom’s night out or visit to hair salon, why not try something different?
These mom me time ideas are just a few things you can do, and in most cases, they don’t break the bank.
- Indulge in working on your hobby.
- Play tourist in your own town. Visit the attractions and window shop.
- Visit a garden centre and plan your garden/indoor plants.
- Do a course: photography, pottery, DIY, cooking, etc.
- Read a book in a park with a picnic for one.
- Hit up a conservation area and go for a hike with a friend: it’s a good stress reliever.
- Have lunch with your oldest friend.
- Do a beauty consult to update your makeup.
- Get pampered at a spa for a half-day or full-day of treatments.
- Do a winery tour and stock up on those much-needed bottles of wine.
- Do High Tea at a fine dining establishment with your mom/mother-in-law, especially if they usually babysit your kid(s).
