What better post to have on Valentine's Day than a post dedicated to making time for you... the busy mom who has 28 hours of things to do in only 24 hours a day. Today, my dear friend (and WMW co-host) Amanda brings you her thoughts on how to make time for Y.O.U!
Making Time for You!
Working moms keep up a pretty hectic pace. We’re trying to juggle twice the work in half the time, and although we want to take good care of ourselves, it’s easy to let it slide. I tell women every day at the gym I manage that it’s not selfish to take time out. If we don’t take care of ourselves first, we can’t take care of anyone else! If we don’t work it in, we’ll pay the price with stress and exhaustion. It’s not as hard to find some time for yourself as you might think...
1. Get up a few minutes early
I know it’s easier said than done sometimes, but getting up before everyone else has been a lifesaver for me. It gives me uninterrupted time to drink my coffee, read my Bible, pray, study, and think through the day ahead. Start by getting up 10 minutes earlier each week until reach the time you want. Get up early enough to give yourself 30 minutes to an hour of peace and quiet. Be sure that you move your bedtime up, too, so you’re getting plenty of sleep.
2. Make time for a workout
Yes, I work at a gym, but that doesn't make it easy for me to work out! We stay really busy, so it's hard for me to squeeze in time for my workouts – but I feel so much better and I have so much energy when I stay on track. Find what works for you. Whether it’s walking, running, working out with DVD’s at home, or going to the gym, taking time 3 to 4 days a week to take care of yourself will make a huge difference!
3. Find a place to vent
Go out with friends. Keep a journal. Blog. Find a mommy support group. Wherever you go, you have to have a place to vent without fear of what someone will say. No matter how much you love your life, you're going to get mad, stressed, and upset at times, and sometimes all you need to do to feel better is to talk about it and let it all out.
The most important part of finding time for yourself is planning! Sit down each week with your calendar and schedule in time for yourself. Make it a priority, and you’ll find that you’re a more relaxed, more fun mom!
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I can totally attest to #2... just because I work at a gym doesn't mean I am working out five hours a day!! Work is work and it's tough to squeeze in time! Thanks, Amanda, for those great reminders.
And don't forget about the Day Planner Giveaway!
7 comments:
I try to get up a few minutes early... it doesn't always work though.
But those few minutes give me time to wake up, check my mail, and just have some time alone.
All three of those are fantastic ideas...and things I regularly practice myself! My get up early, coincides with my workout. I also love having the time to get ready by myself, with everyone still sleeping. It just feels good to get to the gym, shower and get dressed for work alone...then everyone wakes up and I am ready for the day!
I like the idea about upping it 10 minutes at a time. I tried getting up an hour earlier once and after three days my family and friends were holding an intervention. I was a mess. But I would bet if I did 10 minutes at a time and got used to then it would be way easier. Of course the going to bed earlier might be a push.
I have failed miserably on item 2 and I think that's teh things that could make the most difference in my life. Great post!
I am a huge fan of #1. I have always been a morning person so it's not that hard for me and I am usually out the door and in work before my family gets up for the day. I love that quiet time early in the morning. I can get things done (or not) and just enjoy the silence.
I am usually out the door and in work before my family gets up for the day. I love that quiet time early in the morning.
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Great tips. We'd all be a little more healthy if we took some time to be a little more selfish about meeting our own needs.
Stopping by from SITS.
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