With summer happening and all that’s going on in the world, being a mom is tough right now. Not that we aren’t up for the task or don’t love the title or the job itself. But let’s face it, being a mom 24/7 can be draining and wear on you if proper alone time isn’t allocated.
We all need to learn to take a deep breath, step back and reevaluate our lives and take care of ourselves. Just remind ourselves of our self-worth without the noise of being a mom.
Here are a few ideas of what to do once you find a way to situate the kids with dad, a grandparent or sitter and have time for just you:
LOG OFF!
Log out of EVERY form of social media for a day. See how much more productive you are and what things around you that you notice without the constant distraction of notifications. Stop comparing your quality of life with those of strangers. Pick up a book, watch a movie, or God forbid, have an actual conversation with another human!
GO OUTSIDE
Today it is entirely too easy to just sit inside as a stationary lump in society living vicariously through other people’s lives and posts online. Get off your ass and do something outdoors! Even if it’s to walk around the corner to a store, wander around in your own yard or ride your bike somewhere. Go do, what other people are posting about!
TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH DAY
Some of us work so hard at one or more jobs just trying to afford the life that we forget to take a minute to ourselves. If you have to, don’t tell your S.O. about it so you can be home alone or go do someone alone and not have to be a part of someone else’s daily struggle. Sleep all day if you want, get a massage, soak in the tub or whatever might make you happy (or that you can afford now that you took a day off, hehe).
HAVE A CHEAT DAY
If you are a gym freak and always busting your ass, “treat yo self” to something yummy you’ve been craving. ONE day will not undo your whole lives work in the gym. Grab a sugary yummy drink from Dunkin’ or that order of fries you’ve been dreaming about for months.
SPEND THE DAY WITH YOUR PARENTS
If you’re lucky enough to still have your parents in your life, go see them. I know being around them can sometimes bring more anxiety but I have never left and not ultimately made me feel better to have been around them. Something about being around other humans that love you no matter your flaws is therapeutic.
GO TO THOSE DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS
Yep, I said it! You’re too busy working or juggling that social calendar to think about it I am sure but, you need these things to be done. Dentist, eye doctor, Gyno, and primary doc visits are so very important. Come on, we are all adults here and you need to act like one. Many issues that people have now can be detected early and will cause little to no bumps in that crazy social/work circus act you have going. And if nothing comes up, YAY YOU, now you have peace of mind.
GO ON A MINI StayCAY… ALONE
I know, I know… going anywhere alone today seems certifiable but, trust me, it will do amazing things for your soul. Research a small town nearby or just venture to the beach for a few hours.
New places can be scary but it doesn’t have to be a new town or country if you aren’t feeling too rebellious yet… maybe just a new book store or coffee shop. Dare you venture into eating at a new restaurant alone, GASP!
BUY YOURSELF SOMETHING NICE
Once a year, buy yourself that one thing you have been wanting but refused to spend the money on. It can be anything. A camera or new kitchen gadget, a watch or fancy dress, or even that cute accent chair that is just so adorable you can’t stand it! Go for it, splurge a little on you… and don’t beat yourself up over the money! Honestly, you don’t even have to “make it rain” on whatever it is that you’d like… it could be as simple as a $3 book at the resale shop. Just go do it already!
Doing things for just you may seem foreign and selfish but, sometimes you have to take care of number one… or make yourself number one for a day or so. I’m not saying drop all that you know and go spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars on yourself and ignore all other human life for days on end… I am just asking that you remember that a happier you will make everyone around you happier as well. Pick something every week, month, or year, and just do it.
Remind yourself that you are worth it and actually follow through with proving that to yourself, and the loved ones around you.