We are all so, so busy! But being busy busy all the time is not at all good for our mental health. here's how to find some solitude in your busy mom life.
With work, family, home, a social life and all the other demands on your time, finding a few moments just for yourself can seem almost impossible.
For introverts and all those who crave solitude - i.e. all of us some of the time! - finding the time to experience it can be challenging.
Here’s how to find some time out in your hectic mom life.
First of all, take a serious look at your schedule and see where there is some time you can carve out for yourself.
Read more: How to Achieve a Better Work-Life Balance
You may have to sacrifice another activity or arrange for childcare or make other plans.
But any way you do it, make sure you schedule in some time to do it regularly rather than just waiting for a spontaneous moment of freedom.
Just hoping for some "me time” to show up is stressful and frustrating; you don't know if or when you will find the time. And being perfectly honest, it’s unlikely to happen.
But if you schedule in the time weekly or even monthly, you’ll be able to handle the hectic days in between with much more grace.
Finding the time is only half the battle, what do you do with your hard-won solitude once you have it?
Here are some ideas of what to do just in case you’ve forgotten how!
1. Garden
Gardening can be very therapeutic. You are away from phones, computers, and other technological distractions in the garden, plus you are getting fresh air and even some sunshine.
Gardening provides therapeutic exercise and a connection with nature.
Read more: Gardening For Complete Beginners
2. Take a Walk
Combining outdoor exercise with solitude has a double healing effect.
Try to take a walk by yourself, maybe after dinner once a week. Your partner can do the dishes and take care of the kids for an hour.
Take your phone with you for emergencies, but ideally turn it off during your walk.
Read more: How to Fit a 20 Minute Walk Into Your Day
3. Be Outdoors
Walk in your neighbourhood, drive to a local park or beach, or take a walk in the woods.
A walk on your own in nature is perfect for recharging your batteries, but it can also be good to just sit and reflect, either on the ground, on a rock, or on a bench.
Just enjoy and observe the place, the weather and your surroundings. Breathe and relax.
This gives you a mental break and helps your subconscious to relax and work its magic.
4. Pursue Your Interests
Visit a historical place or a museum with an exhibit that interests you.
Take some time to contemplate art, science, history and culture. If you are alone, no one can make you feel rushed.
Read more: Best New Exhibitions in London
5. Read
Get into a good book and you have instantly created your own personal space within your mind.
Take your reading outdoors into the garden or a park for some extra benefits.
Or just shut the door to a room in your house for a while, making it clear that you should not be disturbed.
Read more: Best New Books and Top Sellers
6. Journal
Writing a journal also gives you access to the solitary inner world.
Keep a journal that is for your eyes only, so that your solitude is protected, and you do not feel pressured to come up with brilliant ideas.
Take your journal to the woods or the park and write what you see and experience.
7. Draw or Sketch
Your journal and sketchbook can be one and the same or separate notebooks.
Either way, if sketching, drawing or painting is something you enjoy, it is the perfect solitary activity.
Sketch outdoors or just record the people and events from your daily life.
Again, keep the sketchbook or painting for your eyes only, unless you want to share it.
We love this Sketch Book
Look at your schedule today and carve out some time to relax and take time for yourself.
Add it into your planner and treat this appointment with yourself as sacrosanct, it’s just as important as any other meeting you have scheduled this week.
By taking some time out in your hectic life you will feel happier, more relaxed and less stressed, making you and your family happier.
It’s time to reclaim a little bit of solitude.
More self-care ideas for busy moms:
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