When you take on the role of a wife, mother, and career woman, finding time to just be yourself can present a challenge. You’re so busy catering to the needs of your family that you simply don’t have the time to focus on the things you need and want as well. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade my responsibilities in for the world…but even the trendiest women need a break on occasion.
I don’t know about you, but for me, having that time to regroup and recharge helps me appreciate my family a lot better. When I don’t feel stressed out or overwhelmed, I can give them all of me. My husband certainly understands this need which is why he takes the kids at least twice per month so that I can just focus on me.
When I have some me time, I used to sit around, catch up on chores, and maybe watch a TV show or two. Then I realized that I could be using this time to find myself. I take the time to do things that I either once enjoyed doing or was interested in doing prior to getting married or having children. I have learned to make the most out of my “me time”, and I hope that these ideas will help you do the same.
- Take Singing Lessons
Who doesn’t wish they were a great singer? There’s just something about being able to sing for the “audience” (big, small, or imaginary) that makes you feel great. Well, my hubby and I enjoy going to karaoke nights at a local bar just to have fun with each other. I decided that it might be a great way to surprise him if I took a few singing lessons to brush up on my vocals. Now I wasn’t expecting to come out of the lessons sounding like Beyonce, but I knew that my improved skills on the mic would impress my husband.
- Mani-Pedi
It’s good to treat yourself every once in a while. Me personally, I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure at least once per month. I get my husband to watch the kids and l get some alone time to treat myself like royalty. I’ll let you know what my at-home mani-pedi treatment consists of in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!
- Take a Dance Class
Dance classes are great for building confidence, losing weight, and meeting awesome women. I personally enjoy going to salsa or belly dancing classes, but there are so many genres to choose from that you could choose a different class once per month. Once you’ve mastered a few moves, invite your husband out to a local lounge or club show you can get down with your bad self (if you’re not the public dancer you could always use the moves in your bedroom to get things a bit steamy).
- Take a Cooking Class
Why would you want to take a cooking class when you cook all the time for your family? Well, because it’s nice to learn a few new tricks. My husband and I sometimes take cooking classes together, which can be a lot of fun, but going on your own is a blast too. You can learn how to make a complete meal and surprise your family with it.
- Go Shopping
Of course as the fashionista that I try to be, I couldn’t leave off the temptation to go shopping. When I’m alone I have time to search clearance racks, walk around the mall without hearing complaints of being tired or hungry, and there’s no pressure to purchase anything for anyone but myself. I take this time to add to my wardrobe by purchasing an article of clothing or pair of shoes that are currently in style. It might be a bright color that I don’t wear often or some hot shoe that I can’t live without, or maybe even a purse that matches something I have at home.
Me time is so important. It allows you to be selfish without feeling guilty about it. For women that work as hard as we do to ensure that our family’s needs are met, we should certainly be able to treat ourselves once or twice per month. Instead of using your time alone to catch up on your mom or wife duties, take the time to do things you love. Not only will you have a blast learning about the woman you’ve become, but you’ll also find that you appreciate your family just a bit more.
