Raising kids is no easy task, especially if you’re juggling a full time job and doing it alone as a single mom. It seems every second of every day is devoted to my work or my children, which I love, but I’ve found that it’s important to not let it completely consume me. Making time for myself has to be just as much of a priority so I can be the best mommy, business owner, fiancé, and friend I can be.
Now, I know this is easier said than done. It has taken me many years and many attempts to master this and I’m still working on it. But, my efforts have not gone to waste and I’ve come a long way with figuring out ways to find “me” time with my demanding schedule.
First things first: Wake up earlier!
I know this is the last thing you want to hear, but I’m telling you, it’s worth it. If I wanted to I could probably wake up around 6:30am, shower, get dressed, get the kids ready for school and be at the studio by 8:00am. But that’s not the case—I am up and at ‘em by 4:30 AM at the latest.
You may think I’m crazy but there are a couple reasons why I do this. There is something so peaceful and serene about being awake before the sun (and of course before my children). I am able to wake up at my own pace, drink some water, have a little breakfast, read a devotion, and just chill. I make sure that everything is organized for the chaos to come.
I take about 30 minutes to do this, and then its time to break a sweat! Running and working out is my ultimate “me” time so I make sure to get it in every morning. Regardless of what your “thing” is, if it makes you happy and makes you feel good, you need to prioritize it. Of course I would love to sleep a little later in the morning, but I know that when the evening comes, I have very little left in me so I need to utilize my energy wisely. That’s very important as a busy, working mom—knowing yourself and at what times you function best. For me, it’s morning, but that’s not the case for everyone. Find your time.
Utilize ALL down time
I also find it helpful to utilize any down time, even if it’s only 20 minutes. If I stay persistent and get my work done early enough, I know that there is a small window from the time I get home to the time I need to pick my kids up from school. I take advantage of that window as often as possible and use it to meditate, read, pray, journal, or whatever I’m in the mood for. That way when it’s time to pick up my kids I feel ready to switch into Mommy mode because I didn’t neglect myself and my needs.
Hire a babysitter!
Another one of my favorite things to do is just bite the bullet and hire a babysitter! I did this the other night when my fiancé and I needed a little “we” time (which is also very important might I add!). We called the babysitter to come over for a couple of hours on Saturday while we went to a yoga class. It was the best 90 minutes I had all week and I’m still glowing from it days later.
Whether you need your hour of exercise every morning or your hour of catching up on your juicy TV shows, it’s important to make time for yourself and find an inner balance. Your loved ones will thank you later!
How do you make time for yourself with your busy schedule?
