Mommy Mindset: Finding Time for Mama

Finding time out for yourself as a mama is not always easy. Depending on your child’s age, how many you have and how much support you have, it can be anywhere from really hard to rather easy to get that valuable time to yourself to recharge your batteries. We all agree that the family suffers if mama doesn’t get that ME time, so how do we make sure to get it?

Sarah: Twice a month I have a mom’s night out. We really don’t do much more than go out to dinner, have a few drinks and talk but it’s so nice to know to get that break. I also have an extra supportive husband who takes my daughter with him everywhere. If he needs to run errands, he always wants her to tag along with him. It’s bonding time for them and break time for me. That means I can go for a run, shop at Target by myself or just do absolutely nothing!

Mary: Yoga! I was never the type to go to a class until a few months ago but it is the best thing I’ve done for myself in years. Peace of mind, serenity yada yada yada. Reading is also a way for me to unwind. Of course, I have to lock myself in the bathroom and all to get any peace but so worth it 😉

Lena: I struggle to find time and opportunities. I try to ask my husband to let me do my stuff, but rarely get out before 9 pm when kids are in bed and at that point it doesn’t look like much of a time off. At the best, I get out some place with my laptop to do mor of the same – blogging

Mariah: I will be honest and admit that I don’t have that much time to myself where I’m not with W or working. I usually get a few hours on the weekend without little man or work and I love to go shopping and get lunch with my mom! I also get time to grocery shop but that isn’t quite the same! I need to have a mom’t night out, Sarah! That sounds like a blast!

Ghada: I am struggling too at the moment. Hubby was starting to take our 4.5 year old with him everywhere, especially when I was pregnant. But now with Miss 5 months, I seem to always have her with me. I try to create small opportunities to relax at home when she is asleep and her brother at preschool. I also enjoying going for a run, she is still with me, just in the stroller but at least I get time alone in my own head lol

Emily: I am glad that I’m not in this boat alone! Between The Texan’s work and rugby schedules there is no time left for me to sneak away. Sure, there are a few hours each day while The Boy is napping, but I can’t exactly leave him alone to have some “me time.”

I know that it is important that I have other interests and explore my hobbies more. But honestly, I don’t see the benefit of hiring a sitter so I can do whatever it is I might feel like doing. And, I prefer to not ask my parents to take The Boy unless The Texan and I are going out somewhere fun. I will admit that I am envious of Sarah, maybe I should move closer to her for inspiration!

Leila: You mean I’m supposed to have time for myself!? When I had a job – that was time to myself. In the past month that I’ve been laid off – I’ve gotten one “evening” to myself which was Saturday night and it was spent at my besties house doing my taxes! I rarely get time to myself! 🙁

Sarah: I’m telling you, if I don’t have some “me” time, everyone suffers..lol! My husband also travels a lot so sometimes it makes it difficult but I’ve built a great network of friends and we swap babysitting if needed. Not to rub it in further but I also do a girls weekend away every year. My friends are scattered all over the country so it’s the only way for us to really connect.

Leila: Oh trust me! People are suffering! LOL! I haven’t really made friends in the 9 years I’ve been in AZ (well, true friends) and I don’t have a babysitter either so it’s hard to do things for me. 🙁 I like the idea of girl weekend though!

Mariah: A girls night or weekend does sound like a blast but part of my struggle is that I miss my little man so much when I’m not with him! I think that will probably get easier as he gets older though.

Leila: I tend to feel guilty when I’m away from my kids. Another reason I don’t get “me” time.

Thank You for your valuable input, Sarah of East 9th Street, Mary of iNeed a Playdate, Lena of Way 2 Good Life, Mariah of Formula Mom, Ghada of Mama goes BAM, Emily of Nap Time is My Time, Leila of The Go To Mommy