Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Mama's Personal Time

Moms, let's get real today. We all know personal time is important. Before kids you absolutely took the personal time and went out for a massage, or that mani / pedi, or to a wine tasting, right? So why is it so different once the kids come? 


Making time for Mama - How do you find time to relax and treat yourself?
Linking up with Christine, Brittany, and Ashley for Mama Tells All
Mamas Tell All

The thing is, it is different when the kids come. It's only different in a bad way if you don't take time for you.

I get it. Moms are nurturers. Not only do we want to take care of the kids, we want to make sure the entire house is running in tip top condition. Um, hi I'm Melissa and I'm guilty of this. I'm what you might call a control freak when it comes to matters of the house. I'm sure there's a lot of moms out there like that. Heck, I'm sure most women in general are like that. However, for me it prevents me from letting go and taking that break I need.

I admitted awhile ago that I don't always take the time I need deserve. I know I do deserve it, I'm just the world's worst about letting go. This is something I'm working to get better on. It's helped that all of my wonderful bloggy friends remind me to take a break and take time for myself. Especially since publishing that post about me being tired all the time.

What I do to relax now is simple.
+ After the kids are in bed, I go in my room to read a few chapters of a book.
+ Instead of stressing about the mess in the kitchen, the kids and I will take a quiet walk around the block
+ I'll take a long hot shower and just stand under the hot water clearing my head. (Seriously though, who doesn't love doing that?) Plus, alone
+ I go on coffee dates with my girlfriends to chat about the kids, the husbands, etc.

Like I said though... it's still a work in progess. Hey, at least I've admitted that I have a problem taking time for myself, right? Topics like this make me realize it even more. The good news is, this weekend coming up I'll be going to the Atlanta Blogger Network meetup. A real chance to get away from the husband and kids and interact with the blogging community! SO EXCITED!
Also, this past weekend I was able to get a small nap in. That rarely happens anymore.

In true Melissa fashion
I'm linking up with Anne from Love The Here and Now for Wednesday Wishes as well.
Love the Here and Now
My wish this week is that I'm able to learn to let go more. I wish being able to relax comes more naturally to me. I know it'll take time. After all, it's taken almost 27 years for me to get the way I am now! Ha! I wish that other moms out there are able to take the time they need to relax. I wish new moms learn early to take time for themselves. Yes, babies grow quickly, but I don't wish anyone to become so wound up that they break.

What do y'all do to relax? Any tips for me? haha!

23 comments :

  1. I love coffee dates! The best mama time is spent with other mamas! Thanks for linking up to Mamas Tell All.

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  2. Amen to that! :) I love spending time with other moms. Can't wait to meet you this weekend!

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  3. This weekend is going to be amazing for you!! I'm so glad you're taking the time to do that. I can't wait to hear all about it! Is it an overnight thing or all day thing?!

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  4. Progress is good!

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  5. It starts at one. Going until who knows but I'm excited to finally meet other local bloggers. Esp ones I read frequently lol

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  6. Oh just standing in a hot shower is amazing! But most times I am accompanied by a toddler that is throwing her toys around & trying to wash my feet! Ha. You & I should meet up for a coffee date one day! <3

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  7. I think it's always important to take care of you. I mean obviously I don't have kids, but how can you take great care of them if you're also not taking care of you?

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  8. Taking "me" time is definitely the hardest thing for a mom to do. The guilt issues, the relinquishing of control...all things that weigh in on our hearts and minds. We have to learn though that without a break we aren't good to ourselves or those around us. It's ok to stop and take a breath and have alone time. It's so healthy!

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  9. Taking time for myself is not a priority, but it should be! I always find that once I do get away, I come back so refreshed and stress-free. So, if I just keep reminding myself of those things, it gets easier to get away. It's a must for a happy household!

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  10. I'm the same way hun. It's so hard to just let stuff go. But you're Right, when I so let go and get away I always feel better. Endless circle lol

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  11. Agreed!! It's so hard but so necessary and we usually figure out we need a break when it's too late. Lol. Mom life

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  12. No truer words have been said. It's easier for me to see that now. Four years ago though.... Yeah right. Lol.

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  13. Yesssss!!! Coffee date!! You're so close to popping though, wanna meet after baby or before? What's halfway for us?

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  14. Lol at least I admitted I have a problem Right? ;)

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  15. The cliche is true! That was the first step. :)

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  16. I like that, "It's only different in a bad way if you don't take time for you" -- great point! I love the breather after bedtime *sigh*!

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  17. Idk, I will have to see. I am not sure what a half way point is. I will let ya know!

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  18. I LOVE standing under the hot water in the shower - it's truly one of the only places where I'm completely relaxed and things are quiet!

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  19. I never really appreciated how awesome a hot shower was until after I became a mom. Now they are like a day at the spa!

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  20. I totally agree with you, Whitney. Post-baby, you noticed those little "me" luxuries that were taken for granted. Hot shower + extra time to shave legs? Bonus! Ha. :)

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  21. Is it sad that I enjoy a hot shower alone even though I don't have kids? Ever since I moved in with Philip, he likes to join me in the shower. While I love spending time with him and I do like this sometimes, our shower is quite small and I take a bit longer to shower than he does. So when I get the chance to get in there alone, it's amazing. I can really take my time and stand under the water for as long as I want.

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  22. I'm not a momma but I love to take hot showers! It's the best way for me to wind down after a long, hard day! I also love to flip through magazines and listen to music--it keeps me calm and inspired! :)

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  23. Yup - I'm a control freak too when it comes to keeping the house running. I struggle with taking time to myself - I felt guilty going for my massage last weekend!! Talk about being conflicted ha. But it IS such a priority to keep myself sane - standing under the hot water for a few extra minutes is definitely one of my escapes too!

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