Q: I feel like I’m constantly on the go and never have a moment to myself. How can I find time to recharge? -Claire T.
A: I hear you!. Motherhood can feel like a never-ending hamster wheel, and finding time for yourself can seem impossible. I know this sounds dumb, but self-care doesn’t have to be a grand affair; it’s about finding those small, meaningful moments that help you recharge. Start by identifying little pockets of time throughout your day—maybe it’s enjoying a hot cup of coffee before the kids wake up or taking a few deep breaths during nap time. Sometimes it is even sitting in the car for a minute doing silent meditations (or scrolling Instagram).
It may not be enough, but sometimes when you start something, it can help you identify the moments where it actually helps you breathe.
By carving out these moments, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also modeling the importance of self-care to your children. They need to see that taking time to recharge is part of being a healthy, happy person. They will see that you are a person deserving time to yourself. You deserve those moments, mama—keep finding them, and keep shining!
Here are 5 Practical Ideas:
1. Wake up before your kids
(this is only practical if your child does not wake up at 5 AM) If your child/children wake up at 6:30. wake up at 6:10 and just drink coffee alone. Those extra 20 minutes of quiet before stimulation are priceless. Obviously this does not work in every situation, just some.
2. Take three minutes to sit with your eyes closed in the Car before coming back in the house
It’s weird but it works.
3. Make sure you are brushing your teeth
Sounds odd, but my dentist actually said there is no reason that women have more cavities after pregnancy and motherhood. The only reason they could find is that moms stopped taking care of themselves. Take care of yourself, fill your cup up!
4. Check out Unicorn Space by Eve Rodsky from the library.
You need to get in the mindset that you deserve and need to nurture yourself.
5. Spend extra time in the shower.
Sometimes when we are on the hamster wheel, its important to pause. The world will hopefully not fall apart because you took ten seconds for yourself. It should not be your regular that the baby bouncer comes in the bathroom with you. You need to restructure some things in your life if there is no other way for you to fit in a shower. Unless you are a single mom. Then take 20 extra minutes in the shower and put on some Ms. Rachel. (And no, I don’t believe in screen time for babies, but an empty shell of a mom is not better than screen time).
