The importance of me time

The Little Cherry Tree – BLOG – Me Time as a Mum

You can’t be the best mum you want to be for your kids, if you can’t be the best person for you. Taking time out to focus on you is essential for your health and well-being, but it is essential for the health and well-being of your child too.

One of my favourite sayings is that you can’t pour from an empty jug. You need to take time for yourself to recharge your batteries and refill that jug. Only then can you give your child the awesome mum that they need and you want to be.

Why You Need to Take Me Time

If you don’t take time out for yourself, you will be exhausted and run down. This then leaves you feeling tired and exhausted which can result in you being snappy or short tempered with your family. You can’t be the best version of yourself if you don’t take time out to be yourself.
So what is me time for mums?

What does Me Time Look Like?

‘Me time for mums’ can come in a variety of forms and it really depends on what is best for you and what you enjoy. We would recommend that the first thing you do is have an evening a week that is just for you. This is a great chance for you to have time to yourself, It is also a great opportunity for your child and a family member to spend quality time together.

On this night to yourself you could book in for a weekly exercise class. Over the weeks you will start to make friends with others and your health levels will improve too. Both of these things will get your endorphins going and make you happier too. Exercise is proven to reduce stress and anxiety as well. It gives you some time to think about the exercise or the music, instead of thinking about being a mum.

Alternatively, you can arrange a regular get together with friends or other mums with children. A chance to get out the house and just chat nonsense, putting the world to rights. This could be done at a friend’s house, in a coffee shop or at the local pub. If the weather is nice you could all go for a walk, getting fresh air while having a good old natter.

Why not book a treat for yourself once a month? This could be a relaxing massage, a trip to the spa or a day shopping. Think about something you enjoy and book a day in the diary once a month. If it isn’t in the diary it will get forgotten or put back – so, make sure you block the day out of your diary.

However, the most important thing to remember is that you can and should ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but recognising the importance of being you and not just mummy.