As a mother or a single parent, you work harder than anyone else. You may feel frazzled or frustrated for not getting enough time to yourself, especially if you have young children that need constant attention.
But don’t fret – there is a way make sure you get time to yourself, no matter how young your children are. It just takes some very careful planning and cooperation.
Schedule a Time for Yourself
The best time to find time to yourself may have to be scheduled around your children. If nap time lasts one hour then that can be your “me” time. An opportune time could be one hour before your own bedtime. Studies have shown that 30 to 60 minutes before your bedtime should be “quiet time.” This is to help you to relax and drift off into sleep naturally. People who relax before bedtime get much better sleep than someone who goes to sleep stressed.
If you can’t find the time perhaps you should ask a relative or a friend to watch your children for you for just a little while. Perhaps they can go do something with their grandparents or with some friends of theirs. You can also offer a trade: ask another single mother to keep your kids along with hers for a couple of hours, and you’ll do the same for her at a later date. If you explain you just need some time to yourself then people will understand and be more willing to help you.
Setting Up a Spa in the Bathroom
You can get a spa kit at almost any store for fairly cheap. Most spa kits contain bath beads, bath salts, scented soaps, small candles and a loofa or a sponge. If you’d rather put together your own spa kit, shop around for something with a relaxing scent. Lavender is always recommended, but you should find a scent that fits your needs.
Bathtubs are a great way to relax. Salt is a natural muscle relaxant, so try to purchase some bath salts. It is recommended that you run yourself a bath instead of taking a shower, as you’ll be sitting, and will be far more relaxed.
Making Your Bedroom Relaxing
Scented candles work well in the bedroom too. So does fresh lavender. Just one or two stalks will put you to bed in minutes. To make your bedroom more relaxing, try playing some soothing music or white noise. You don’t have to go to sleep to escape. Just close your eyes and think about anything, as long as it’s not related to chores or things that you have to do.
How to Escape in Your Living Room
You can transfer your soothing music from your bedroom to your living room. If you have a fireplace, you can light a fire. The cackle of the wood burning is considered white noise, and should calm you down tremendously. While you’re waiting, you can use a self-massages to reach all of those sore spots. Your back and arms are a good place to start, since they’re the parts of your body you work the hardest as a mother.
You can also take this time to catch up on your reading, even if it’s just a few pages. Make yourself some tea and accompany it with your favorite snack.
Once you find something that works for you, stick with it. Repeat your routine regularly, either once or twice a month or once a week. This will give you something to look forward to, and will help remove some of the stress from your life.
