Looking for tips for prioritizing your mommy “me time”?
Are you a busy mom? You need to prioritize your own self-care with mommy alone time. A super mom of 6 shares how you can have more mommy alone time @adventuresuper8 #mommyalonetime #selfcare #metime
You’re trying to balance your home life and work life, all while trying to reach your own personal goals. But every day, you prioritize your family’s needs, and drop everything for your family and kids, with little time to care for you.
When was the last time you took a little time for yourself, mama?
And if you’re a single mom, you’ve probably left even less time for yourself.
No matter your family dynamic, the one thing is always the same, for you, your family comes first.
Yes, your family comes first, but every now and then you need to come first too. As a mom of six, I know it’s hard to commit to putting yourself first, but I’m committing to being different this year. For the first time ever, we created a vision board, and as a family resolved to set aside some mommy alone time for me.
I have to admit I am not very good at setting aside time for myself. I, like many other moms, find it hard to find time for everything. Because of this, mommy me time gets pushed to the end of the list. In fact, a study has found that the average mother ends up with only 17 minutes of alone time a day! 17 minutes!? That is simply not acceptable.
This year that HAS to change. That WILL change. You need more than 17 minutes of alone time a day. Here’s how you can make mommy me-time a priority you actually keep this year.
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Why Should I Set Aside Time for Mommy Alone Time?
Having mommy alone time is crucial. We must take a break to re-energize.
If we don’t we are eventually going to burn ourselves out. It will happen. If you don’t have mommy alone time it will not be a matter of IF we burn out, it will be a matter of WHEN we will burn out.
Our family needs us to always be at our best. So, for them, and for our own well-being, we NEED mommy alone time.
I, myself, would like to work on my blog alone every now and then. It is difficult to try to focus on something when you have 6 kids running around. For this reason, I would like to use some of my mommy alone time to work on my 3rd full-time job…my blog.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 5 Essential Time Saving Tips For Working Moms
It’s Hard to Take Mommy “Me Time”
But, why is it so hard for some moms to find time for themselves?
Most moms will tell you they don’t get alone time because they feel guilty for leaving their children and doing something for themselves.
But I am here to tell you YOU MATTER, YOU ARE IMPORTANT, YOU SHOULD COME FIRST every now and then.
And even though I know you’re already doubting it, remember you are doing this so that you can be a BETTER mom to your children.
How to Schedule Mommy Alone Time
Now that we have established you are going to set time aside for yourself, you must work out just how that is going to get done.
What are some of the ways in which you will explain to your kids that mommy needs time alone without feeling guilty about it?
Well, first of all, it is important to understand that we are not “bad moms” if we’re not playing with our kids all the time.
4 Ways to Actually Schedule Your “Me Time”
One concern for busy moms who are considering consistent alone time is the burning question of “who is going to care for my kids”? I am here to assure you there are ways. I can honestly tell you I am one of those moms who is very particular about who watches my six kids so when I tell you there are ways… there are ways!
#1. AT A FAMILY EVENT:
If you absolutely can’t part with your kids I would suggest that you make alone time a family event. Set aside a certain amount of time each day for family alone time. During this time each member of the family is supposed to unwind and have alone time.
Explain to everyone that during alone time there are only 2 rules:
A. Be alone.
B. Enjoy the activity you are doing.
#2. ASK SPOUSE OR PARTNER:
Enlisting the help of your spouse/significant other is also a great choice! This way you can rotate who gets alone time and who cares for the kids.
#3. ASK FAMILY FOR HELP:
Reaching out to family for help is also a way that your kids get to spend time with their extended family. They can have playdates with cousins and family friends. Then, when the adult caring for your child wants some time alone, you can return the favor. It’s a win-win for everyone!
#4. SCHEDULE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
Enrolling your kids in extracurricular activities is a great way to ensure you get your alone time. You will know that if Jimmy and Johnny have karate on Monday from 5-6 and Cindy Lou has dance class then you know you will be free. The trick here is finding extracurricular activities for everyone on the same day and time in the same general area. It can be done!
How Much Mommy “Alone Time” Do I Need?
There really is no perfect amount of alone time. It varies from person to person. Some need more, some need less.
The important thing is that we set this time aside so that we can benefit from it.
Figure out how much alone time you need, then take steps to schedule and enjoy it.
How Should You Spend Your Mommy “Me Time”?
Now, what can you do with your mommy alone time? This is time for you to unwind, relax, and rest. Basically, take this time to revive.
What you do with this time is completely up to you! You can take this time to nap, read, go on a solo trip or spend time with a friend. Maybe you want to take this time for a DIY project or some other activity you enjoy.
The important thing here is not what you do. The important thing is that what you are doing helps you feel like the real you. This is the goal of mommy alone time to build up your health and strength.
You need alone time, to take care of yourself.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 12 Cheap and Easy Self-Care Ideas That Feel Luxurious
7 Simple Mommy Alone Time Ideas
Mommy alone time is a great opportunity for us to rejuvenate both our minds and our bodies.
But how, do you spend your time caring for yourself, you might ask? Here are 7 ideas for how you can spend time alone.
#1. Hydrate Your Body
You’ve heard it before, you know you should be drinking about eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Why? Our bodies are made up of about 60% of water and we need to replenish to restore, heal, and flush out our systems.
I know this can be hard but try breaking it up into smaller amounts or treat yourself to a fun new water bottle!
#2. Move Your Body
You can use your alone time to walk, run, bike, or join a class 1-2-times per week. The key here is to get moving. Our bodies need to move in order to thrive and our brain needs this movement to stay alert.
Want to get serious about your health and fitness? According to Women’s Health Magazine, you can then up this to 30-minute routines, 5 times a week to start seeing benefits.
#3. Breathe Deeply
You need to take a deep breath and become one with your thoughts. Or to even escape them, you’re always thinking of what your kids need, take a break to think about just yourself.
Not only does deep breathing help to quiet your mind and anxieties, but it also reduces stress and blood pressure, as well as better blood flow and ultimately increased energy. Take a deep breath right now!
You could take this time to reflect or just enjoy the quiet time with yourself. I started reading a 365-day inspirational book to help me with my thoughts. You can too!
👉🏽 RELATED POST: How to Start a Daily Journal
#4. Get Some Sleep
An adult woman needs 7-9 hours of sleep a day. Now I know this is hard for some, myself included! I stay up late working on my blog and I wake up early to go to work. Then you wake up, and you simply cannot function properly. You’re in a daze and your reflects are slowed.
The common risks of sleep deprivation for moms get’s worst, “You’re more likely to make mistakes when you’re tired. You’re more likely to slip and fall, or cut yourself when chopping vegetables, or forget to fasten the straps of your baby’s high chair.”
In fact, some of the scariest risks come when a sleep-deprived mother gets in the car. Studies have compared the risks of driving drowsy with the risks of driving drunk — it’s estimated to cause 100,000 auto accidents a year. And yet mothers, who would never drive their children after having a few glasses of wine, drive exhausted every day.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 7 Quick Ways to Sleep Better
#5. Eat Right
Women should be eating at least 3 servings of whole grains, 2 cups of fruits, 2 to 3 cups of vegetables, 3 servings of dairy, and 5 to 6 ounces of protein. Are you eating right?
I know you’re busy and always on the go, so your meals don’t always meet the recommended servings, but this is something you can work on this year. It’s not just for our own well-being as Moms, but for that of our children. Some of my coworkers have been using the portion containers. You can use them to help you eat correctly. You can eat healthy when you’re busy!
#6. Take Vitamins
If you find that you are unable to eat the recommended food, you should probably start taking supplemental vitamins, as this is the best way to fill in the gaps. The types of vitamins needed vary depending on your age, but the main essential vitamins are the same for everyone and they are:
Antioxidants may lower the risk of some health problems and slow aging. Some researchers even believe they help boost the immune system.
Vitamin B has several types, which are all good for your body, but three of the vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are especially important. Instead of taking a pill you can try to incorporate some vitamin B rich foods into your diet such as fish, potatoes, chickpeas, avocados, bananas, beans, cereal, meats, oatmeal, and poultry.
Vitamin D helps to move calcium and phosphorus and is important because it keeps bones strong.
Vitamin K also plays an important role in keeping bones strong. The best food sources include green leafy vegetables, soybean oil, broccoli, alfalfa, cooked spinach, and fish oil.
#7. Practice Self-Love
You deserve your love and care just as much as anybody in your life. Being self-compassionate with yourself can inspire your compassion for others.
Moms can be really hard on themselves but remember mama, you are doing the very best that you can. By practicing self-compassion has a positive relation to being happier, more optimistic, and agreeable. Sounds like great benefits for parenting to me!
But, how do you practice self-love? You can start by reminding yourself with self-love notes that encourage you to take care of yourself.
👉🏽 RELATED POST: 26 Inspiring Self-Love Quotes
Get Your Printable Self-Care Quotes
Ready to start having some mommy alone time? But, need a reminder that you are important and worthy of care and compassion? I’ve created 10 beautifully designed, printable self-love and care quotes for you.
This download comes with high-resolution, graphic quotes that are ready to print and post in your home or office.
Sign up below for your 10 FREE Self-Love & Care Quotes + get weekly tips to help you slay your goals.
Remember, it’s hard being a mom 24/7, all year long – for years and years.
Yes, it really is the best job in the world with plenty of benefits, but in all honesty, it’s a tough job—truly one of the toughest. It is for this reason that we must take care of ourselves first before we can care for those we love the most. Mommy alone time is a MUST.
Make it one of the things you start doing this year.
I know I will!
How will you spend your mommy alone time?
More About Guest Contributor
Last Updated on July 23, 2024
Reesa Lewandowski says
for years I tried to be a martyr and pretend that I did not need time for myself. What a silly thing! Time to myself, even just 5 mins in quiet, is vital to my well being!
Lisa says
It really is vital. Glad to hear that you now understand just how important it is. Wanting to do it all and not resting its a mom thing. LOL
Ali Rost says
How I remember the days when my kids were little and I felt like I never had a minute to myself. I was really lucky that my mom was willing and able to take the kids for an hour or two a couple of times a week. I always tried to plan grandma days for when the weather was nice because I’d go for the longest walks ever. Just the time to clear my head did wonders and I felt ready to be fully present with them again. x
Lisa says
That’s amazing! Long walks are the best. I currently have a long commute to and from work this serves as my time to mentally prepare. It’s awesome!
Melanie says
We have little to no outside help with our four kids, and I have found scheduling this time the only way to go. We originally enrolled in a YMCA membership for swimming lessons for the kids. Then I realized that I could drop them off in childcare for a few hours while I swam or worked out and the membership was definitely more than worth it.
Lisa says
Oh yes the YMCA is the best! We have one near by that I have been hoping to join. Perhaps this summer I will take advantage. Great job on still finding a way to have that valuable alone time.
lisa says
This is a great post and an important one also! I’ve been setting time for my kids daily and on the weekends I make sure to get lots of mommy time. We go skating, to the movies, have game night and sometimes just chat.
Lisa says
That’s amazing family time is the best. It makes them who they are in the long run!
Brittany says
I really need to be better about this. Sometimes I get lucky and my kids will nap at the same time so I get maybe an hour or so of quiet. Catching up on my favorite shows is my thing. No worries, just me and a box of tissues and ‘This Is Us’ haha.
Lisa says
When I had 2 nap time was amazing but once the 3rd came nap time got harder to manage lol! However, now that we plan alone time as a family activity it is better. I hear you on the catching up on your movies. This is Us is my daughter and I favorite series.!
Censie Sawyer says
I need alone mommy time. It helps me to be a better mom and wife and person over all. Thankfully my husband is very supportive of this. I am blessed. For my ME time I love to read and go walk around the bookstore.
Lisa says
That’s great that your husband supports you and understands the importance of alone time. I love reading I used to do it more than I do now. But it is still one of my favorite past times.
Rebecca Luffman says
I definitely need this today – thank you! As a new mom, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and sort of forget about yourself.
Lisa says
I am glad you enjoyed it! Being a new mom is hard it’s all about finding out what works best for you and your family and not losing yourself in the process. Don’t worry it will get easier and you will cherish every moment.
Sreya Gupta says
A few year ago, I’m possible talking about 3-4 years ago when my cousin had twins she used to have panic attacks. It’s difficult to take care of kids and even more taking care of kids of same age. A mother always needs to be healthy and for that, she needs a little time only for herself.
Lisa says
Oh yes twins are a handful to care for. I hope your cousin has found a way to manage it because mommy alone time is very important for everyone.
Melissa Dixon says
I have just recently started making it more of a habit to take some time to myself. I have always been the type to take care of everyone else and forget myself but I realize that is hindering my ability to take care of them as well so I need to take that time now! I love these ideas!
Lisa says
I hear you I was the same way. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Ashley says
This is so true! 6 Children … go momma! My three can get the best of me some days! It is tough to schedlue time in but it really is sooooo important… I think I try to find moments in the day even with my children near to refresh! Like snack time when I read for a few minutes or after bed time when I can take a bath… its great to have help but sometimes that is not possible!
Lisa says
Oh I hear you on that one! Having it be a family alone time has worked out well for us. Everyone goes off and does their own thing in the house for about an hour. I enjoy it because their creativity just comes alive
Kyla Matton Osborne | 24 Carrot Diet says
I love the idea of making alone time a family affair! If you can teach kids from an early age to spend time alone, it will make a huge difference for everyone. The littlest kids are the ones who demand the most of Mom’s time. So if they can learn to occupy themselves even for 10-15 minutes a couple times a day, it can help preserve Mom’s sanity 🙂
Lisa says
Yes, it really does make a huge difference. And yes it is important for children to learn to keep themselves entertained without electronics. It gets their creativity flowing.
Susannah says
I recognize my limits, which makes me act and feel like a bad mom/ spouse. I have no problem telling my husband I need some alone time, and we happily swap. It makes a huge difference!
Lisa says
That’s awesome that you know what your limits are and that your husband understands you and helps you get your alone time.
Brandi Michel | FamilyFelicity.com says
I love all your tips, but my favorite is the self love. This is so important! And more important than getting a mani-pedi. 😉
Just learning to enjoy being where you are and giving yourself grace to be you – exactly the way you are today… as you’re growing into who you want to become. Great Tips!
Lisa says
Well said!
Angela says
This is so true, and I only have 1! I think sometimes we as moms get so busy that we forget to look after ourselves. We have to remind that our family can’t function at its best when we’re not at our best.
I took a quick solo trip yesterday, and it was so fun and refreshing. Love this post. Moms need to know that they deserve to indulge in self-care every now and then.
Lisa says
I hear you on the solo trips! Going to Target alone is like going to Disney World LOL!
Shoma says
Mommy time is a must. There are times I want to pull my hair out with a teething 5 month old!
Lisa says
Oh yes teething is hard but it will pass all too quickly.
tachira wiltshire says
Scheduling me time is so important. I find I am less cranky and agitated when I do. When I realised that I was running myself ragged and that it would be of no help to my daughter if I broke down, I managed to put aside some time for myself in a hurry. Luckily I have help with her from relatives some time is no longer an issue. Slowly getting back on track with my yoga and meditation. A great reminder for all moms !
Lisa says
Yoga and meditation are a great way to take care of yourself.
Cha says
This article is fun to read. I wanna spend my alone time watching cinema, jogging, malling and walking in parks.
Lisa says
Glad you enjoyed it! I love all your ideas!
Melanie says
This is such a great post! Alone time is so important! I love the idea of getting the whole family involved that way everyone gets a little self care.
Lisa says
Glad you enjoyed the post.
Joanna Stephens says
These are wonderful ideas for alone time. As a stay at home mom, I would probably go crazy if I didn’t get some alone time. Usually when my husband gets home, he takes the kiddos while I get a little me-time to unwind.
Lisa says
Thats awesome that he helps out. Stay at home mom is the hardest job ever! But the best!
erin says
17 minutes!! That’s insane, but I really don’t find it hard to believe. I was just telling my husband last night I felt like I needed more alone time.
Lisa says
It does sound weird but all in all it could be right cuz we are always on the go. Hope you get your alone time.
amanda says
Ahhh time alone… I struggle with this area. I really, really need time to myself. I loved all of your examples of self love / alone time. 🙂
Lisa says
It is really hard for mom to start it but once you start to set time aside it becomes easier.
Sara says
This is a great list and there are some ideas I haven’t thought of before! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Toni says
I definitely struggle with allowing myself to take a break and do things to take care of me! I love this list though and self care is on my list to work on this year!
Lisa says
I think its something everyone struggles with but once you start it will be easier to follow through with it.
Elizabeth O says
Having me time is really important, I tend to use my alone time to go to the gym and work on myself. You gave some other really great ideas here 🙂
Lisa says
Glad you enjoyed it!
anne-onedeterminedlife says
These past 2 months, my husband has been out of town, so its been lots of work for me. So, I am in need of some me time. I hope it can happen when things slow down. For now, I find ways to relax at home and try to get the rest I need. Makes such a big difference.
Lisa says
I hope so too. But it is great that you still manage to find time to relax.
Rose says
I do make time and it’s more then 17 minutes. 17 minutes is crazy and it’s crazy how they figured that number out. I stay up a little later, getting up is a struggle. I do take the kids with me and their tablets to attend an adult event. I drop them off at child watch at the gym. I think it’s more then where there’s a will there’s a way because not all theset options are available for everyone. I like yo utter suggestions to use family and friends that would help greatly.
Lisa says
It really is weird the way they came up with the 17 mins. but it is interesting. I am glad you found a way to get your time. It is very important.
Olubukonla says
I don’t have kids yet but from reading your post I understand how having some me time is very important. Like you have rightly started, having time to yourself isn’t selfish.. Great tips!!!
Lisa says
Glad you enjoyed it. It is hard for moms to not think of me time as selfish.
Serena Hale says
We have grown kids and soon to have little ones and I realize that now I need time to myself. This world is crazy and I know I internalize too much that I should not and taking time for myself can help me focus.
Lisa says
Yes taking me time really does help you focus. At least I know it really helps me.
Namrata says
I spend at least 30 minutes just with myself, almost everyday. I need that time else I’m not very pleasant !!
Lisa says
That’s awesome 30 mins daily is a huge help!
Evelyn says
Thanks for reminding me of what’s important! Your points make such good sense in the return to caring for self. Most obvious, and appropriate is hydration….which reminds me. .. I need some water 😀
Lisa says
Glad you found the post helpful. And yes water is so important yet it is so overlooked.
Tara says
I can only imagine being a new mom or a mom in any way – I’m raising a new puppy and that alone is challenging. babies are an entirely different ball game!
Nadalie Bardo says
Hey Tara,
I so feel you! I’m considering getting a puppy and I even wonder if I can handle that. I don’t know how moms do it, but they do. Working while taking care of someone! I can barely take care of me.
This post inspires me, and pushes my perception of what I can handle.
Thanks, Lisa for sharing it with us.
Heather says
I could not agree any more with this post. I unfortunately learned the hard way to make time for myself when my health began to suffer from lack of care. I now make it an absolute priority to have dedicated time each and every day to take care of myself.
Lisa says
Yes unfortunately we have to find out the hard way that we need to put time aside for ourselves. I am happy to hear that you realize how important me time is. Glad to hear you now set time aside for it.
Lakisha says
I love this so so much because although I don’t have children yet, everything here still rings true to me. Self love is so important.
Lisa says
It really is very important.
emmanuel damian says
Sometimes, we just need some time alone. Especially for Moms! They need to reenergize to be the light of the home again.
Lisa says
They really do!
Nadalie Bardo says
I’m not either! But wow do I know moms are amazing and do so much.
Thanks Lisa for helping us appreciate the moms in our lives.