ME time

[mum_of_boys]

Just wondering what people do for "Me" time? 

I like to do scrapbooking but am struggling to find the time these days. I thought I would have more time now that my boys are 3 and 5yo.  I used to do a monthly class/session but this stopped so have not been good at allocating the time myself.

My hubby goes fishing when the tide and weather is right.

What strategies do you use to make sure "me time" happens? Or are you missing out as well.

[natalie adams]

I think you answered your own question there. you only find the time if you MAKE the time. you have to just set the time aside and then do it!! - i'm talking about your scrapbooking here. if there is a day when your kids are in care, set time aside on that day and do it. if not, you could try evenings when your partner will be home or organise for a weekend when someone else can watch the kids. the trick is always in planning ahead of time, or it just doesn't happen.

for me time on a daily basis i try to get the kids to bed on time so that i can wind down and watch a good movie, my fave tv shows or read a book. i sometimes get on the treadmill but if the truth be told, most evenings i'm too tired for that!!

but because i do love my exercise and find that it is the best way for me to wind down and get the release i sooo often need i will often do it when i have the kids with me (during the day when my energy levels are a lot better!)
i will take them to the local footy ground and let them play (with toys, balls etc) while i run a few laps, or i kick the footy with them and get my exercise running around with them.
or otherwise, when my eldest is at school  i will stick my youngest in the pram and go for a walk!! i will walk as far as my legs will take me, and my 2 year old loves it! he often falls asleep before we get home, so then if i time it right i can get home and have some extra ME time doing a few other bits & pieces while he is still sleeping!!

other ways to get ME time is to plan girls nights in or out, treat yourself to a massage once a month or week, or simply get up that little bit earlier and enjoy the peace and quiet!!! 

[tillys_mummy]

This seems to be something Mums struggle with! Why is it we feel guilty if we are relaxed and content?? I have a little ritual that I do everyday, that relaxes me and gives me some ME time. My daughter and I have breakfast together, and then I make us both a warm drink. She sits in her high chair (I do this deliberately so that the time is relaxing for us both!!) and I sit at the dining table. And we relax, and chat, and drink our cuppas! Thats it. I feel so refreshed afterwards, and my girl is always content aswell. Its something little, but we both really enjoy it. I think you can make ME time out of anything, and even though I'm not alone during mine, its my favourite part of the day! 

[natalie adams]

i like that idea tillys_mummy!! very good. and making sure you fit it in everyday as a ritual type thing makes it easier to enusre that it happens!! i love routine!!! good idea!! 

[mummy1987]

My time I usually sit on the computer actually