Me Time Is My New Guilty Pleasure in Motherhood!

Pheww… finally got my baby to nap and I can have my me-time now. Does this statement sound familiar to you? Then you must be a new mom. Good day to all the new moms out there. I hope you and your little ones are doing well.

You read the topic right, and many of you can relate very well. After motherhood, me-time or alone time may sound like a distant dream. While attending to the baby full time, keeping them well fed, warm, and comfortable is important, your health (both physical and mental) matters too, Mumma! And that is where me-time comes into play. It is a time for you to both rest and rejuvenate.

Importance of Me Time

Self-Nurturing

Me-time is a time for nurturing and taking care of yourself. It plays a big role in your mental well-being as well. As the popular saying goes “you can’t pour from an empty cup”, taking an hour or two for yourself helps fill your cup as a result of which you can be a better parent.

Don’t Feel Guilty

Though it is a guilty pleasure don’t waste your me-time feeling guilty or thinking if its wrong to leave the baby to some one else and relax. Motherhood is a full-time job. You cannot even take a day off. So, taking a couple of hours for yourself can do more good than harm for both your little one and you.

Scheduling Me-Time

The easiest time would be when your baby naps. But if you have someone to support you, be it your spouse or a trusted family member, then you can plan according to your schedule.

Planning Out Your Me Time

Many of us make the mistake of rushing out to cook the next meal or to finish up the laundry once the baby falls asleep. Let me tell you a harsh truth: There will always be a pile of laundry and some chore that needs to be finished. So, breathe, pause, and take time for yourself.

Importance of Planning Your Me-Time

If we do not plan what we should do in our me-time, we will end up thinking about all the things we can do in this short period. So, try to list what you want to do during that particular time of day.

But it's not a strict rule to follow up with the list you made. After all, it is your me-time and it belongs to you.

Asking for Help

There is a popular saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," and that's very true. Though you are taking care of your little one all alone due to your circumstances, taking a little help sometimes won't hurt.

First of all, you can talk to your spouse and plan a time that suits both of you. Also, you can be more peaceful and relaxed when your baby is with your partner.

You can also ask your extended family to babysit and go on a lunch date with your husband.

Activities You Can Do During Your Me-Time

If you're confused about what you can do during your me time, here are some ideas.

A Long Shower

I know that you hear your baby crying the moment you turn on your shower, and your bath time is like a quick bathroom break and is no more relaxing. So, you can use your alone time for a long, relaxing shower or an Epsom salt bath.

Nap Like a Baby

My mom always tells me, “Sleep while the baby sleeps”. I bet every one of you must have had someone tell you this. Why not follow their advice at least on this? Hit the bed with your favourite blanket and some lavender essential oil, relax, feel your body sink into the bed and drift away.

Spend Time Outdoors

Do you know that vitamin D is not just important for your bone health but also is a great mood regulator? I know taking care of a little human is mentally very exhausting, so why not bask in the outdoor sun and get that shot of vitamin D just to elevate your mood and feel better.

Playing With Pets or Gardening

Pets are great for your mental health, and you may not have enough time to play with your pet postpartum. You can spend your me-time playing with your pets. Or if you are a plant parent, use this time to be with your plants, gardening, and spend some time with nature.

Exercise

A great way to relieve all your stress and boost your happy hormones. Also helps you shed the baby weight and stay healthy. Exercising need not always be hitting the gym or going for a run. A simple stretching session, yoga, or lifting some weights will do.

Remember to consult your doctor before you do any exercise postpartum, and do not force yourself. Listen to your body and go with the flow. You can also include a 10 to 15-minute meditation or mindful breathing in your workout routine.

Read Your Favourite Book

If you love reading books, then this can be a relaxing activity for you. If you are too tired to start a new book, you can read your favorite book or some magazines.

Cooking/Baking

As mothers, we always cook in a hurry or according to our babies' needs. Every meal is well planned and nutrient-dense. We almost forgot what our favorite dish is. You can use your me-time to cook your favourite dish, or you can bake something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

I prefer cooking my meals in peace, and it is one of my favourite activities to do during my me-time.

Skin Care

Use this time for your six-step or eight-step skin care. Get that relaxing hair spa or a pedicure. Or if you don’t have time for all this, just put on a face mask, listen to your favourite music, sip on your favorite herbal tea, and relax.

Catch Up With Your Friends and Family

When was the last time you spoke to your best friend or that relative of yours? Try calling your best friend or your mom, or someone you have been wanting to catch up with, and have a hearty conversation. This can be very relaxing, and you will be cleared of your mental weight.

Revisit Your Hobbies

Make use of this time to explore the creative side of yours. Hobbies like drawing, painting, knitting, and writing can be very relaxing. You can also learn new skills like Madala art, crochet, or even learn a new language.

Journaling

Put your rushing thoughts on a piece of paper and see how it feels. It helps calm your mind. Also, don’t forget to write about the things you are grateful for.

What To Do if Your Baby Interrupts Your Me-Time

Most days, a few hours into the morning, I start counting the hours until my baby's nap time. I meticulously finish all the work before that so I can do the activity I have planned for my me-time. But on most days, my baby refuses to nap, or even if I succeed in making her sleep, the moment I happily start my activity, I hear the baby cry again.

This is a common scenario that every mom can relate to. So what can you do in such situations? First thing, stay calm. Your baby may nap an hour or two later. And you can take your me-time then. If you have your spouse or someone else to take care of your child, then don't drop your activity halfway, the moment you hear your baby cry.

On some days, your little one may need more attention than others, and you may not get any me-time, though this does not happen every day. You've got to be patient on those days if your child is very small or if they can understand, you can talk to your child about how their Mumma needs some time for herself and what activities they can do while you take your time off.

Or if you wish, you can include your little one in the activity you are doing, like baking, painting, Exercising etc.,.

Before becoming a mom, we would never have thought that being alone all by yourself would be a big thing, just like how sleep became a luxury. Our babies matter the most to us and vice versa. They deserve the best in everything; likewise, they deserve a happy, relaxed parent.

Talk to your spouse and your family about your need for alone time to create a supportive environment. Remember, through this, you are teaching your child the importance of self-care from a very young age.

Take care of your little ones with lots of love and show at least a little love to yourself. Remind yourself that “Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Stay healthy, stay happy, and wishing you the best.

Toodles.....