You deserve a breather today. Scratch that. You deserve a breather every single day. And by “breather,” I mean time that’s all about you. Call it “me time,” “alone time,” or “everyone-get-out-of-my-face time.” No matter what you label it, you absolutely need to prioritize it. And please, stop feeling like taking a break makes you a selfish or inadequate mom. It doesn’t.
Take it from me, a seasoned mom who has seen far too many mothers martyr themselves by neglecting their own needs and ultimately hitting rock bottom. Every once in a while, you need to step away. Just step away. From everything and everyone who relies on you.
How often do you need that time? It’s entirely up to you. For some, one hour a week is sufficient. For others, two hours a day is essential to maintain a shred of sanity. Whatever your personal requirement, you need it — and there’s nothing selfish about that. Here’s why:
1. Everyone Needs a Break, Even in Small Doses.
I can’t think of anyone, at any age, who doesn’t benefit from hitting their own personal control+alt+delete during the day. Moms especially need to embrace the restart button frequently. It helps to keep resentment and guilt at bay. So, take that time to reboot, even if it’s just a quick 20 minutes. Little breaks lead to happier returns.
2. Your Time Away From the Kids is Just That — YOURS.
I enjoy a classic moms’ night out, but I’ll be honest: I don’t want to talk about kids while I’m out. I want to enjoy my time away from them. Your escape is yours, so do whatever makes you feel restored. If skipping a moms’ night out to binge-watch your favorite show and munch on peanut M&Ms feels right, then go for it.
3. Guilt is a Ridiculous Myth.
Seriously, it’s just a big, fat lie. Who’s handing out perfect mom awards? No one, that’s who! Don’t fall for the unrealistic expectations of flawless motherhood. You are the only one who gets to determine how much time you spend with your kids. And there are absolutely no medals for it. So if you’d rather not play another round of Candy Land or assemble Legos for hours, that’s perfectly fine. If you need to let them watch TV for a bit with a snack while you recharge, do it. And send that nagging guilt packing.
4. Put Your Oxygen Mask On First.
It’s really that simple, yet so many moms overlook it. You can’t care for your children effectively if you’re a burnt-out mess. Exhaustion leads to resentment and discontent, which can escalate into frustration or indifference — both of which are not ideal for parenting. It’s like the old saying: if you don’t give a mom a break, she’ll lose her cool. And when she does, chaos reigns.
5. Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder.
Nothing makes your kids seem more lovable than a little time apart. Being away helps you remember that their endless neediness is also a sign of how much they depend on you. Taking some time away allows you to appreciate how special it is to be their mom. When you return recharged, the reunion can be nothing short of amazing.
In conclusion, taking “me time” is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for your well-being and for being the best mom you can be. If you want to explore more about fertility treatment, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination at March of Dimes.