From the moment you welcome your baby into the world, they become your new priority. The journey to come is filled with precious moments and milestones, and you may well wonder what you did before this bundle of joy entered your life.
Endeavouring to cater to your baby’s every need can be exhausting – and you’re not alone! According to a recent study carried out by Baby Dove, 25 percent of Irish mums characterised motherhood as ‘hard-working’.
With so much to juggle and a baby to look after, it can be all-too easy to forget about ourselves – which is why it can be important to clear a space every day for ‘me time’.
While everyone’s routine and circumstances are unique, here are some tips that mums can find helpful when trying to fit in some daily ‘me time’.
1. Make the most of the little moments
2. Try to plan ahead as best as you can
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support
4. Make your children’s bedtime count
5. Introduce ‘quiet time’ with your pre-schoolers
6. Try to remember that you deserve this
7. Get the little ones involved
8. It’s OK to say ‘no’ sometimes
You know those moments when you just need to ‘take 15’ for a coffee and a breather? This can be enough to give you the headspace you need and refresh your focus. Catching 15 minutes to read a chapter of your favourite book over a cup of tea, while your baby sleeps, can recharge the batteries just enough to keep you motoring ahead for the rest of the day.
Planning ahead could ultimately save you time each day, and you can redistribute that free time as you wish; flicking through a magazine, taking a walk with your little one, or even attending a class.
When you become a mother, you also become aware of how important your community is. There can be days when you are left with so much to juggle that you don’t know how you’ll get it all done. In these times, it can be important to make that call or send that message asking for help – you could be pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference it will make.
We know only too well that a mum’s job is never over, and you can still be on the clock even when your little one is sleeping soundly. Bedtime can offer a chance for you (and your partner, should you have one) to enjoy some downtime in the evening. Whether it’s curling up on the couch with the latest episode of your favourite boxset, or discussing the day over a glass of wine with a friend or loved one; taking this time is important.
If you’re a mum to a pre-schooler, in particular, it can be helpful to introduce ‘quiet time’ during your day together. This could be a 20-minute period where they work on puzzles or read their favourite picture book, while you look on with a cup of coffee and your favourite soothing music playing in the background. Many mums favour this tip, as it can allow you to take a ‘breather’ while your little one gets the chance to play and learn independently.
If you ever feel that guilt starting to creep in as you do something nice for yourself, try to remember that you deserve it. Being a mum can be very demanding and requires a lot of time and care, and a little treat here and there can make all the difference. You deserve a little time to yourself, so try to remind yourself of this.
Just because it’s called ‘me time’, doesn’t mean you have to do it alone – or without your children, for that matter. Many mums like to enrol in a Mother and Baby/ Child class, where they can learn or enjoy a hobby alongside their little one. From baby massage with your newborn, to music with your toddler, and yoga with your pre-schooler; a class can offer you and your little one the chance to enjoy ‘me time’ together.
As mothers, we are so used to looking after others that our first response when we are asked for help is, “Yes, of course!” Sometimes, however, by trying to please everyone else, we can end up putting ourselves under pressure. If you’re exhausted and need a little chill time to yourself, it’s OK to sometimes say ‘no’ to an invitation or request.
