Time for self-care?!

Question

Does anyone have thoughts on how to carve out time in a busy schedule for self-care? I'm a working mom and the idea of hitting up a workout class or going for a facial in lieu of time with my child just doesn't seem feasible. Does anyone have any suggestions in how to build this in to a work week?

RachelH · Answer

I learned this lesson the hard way. Until I made my own self-care, and specifically regularly scheduled me time each week a priority, I was burned out, stressed, depressed and and less productive in every area of my life. I understand the struggle completely. I have zero family support and a husband that works nights and weekends so I have to pay or child care swap for additional child care.  If you can swing a baby sitter, or even a mother's helper (less expensive) who can come watch your child for a couple hours, do it! Make this time regular, like once a week. Then you will psychologically know that regular time is coming for you to enjoy (this is huge). Other options are family members (if you have them), friends, and joining meetups or mom groups to meet other moms who you can build friendships with and then trust to child care swap. Also, if able, you can join a gym with child care that you trust and you don't always have to work out. I frequently go to the gym cafe, and just sit and read. The moment we decided to budget for this 'mom time' and make my weekly personal time a priority it felt like a weight had been lifted and I started performing better in every area of my life.

Gabi Souza-DuBenion · Answer

For me, self-care looks like getting exercise.  I squeeze it in by walking to the grocery store or bank- it adds 15 minutes on each side of the trip, but if I bring my grocery cart I can carry as much as I ever need to buy, and I feel virtuous as heck about it.
When I was ~12 my dad, a divorced dad of two daughters, started to visit the gym during his lunch break a couple of days a week.  We could tell the difference in him, because he'd be so cheerful when he came home.  As a former child let me say: 30 minutes with happy mom is way better than 1 hour with stressed, tired mom.

Donna Sherry · Answer

When my child was younger, I would set up playdates for 2 hours twice a week with another 2 mom's my child was friendly with-and we'd swap out so they could get time too. Now that my kiddo is older, I drag him to the gym?and I get up at 4:15am to get daily me time-best of luck.

Time for self-care?!

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.