Sometimes being a mom means you lose some time to yourself. We have all seen the funny memes on social media that portray a mom and her lack of time alone. Every time I see one I can’t help but laugh. But we have heard it time and time again how important it is for us moms to be able to have some time to ourselves. It is time to recharge and recenter our minds in order to be the type of mom we aspire to be for our kids. The good news is I don’t have to go too far to get some “me time.” That is one of the great aspects of Omaha. The trick is being able to set aside time for myself. In the past year, I’ve made a more conscious effort to make time to care for myself.
Make the appointment!
Before I had my second kid, I would get my hair cut whenever I found the time. It ended up being about once a year and it wasn’t working out. Frustrated with the mop I called my hair, I usually found myself struggling to get an appointment on short notice. Now I make my appointment three months in advance and commit to it. My husband and I share an online calendar so I know I’m picking a day and time when he can watch both kids.
This has changed my life! Although it may be a small amount of time that I get all to myself, my hair stylist and I still have a chance to catch up and have adult conversation. In the end, I walk out feeling like a renewed person. The truth is I never really change up my look, but I changed how much time I give to take care of myself.
Follow your dreams! (Check off that bucket list!)
Having a family was definitely a dream of mine growing up. But there are other goals I also want to accomplish. For instance, sewing has been a skill I’ve always wanted to learn. Having a hobby while raising two young children is tough enough. How much more in finding the time to take on a new one? I am pleased to say “I did it!” (Check!) I found a class that lasted only a couple of hours and learned the basics to sewing.
Personal Time Off – Take it!
If you have PTO, I would recommend to take a random day off every once in a while to really enjoy some “personal” time off. This means not out running a bunch of errands but instead treating yourself to a 90-minute massage, getting a manicure or pedicure (or both!) or actually taking the time to finally read a book for leisure. How about having an uninterrupted lunch with your husband at a local restaurant? There are tons throughout Omaha!
There is no denying we love our kids and that we wish to be with them always. However, it is important for us to set aside time for ourselves and not feel guilty about it. Omaha is not only a great place for kids and family time, but it is also a great place for moms!
You are so, right, Jacqueline: taking time to recharge is important!
You’re right, Jacqueline. Half the battle is just making the appointment. Once it’s made, we can work around it and carve out some “me” time. I loved the idea of taking a class to learn a new skill.