Squeezing in a little you time even when there is nowhere to go

Life is crazy! Especially when you are stuck at home all the time with your kids. I mean, I love spending time with my kids, but being stuck at home gives you little do to and no escape, no mom pockets. We’ve been spending many hours outdoors, but these outdoor adventures do not satisfy my want or need to feel accomplished and complete some of my tasks throughout the day. I want to be selfish and accomplish something for myself as well as them. I want to feel like I did something.

I want to have a sense of self worth that goes beyond just caring for my kids.

I am sure your story is similar to mine and before the kiddos arrived you enjoyed playing piano, going for runs or scrapbooking, but once the boys arrived I lost time for these tasks that brought me joy. I filled my day with meaningless items like laundry, picking up and dishes. I lost complete site of my hobbies and what brought me joy. I was finding myself more stressed, unhappy and just emotionally drained. I couldn’t find time to recharge because I was always moving to the next thing or the next task someone was asking of me. I needed a little space.

This is when I decided that I needed to emotionally recharge myself. I needed some mom pockets! Just like sleeping and rest recharge our physical body our emotions need a reset as well.

Constantly giving to others leaves your pitcher empty and dry, unless you refill the pitcher you cannot give anymore. You need to recharge with mom pockets.

This is where “mom pockets” help me to recharge throughout the day and fit in a little me time. Now that some of my boys are a little older 6, 4, 20 months. The older two boys can entertain themselves for short periods of time. Playing legos together or another game. Usually when my youngest takes a nap I use this time to play individually with each of the older kids. I set a time for 10 minutes each. They each get there 10 minutes of mommy time, then I tell them its time for mommy’s mommy time. I’ll set the timer again for 10 minutes. I use this time to practice my piano, scrapbook or read. If one of the boys comes up to me I say, it’s mommy time. if it is not an emergency it can wait until the timer goes off.

I do this 2-3 three times during nap time. I know, 10 minutes is not a lot of time and some days I am able to squeeze in more, but having some sort of mental break and focusing on what is important to you, helps decrease stress and anxiety when dealing with small children all day. I find myself more prepared to deal with the endless questions, games and legos. I am more happy and more me.

Try just one 10 minute increment and see if you can increase the time. Maybe have three small moments like mine. I am hoping as the boys get over I can squeeze in a little more time to play piano, but anything is a break.

Are you able to squeeze in mommy time through the day? Let me know in the comments below!