Putting yourself on a time out

One of my favorite pics with Mom. 
I love that even though I'm a handful, she still has a smile on her face.

While raising our two girls I wanted to put it in their thought process that it's ok to take care of yourself, to spend time pampering yourself.  It's ok to take the time to relax and nourish your body, mind and soul. So many times as women we forget that 'me time' isn't selfish; it's necessary. Just like on an airplane when they say for you to put your oxygen mask on first before someone else's. If you run yourself into the ground then what good are you to the people in your life that need you.

Laughing with my baby girls. Love being their mom!

1. Time management

Whether you are a single woman, stay at home mom, working mom, or retired grandma time can and will get away from you if you don't manage it well. Planning out your week makes your anxiety and stress levels plummet. Just like the saying "there is a place for everything and everything in its place". There is a TIME for everything. (That's also biblical)

I plan out my week on Sunday. I pencil in any doctors appointments, errands, phone calls, etc. 

2. Schedule 'Me' time

The coffee just tastes better on Friday morning!

I have one hard, fast rule about my week: Friday mornings are mine. From 8:30-12noon I will not answer my phone, text, or make appointments. If there is an emergency my family calls my husband. You see, I have been taking care of my elderly mother-in-law for 8 years. She needs a patient, caring caregiver. I have 2 adult children that look to me to support their endeavors in life. I'm their cheerleader, support system, etc. I have a husband that is retired now and wants my time as well. I also have a house to manage, and an amazing grandson I like to spend time with. In order for me to be all that for them I need some time to refuel. That's where Friday mornings come in. Now you may have small children or work outside the home so a 3 hour break once a week isn't possible. But some time set aside even if it's just 10 minutes 2 or 3 times a week is key to being the best you that you can be. Enter this time in your weekly schedule. Hold it as a VIP APPOINTMENT! Because this really is one of the most important things you can do for you and your family.

3. Cut yourself some slack

No one is perfect and if you are looking for perfection all you are going to find is failure. Strive for excellence - NOT perfection. Women tend to be harder on themselves than anyone else in their lives. We are setting ourselves up to fail at things because we have a attitude of 'if its not perfect then it wrong and it's my fault'. Unless your name is Jesus Christ you are never going to be perfect. It's time to give yourself a break. Perfectionism robs you of your joy. It's ok while the kids are napping to have a cup of tea and relax for 15 minutes. Even if there are  toys on the floor and laundry in the hamper. It's ok, I promise.  

4. No excuses! Make it happen! You're worth it!

It's important to remember that taking care of yourself is an act of love just like taking care of your loved ones. In order to be the best version of yourself you need to take a break and refuel. I know with younger kids that's so hard. My 'me time' when my girls were younger was during nap time. My Mom advised me to take nap time to relax, not scrub the floors.  When naps stopped and they were in school I had my 'Me time' right after their bedtime. After my break THEN I would spend time with Smokin hot hubby. I had a thing I did that 30 minutes before bed time: the tv and videos went off and we had family cleanup. This way when the girls went to bed I could truly relax because the house was straightened up.   

I hope these tips and sharing my experiences helps you. So many times as women we are told it's selfish to want 'me time.'  But I say it's crucial for women to take the time to care for themselves. Your family will thank you for it.

This weekend will be part 2 of my side dish blog post series. So, be watching for that. Again thanks for your support and I'm loving your requests for blog posts. Keep them coming because I will get to all of them. 

Remember to enjoy your life, cherish your family, and always count your blessings. 

Lar