5 Ways In Which I Find ‘Me-time’

‘Me-time’ or ‘time for myself’ is perhaps a new buzz word. I don’t think my mother ever obsessed about the lack of her ‘me-time’ when she took care of her household and kids, occupied with something or the other throughout the day. But this new generation? What to say about the demanding women of this new generation!

Every mother – new or not-so-new – would know how it is easy to get sucked into various responsibilities and commitments, and let go of your time for yourself. [Although it may not be a rule but it generally happens with women]. There is always something else that takes precedence over her. But I have come to realize in my 2 years of motherhood that it is extremely important to find that ‘me-time’, not only for your own sanity but also for giving more to other relationships and roles.

These are the 5 Ways in which I find my ‘me-time’:

1. Mornings: Getting up a little earlier than the whole household goes a long way in setting the mood for the day. If I wake up along with my son, a lot of things does not get sorted or streamlined since he starts following me, seeking my attention. The schedule goes for a toss. So, I like waking up before him and take in the mornings at a slow pace – doing a bit of yoga / exercises or going for a walk / jog.
2. Afternoons: I do not subscribe to the afternoon beauty nap. First of all, since I am cooped up inside the house for the most of the day, for most of the week; I prefer keeping myself active all the time. In fact, I never sleep in the afternoons or even sit for a long time for that matter. I know many Mommies use this time [when the little ones are sleeping], to finish off chores or plan for dinners etc. I knew I needed to have time for reading and writing to keep my sanity, so I hired a cook for all my cooking. She cooks my breakfast and lunch in the morning and dinner in the evening while I cook for the little one on need-basis. Most of the time, this is the slot when I read books or surf internet, and sometimes write.
3. Nights: The time when I am really able to write better is after putting my toddler to sleep at night. Once he is in bed [between 9-9.30 pm], I am in the best frame of mind to write. I can read all the time, in any situation or place, but I need a relaxed state of mind to organize my thoughts to write. In afternoons, I am usually checking on my son every few minutes; so it never really offers a good time to write.
4. At Home: Since our ‘star’ is over 2 years now, he has started going out with Daddy on his own [without Mommy]. I encourage them to go out together, which offers me a relaxed time at home. I would like to read during this time but invariably I end up putting the house in order [which is another of my passions]. A clean house with everything in place is an instant mood-lifter for me, while the process helps me de-stress.
5. On my own: After my son’s first birthday, I started going out for movies or lunch or shopping with my friend once I went alone too. I don’t go too often but whenever I do, I enjoy that break a lot. It reminds me of old times when I could just while away my time by window shopping or sipping coffee at my favourite café.

To many, it may look frivolous; and many might judge me for wanting to take time off from family. But I feel that it is important to de-stress and be happy from within. Unless you are happy with yourself and your situation, you would not be able to offer love and happiness to other people in your life.

So what is your de-stress mantra? How do you find your me-time?

Reema Sahay is a Stay-At-Home-Mom, Freelance Writer, Voracious Reader, Passionate Blogger, Social Media Enthusiast, Internet Junkie and Ex-Marketing Communication Professional. She spends her days running after her very curious toddler, ‘the star’, and catching up on books when he naps. She writes about charms and challenges of life at Pen Paper and shares her passion for books at Recommend Books. She sometimes feels that her 5.5 years stint in Marketing Communication was in another life