There are times in our lives when we need to make time for ourselves. Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and family life. Maybe you’re feeling stressed out and anxious all the time. Or maybe you just need a little time to relax and rejuvenate. Whatever the reason, it is crucial for your wellbeing.
When you take the time to focus on your own well-being, you’ll be better able to concentrate on your responsibilities and enjoy your life. There are many ways to make time for yourself – from taking a relaxing bath to reading a good book. The key is to find something that works for you and that allows you to recharge your batteries. Remember: self-care is key to living a healthy and happy life!
Although it’s important to take time out for yourself may not be easy, especially if you don’t have a support network local to you. Even if you can have some short breaks each year, these can allow you to regain some of your identity outside of parenthood, and even make that time together more fun.
Figure out what you want from your time for yourself
You need to figure out what you need and want from your time for yourself in order to make it work for you. It’s important to recognise that this will look different for everyone. Some things you might want to consider are: spending time in nature, practicing meditation or mindfulness, taking yoga or pilates classes, doing creative things, spending time with friends and family, and reading or writing. Once you’ve figured out what works for you, make a schedule and stick to it. This way, you’ll be able to make time for yourself without feeling guilty or stressed out. Self-care is essential for a healthy life, and with a little planning and effort, you can make it work for you.
Have evenings out together
Some couples, or single parents, may only have a few hours here and there to spend to themselves. Therefore, you might want to try and make the most of it. Using a website specialised in reservations and tickets can allow you to find some fun evenings out, whether that be going to an attraction or even seeing a show. You may want to ensure that you have confirmed childcare for that evening, and then book those tickets as quickly as possible. When time to yourself is a precious commodity, it can be a good idea to take those chances as and when they come, including booking any events well in advance so that you aren’t disappointed.
Save your money
When you know you want to spend time on your own, you might want to ensure you have the money to do so. Should you find yourself with a few days to yourself, you may want to take a mini break away from home. While you could stay within the UK, you might also be able to go further afield, such as taking a cheap break in France for two or three nights. However, it is also important to remember that raising a child can cost a significant sum of money. This means you may need to save little and often to be able to afford to do so.
Look after your wellbeing
There are a number of reasons why having time away from your children can be a good thing for both of you. Being able to see and enjoy things as an adult can be incredibly refreshing. At the same time, it can also be nice to hear your actual name, rather than Mum or Dad. This time can be spent working on yourself as well as relaxing. You might want to use it to go to the spa, or even have an intense session at the gym. It can also help to teach children that the world doesn’t revolve around them, and let them understand that parents need care too.
Making time for yourself, and being with your partner, can help you to feel better within yourself and reclaim your sense of identity. This may also help to strengthen your relationship and keep the romance alive. It’s important not to feel guilty about having some time to yourself so that your children may then grow up understanding a person’s need for a little ‘me time’, and take that knowledge into adulthood.
Know that carving out time for yourself is not selfish, or self-centred, but it is an important way of ensuring that you are taking the time out to nourish yourself so you can be the best parent you can be against the backdrop the crazy world we live in.
