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Every single time I board a plane (which has been incredibly frequent in the past several months), I always think about the speech the flight attendants give before the flight takes off. If you’ve ever been on an airplane, you know that parents traveling with small children are instructed to don their oxygen masks first. While simple enough, this lesson can be applied to life, particularly moms who often find themselves stretched thin.
When my son was a baby, I remember feeling guilt about the pressing, physiologic need for me to sleep. As they got older, I’d find myself taking showers just long enough to feel clean and eating cold meals only after my children were fed. Motherhood is undoubtedly sacrificial, as it should be. But every mother needs a break…to rejuvenate and take care of herself so she can be her best for her children.
Most moms feel some degree of guilt when they take time for themselves, although the reality is that this lessens (but never fades) as the years pass. Here are 5 Guilt-Free Things Every Mom Can Do To Get a Break:
1. Read a Book. I absolutely love to get lost in a good book and for a long time, sleep deprivation and busyness prevented me from engaging in something I’ve enjoyed since I was a child. The reality is that there are many small moments during the day where I can take time to read. Sometimes that is during a lunch break or right before I go to bed. Remember that reading doesn’t have to cost money if you visit your local public library.
2. Maintain Your Friendships. I’m always reminded of my identity as a woman, a daughter, and a friend when I maintain my adult relationships and friendships. Very often, our form of communication involves phone calls and text messages, but once in awhile we’ll schedule a girls night out to catch up on the latest film or life. Remember that these relationships will help rejuvenate you and provide support when you inevitably find yourself in a difficult season of life.
3. Think Outside of the Child Care Box. Do you belong to a gym? Go to church? Have a child in scouts or swim or sports? All of these activities provide moms small chunks of weekly time to take care of herself. You can also plan child care swaps with other moms without spending a penny.
4. Catch Up On Your Favorite TV Show or Film: Every Friday night is movie night in our home, and very often that means we’re watching something cute and animated. I absolutely love this time with my kids, but sometimes, I really want to catch up on the entertainment I’ve missed for the day, so I’ll open up Netflix on my laptop and don my headphones during this time.
5. Indulge in Your Favorite Treat: My kids know that I have a weakness for cold brew coffee and dark chocolate. I’ve been working hard at the gym to run a 10K, but I still allow myself the occasional treat. If you’re looking for a healthy indulgence, Müller Yogurt just introduced 4 new dessert-inspired flavors including Strawberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Brownie Supreme, Peach Cobbler, and Dulce De Leche Delight. Each yogurt also features a layer of fruit or caramel and crunchy toppings to give your yogurt that gourmet twist.
If you’re a mom, I’d love to hear how you get a break without the guilt!
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