As a new mom, I now get it. Did you hear that (my sisters) Jen and Maria? I get it! I get it even more because my family is across the country and I cannot just drop my little guy off at grandmom and grandpop’s.
I also find it ironic that I am writing this article on the day that for the first time of my life, I literally ran out of gas. I did not want to stop yesterday, for fear I would mess up naptime.
Fortunately, all was okay and my hubby was only a mile away with a gas can. However, I mention this because, sometimes us moms need a wake-up call to slow down and not try to be superhuman.
I want to preface this by saying that I am forever grateful for my beautiful baby boy. My husband and I are so lucky to be able to be there each morning when he wakes up, have playtime with him throughout the day and create a special bedtime. But, we also need that time to refresh and regroup, so we can make each waking moment wonderful.
According to an older article by Francesca Castagnoli on CNN.com, “Moms should have at least 15 to 20 minutes of 'me' time a day to decompress, especially between afternoon and evening, says health psychologist Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D., author of 'The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood'. Then about once a week you need a longer block of time to get out and do something for yourself.”
Parenting.com has some wonderful tips. They start with suggesting that moms “seek out child-friendly stores.”
One mom is quoted as loving IKEA, “because the kids could hang out in a supervised playroom for 30 minutes. A few years ago, when my two older ones both met the height requirement, I'd go there even when I didn't need to buy a rug or chair; I would buy a cinnamon roll and coffee in the snack shop and just revel in my grown-up thoughts until my time was up.”
Exercise (you knew I would mention it) is another great way to get some “me time.” Especially, if you are eating IKEA cinnamon rolls. You can either get up before the kids and work out or join a health club with childcare.
My son enjoys the gym childcare so much that I even bring him there on my days off. I sit in the café with a protein shake and my iPad and get some writing or article research done. The staff is wonderful and I am right there in case he needs me.
So if you’re a mom that may be running on empty, pull off to the side of the road, grab a coffee, call a friend to plan a spa day and most importantly DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS!
Online References:
“How Moms can Make Time for Themselves” by - Francesca Castagnoli of Parenting.com – CNN.com) CNN Cable News Network. Web 20 Aug. 2013.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/09/08/parenting.moms.time/index.html
“TLC for You – Parenting.com.” Parenting Magazine. Web 20 Aug. 2013.
http://www.parenting.com/article/tlc-for-you
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.happiwoman.com/
She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed August 21, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith