Some say me time for moms is not realistic or that it’s selfish. I say its necessary. We love our little people more than anything but sometime we just need some alone time! It’s safe to say that I am my best self when I make ‘me time’ a priority. Today I’m sharing a list of simple ways I have found over the past 2 years to squeeze in a little me time for moms.

We see so many peaceful picturesque moments captured on Instagram, and I often wonder how many of them are real. These photos were merely for the purpose of the post, and this is the reality of what was actually happening right outside the lens.  “Mama, please.. pleeeeease. Mine! Chocolate!” Our little buddies just can’t get enough of us, but the smallest amount of time for myself allows me to feel refreshed and to be a better mom and wife. Before I get started on my list of ideas, I have to say that the number one thing you can do to make me time for moms a reality is to make it a priority. I wasn’t always good at this. In fact, I used to resent Brett because he had certain fun things that he had planned weekly and monthly (like playing basketball with friends and season tickets to college basketball games) while I felt like I had nothing fun. I would go crazy inside every time he left, and finally broke down about it. The first thing he said was well why don’t you plan something? And that’s when it clicked that it’s not that hard but those opportunities aren’t just going to fall right into my lap.

Me Time for Moms

• Go for a drive.
  • I typically have a few days in a row where It’s just Michael and I. There’s no waiting for Brett to come home at the end of the day so that I can have a little break or help putting him to bed, so for some this might not seem like much of a break. But when I don’t have anyone around to help me, my car is my best friend! I will pack up my car with my planner, a book, headphones, and my computer and load up Michael in the car. Typically Michael will fall asleep if he hasn’t had a nap yet. Otherwise I will put on his favorite movie in the car and give him some of his favorite snacks. Sometimes I will even park at Starbucks and use their wifi from my car and enjoy some peace and quiet without the responsibility of chasing a toddler around.
• Schedule it out
  • It doesn’t matter what it is that you want to do, see what works in your schedule for the week and block out some time. (Even 30 minutes will do!)  The key for me is leaving the house, otherwise it never actually ends up being “alone” time.
• Get up earlier
  • When I wake up earlier, I have such a better day! Sometimes it is hard to get up and moving, but I never regret waking up early. Even if I just go downstairs with a glass of juice and catch up on a show or accomplish a small task before he wakes up, I feel so much more ready for the day once he wakes up.

• Try a new recipe
  • I love this idea, but I have to be in the right mood. Sometimes I don’t feel like going to the grocery store, cooking, and creating a ton of dirty dishes. Other times, I have the chance to go to the grocery store alone and it is so nice! Then I will cook a delicious meal while Brett plays with Michael anywhere but the kitchen. Most of the time it also entails playing my favorite playlist during the process! Then dinnertime comes and everyone is happy.
• Take a nap
  • Forget about all of the things you need to get done. When your kid takes a nap, stop everything and just rest!
• Make dates with friends
  • THIS is one of my favorite things. At the beginning of the month, find a date that works for you and your friends. Schedule it out and let the husbands know ahead of time to make sure they have blocked out this date because mama has plans. Dinner and a movie, a spa day, lunch and shopping… whatever you do, plan enough time so that you don’t have to rush home!

• Put on your comfiest clothes and do absolutely nothing.
  • This is one of those things you can do with or without your child home. Sometimes it’s a matter of setting up an activity for your child to do that will keep his attention for at least 20 minutes. Then sit your booty on the couch and don’t do a single thing. Bonus points if you turn your phone on airplane mode.
• Set up a “spa night” after bed time.
  • Whip out all of your favorite skincare, a face mask, maybe even a hair mask, light a candle and give yourself some TLC.
• Stash some goodies.
  • Always have some treats saved for when you’re having “one of those days.” I don’t drink soda daily, but I always have one can of Coke stashed in my fridge incase I need something to perk me up and brighten my day. Stash some chocolates or ice cream, but save it for THOSE days. It makes it that much more enjoyable when you really really need it. (The mini magnum ice cream bars are my favorite right now!)
• Trade with a friend.
  • I have mentioned this on here before, but one thing that has saved my sanity lately is trading babysitting with friends! One day I will watch my friends kid when she needs a break, and then she returns the favor when I’m in desperation!

Want to hear what other moms do to find time for themselves? I’m linking up with a group of bloggers (who are moms!) today:

Laura (Have Need Want) | Heather (My Life Well Loved) | Alyssa (Feathers and Stripes) | Samantha (The Samantha Show) | Caitlin (Confessions of a Northern Belle) | Lauren (Outfits & Outings) | April (April Golightly)

Photography by Bethany Paige Photography