A Busy Parents Guide To More Me Time – The Dos & Don’ts

Everyone needs a little Me-Time to thrive. The good news is you can find out all about how to do Me-Time as a busy parent below. Read on for more. 

Do learn to say NO

I know, I know as parents we are conditioned to say yes, to put the needs of our children ahead of our own time and time again. The problem with this is that you just can’t keep giving it your own cup. That is why we have to learn to say no sometimes. 

It can be hard to do though, and at first, it might feel as if it’s not worth the internal stress and hassle that it creates. But over time learning to say no as a full sentence, without needing to explain yourself or apologise can be a real gift. 

There are many people you may need to learn to say no to, including your own parents, your work, your friends and even your partner and kids from time to time. However, it’s important to use your common sense and discretion, especially when it comes to the kids as they’ll need their basic needs taken care of and to be kept safe no matter what.  

Don’t let jobs invade your time. 

Have you ever sat down for a well-earned rest, only to glance at your to-do list and start dealing with the smaller tasks as you watch TV? You may even think well if I don’t do them no one else will. 

Of course, this may be true, but if you let even small tasks infringe on your time, you run the risk of not bothering with it altogether. After all, why have Me-Time if it’s just spent booking things online, ordering the shopping, or sewing labels into clothes? Instead, you need to robustly guard your Me-Time, and make sure you get space to do what you want only. In this way, you can truly get a break and rest. 

Do practice mindfulness 

There is a lot of chat about mindfulness online and in the media right now, but it can be helpful when it comes to me. However, it may not quite be in the way you expect. This is because mindfulness is often portrayed as a special level of consciousness where we are always aware of everything that is going on inside our bodies and around us. 

The funny thing is that mindfulness is actually just the practice of doing nothing, and observing what that is like. What this means is that mindfulness practice or doing a sitting or moving meditation can be a great way to spend your time. Just be sure to not try too hard with it. Instead, the trick is to recognize your mind will wander and just bring it back gently and with compassion time and time again. 

Don’t let other people trample your boundaries. 

It’s easier to say that we will take an hour to ourselves, but much harder when a loved one crashes through the door with a problem only we can solve. The solution here is to stick to your boundaries which can be tough when dealing with both adults and kids. 

This is because kids don’t always have a good idea of what boundaries are so they cross them more easily. They also don’t always understand why a busy parent may need 20 minutes to themselves when all they want is for you to play with them. 

Adults can be tricker because they should understand boundaries but many don’t. Some even understand them but prioritise their own needs over your boundaries and they can be the trickiest people of all to deal with. The good news is you can get some support on maintaining boundaries around your time here. 

Do embrace pleasure in your Me-Time  

Let’s list all the things I don’t have time for. It’s not: 

• doing the washing up, 
• making the beds, 
• studying,
• taking a work call, 
• cooking dinner for the family. 

Instead, my time where possible should be about doing something that brings you pleasure and joy. Now the precise activity will differ from person to person but some excellent examples include: 

• Reading a book of your choice for pleasure. Many people choose novels and join book clubs to help them keep their commitment to this. 
• Enjoying a new vape flavour. New experiences can be particularly enjoyable, and a fruity new vape flavour or a novel tea can give your brain just the stimulation it needs. 
• Doing arts and crafts. Many of us think that spending our time being creative is frivolous. Yet, the truth of it is creativity is like oxygen and even a small amount of time dedicated to it each week revitalises how we feel about life. 
• Doing a hobby. Me-Time can be spent doing so many wonderful hobbies that nourish your soul and improve your life. Team sports, horse riding, collecting, golf, gardening and photography are just some of the ways you can use your time to experience pleasure. 

Don’t make it just another thing on your to-do list. 

For busy people, there is a risk that committing to Me-Time ends up as just another thing to do on your growing to-do list. I think that the way you approach Me-Time can help this from happening. Remember it’s less about getting the activity done that you have set for yourself and more about being present, having some Me-Time that is for you and making a commitment to yourself. 

Don’t forget that taking a nap is Me-Time too. 

Last of all, don’t forget that it’s perfectly acceptable to take a nap during your Me-Time. Indeed, rest is something that so many of us are missing from our days in today’s modern and busy world. 

Napping can give you the energy you need to go on with the rest of your day. It can also help revive your body and allow you to focus better. It can also be a lot of fun especially if you make it as comfortable for yourself as possible with a fleece blanket, an eye mask, and a very soft pillow. Nice!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.