As a Mom to three kids under the age of 4, I am no stranger to the struggle Mom’s often have carving out some “Me Time”.

Everyone has a different opinion of what constitutes “Me Time”. Many people will argue that sneaking upstairs for a shower without a tiny audience doesn’t cut it. Others will say that you have to leave the house to truly get time to yourself. Some will say that all that matters is that you are happy during this time. This last one is what I believe.

What Is Your “Make Or Break It”

Everyone has one. That one thing that you need to accomplish everyday. For me it is simple. I need time to have a shower and dry my hair, ideally before 9am. Seems easy right? Wrong.

My three kids love to wake up at the exact same time as each other, but at what time changes day to day. So setting an alarm to get up before them doesn’t work. Not to mention my youngest is only 2 months old, so her schedule is still quite unpredictable. Usually I get the kids up, dress them, and feed them breakfast before I can go to shower. And I have to accomplish this task before Jake leaves for work, the time of which also varies day to day.

I know many people would argue this is not true “Me Time” but for me it is. When I get to go upstairs alone, have my shower, get dressed, dry my hair, and just think – I am happy. It’s a bit of quiet time for me before the craziness of the day really begins. Oh, and I find baby gates are very handy to ensure I get no surprise visitors.

Accept The Help That Is Offered

It is easy to want to feel like a Super Mom, and be able to handle everything under the sun – or at least under your roof. Trust me, I am this Mom. I am admittedly a bit of a control freak, and I like things done a certain way. When someone offers to watch my kids, my first instinct is to tackle my To-Do List. I have to make a conscious effort to do other things that are more for ME and less for my household.

Some great ways to spend some “Me Time” are:

• Take a nap – especially in the early weeks & months with a newborn’s unpredictable sleep schedule.
• Curl up in a cozy chair or in bed and read – your favourite book or a few magazines that have been piling up.
• Head to the gym or to a yoga class – bonus points if you meet a friend there
• Make an appointment to get your hair cut or nails done
• Meet a friend for coffee or lunch – catch up on life outside the newborn world of diapers, spit up, onesies, and never-ending laundry
• Get outside for a hike or walk – fresh air always does a wonderful job of rejuvenating you

Whatever you decide makes you happy, do that. As often as you can. Communicate to your husband, partner and family that you need time to take care of yourself so that you can better take care of everyone else.

It doesn’t matter if you are a first time mom, or have been around the parenting block a few times. Make the time, take the time, enjoy your “Me Time”.

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