I don’t know about you, but when I didn’t have kids, “me time” had a very different definition. It meant hanging out with friends, long trips to the store for shopping and dinner, and stretches of time when I actually felt bored. I don’t even remember what bored feels like anymore (does it still exist…?). It left me thinking about how I *do* actually squeeze in me time throughout the week.
Here’s my take on how I’m actually finding “me time” during the day with two kids at home…
What “Me Time” Really Looks Like After Kids
A drive to nowhere.
When the kids have had an unusually loud day and Mom needs a break. You pile everyone in the car and drive to nowhere. Why? Because it’s the closest thing we get to a fifteen minute break and the change in scenery actually feels like a mini vacay…
Having an extended visit to the restroom.
Before, it used to mean tummy troubles, but now it means extra time to sit without any distractions and noise. Until little hands start coming underneath the closed door – does that ever stop being creepy?!
Staying awake.
The kids are asleep and it’s “me time” even if I can barely keep my eyes open because I’m exhausted from the day. But, they’ve finally posted Scandal on Hulu…eyes, you are impervious to sleep.
Extra “sleep” in the morning.
When I’m barely waking up and I know that I need to get up to start the day, but instead I roll over and throw the covers over my head for extra warmth and darkness – ME TIME.
Staring at my cup of coffee.
When I’m holding my cup of joe and thinking about how grateful I am to live in a time when caffeine practically falls from the sky, that cup of coffee is all about me. But, if I’m really lucky, I’m staring into a cup of Starbucks. Starbucks is the new me time.
An extended chat at the park.
You know, when you keep telling the kids “just five more minutes and then we’re leaving.” And, then suddenly it’s half an hour later because you’ve been chatting it up with the other mom who’s looking for me time at the park, too. Yah, that totally counts.
Washing the dishes.
I know, I shouldn’t admit this one, but when you’re tired from the day and you swap bathing the kids with your partner to wash the dishes instead. Totally counts as me time. Who knew loading the dish washer could be so rejuvenating?
Waiting for school to get out.
I don’t know…do I need to explain this one? Sometimes I let my little one who fell asleep in the car to rest peacefully for a few more minutes before we rush in to grab my preschooler. Shh, sweet baby…it’s me time…
While you know these are just for fun, it is true how much “me time” has changed since motherhood.
And, finding time for yourself throughout the day really is important.
While I’m hopeful that “me time” will have open hours again in the future, I’ll gladly take the fleeting me time throughout the day in exchange for extended hours of little kid time.
Because we all know that I’ll be hoping for less “me time” and more “them time” when my kids are all grown up.
And, “them time” totally rocks, don’t you think?
Haley says
Hey Katie! Gotta love “me time”. I only have a 4 month old so far and I already relate to almost every one! Even when me time just consists of a 1 minute break.
-Haley
http://www.homeofhappy.com
Katie Joiner says
Haley, you’re too sweet! It’s amazing how fast it all goes by – I hope you’re enjoying every moment with your 4 month old! Thanks for stopping by ~ Katie
Sammy G says
i actually read this on a “me” break! Today that looks like a couple hours out having dinner with myself, while hubby puts my toddler to bed. Ahh, such a lovely moment! He knows how much nicer I am after having a mini vacation, so he encourages me. I liked your post!
Lauren Tamm says
You have such an amazing blog! I just love your posts. I’m always taking little short sanity breaks throughout the day. My favorite is to sneak chocolate into the bathroom. Sounds gross, but sometimes you just have to go somewhere and hide for 5 minutes and enjoy a piece of heaven 🙂
Katie Joiner says
Lauren!! You’re the sweetest 🙂 And, now every time I head to the bathroom, I’m totally taking chocolate – haha!!
Jen says
I’m definitely guilty of extra time in the bathroom and staying awake (especially staying awake!) – haha. Thanks for sharing. This definitely gave me a chuckle. 🙂
Jill says
I smiled at every one of these! I also love “me time” when I get to sneak out grocery shopping all alone! With two out of three kids home with me this past year, I must say, it was hard to find good quality me time…
Katie Joiner says
Love it, Jill! It’s so true…who knew things like grocery shopping could be so relaxing?! 🙂
Heather says
That first one is always the best. If my 10 month old is having a bad day I plunk him in the car seat and we go for a nice drive. Usually out on the country roads where I can look at all the different properties I’d love to own someday. It’s so nice to just have a half hour to day dream.