Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted? Welcome to mum life! I feel you. And you know what always helps me when I feel burnt out? Me time.
Yep, you heard me right. Even as a super busy mother, taking some quality time for myself is an absolute game-changer.
And in this article, I (alongside some famous peeps) will convince you that “me time” should be a top priority in your life too.
So sit back, relax, and prepare to be convinced about the importance of “me time” as a mum.
To be a positive role model for your children
“When I get up and workout, I’m working out just as much for my girls as I am for me, because I want them to see a mother who loves them dearly, who invests in them, but who also invests in herself. It’s just as much about letting them know as young women that it is OK to put yourself a little higher on your priority list” – Michelle Obama
Children learn by what they see.
Suppose they see us eating leftovers while standing over the kitchen sink rather than sitting down to eat a healthy meal, attending parties when we are sick, rather than staying home to rest and over-scheduling our lives rather than leaving some space to ourselves. In that case, they are far more likely to think self-care is optional rather than necessary.
‘Me time’ to maintain your health
“If you don’t take care of your health today, you will be forced to take care of your illness tomorrow.” – Deepak Chopra
It might seem like you don’t have enough hours in the day to get even half of your to-do list checked off. However, you can only put off taking care of yourself for so long.
Our bodies are incredible. We put them under enormous pressure with stress, lack of sleep and less-than-perfect lifestyle choices. Think of those extra coffees and glasses of wine, and yet it battles on trying to maintain our optimal health.
Be wary though, as what might start as a niggle (like frequent colds, digestive issues, or other minor ailments) will become louder and louder until we listen. Don’t let a significant illness be what stops you and forces you to start taking care of yourself.
To support your mental health
“Women have to take the time to focus on our mental health – take time for self, for the spiritual, without feeling guilty or selfish. The world will see you, and treat you the way you treat yourself” – Beyonce
Self-care and self-love are connected. If we genuinely love and care about ourselves, we will make the time to care for our physical and mental health.
By showing ourselves some self-care and, in turn, self-love, we are mentally stronger to face life’s more considerable challenges. Self-care practices (like meditation, yoga and rest) also put us in a calmer frame of mind, more able to deal with mum life.
To serve your family and community
“Taking good care of YOU, means the people in your life will receive the best of you rather than what’s left of you.” – Carl Bryan
The analogy of filling your cup is a common one in self-care.
If you don’t do things to fill yourself up spiritually, emotionally, and physically you will end up empty.
The world needs the happy, fulfilled, best version of you, not the tired, burnout, resentful version. Your family and the wider community benefit if you are at your best.
This is why self-care is anything but selfish.
‘Me time’ makes us happy
“The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy – it’s all that matters” – Audrey Hepburn
You are important. Your happiness is essential. Self-care can be done in many different ways. To me, it is doing anything that makes me happy.
We have so many obligations and responsibilities as mums it’s easy to forget we are individuals who deserve to take time to do things that make us happy for no other reason than that.
Conclusion: 5 Reasons why mums should make ‘me time’ a priority’
Well, fellow mums, there you have it. We’ve covered the importance of ‘me time’ and why it should be a top priority in our lives.
Taking time for ourselves is not only beneficial for our mental and physical health, but it can also improve our relationships with others, and it quite simply, makes us happy.
Let’s be honest, happy mum = happy family.
I know that finding the time for ‘me time’ is problematic. But as busy mums, we are superheroes, right? So, let’s use our powers of multitasking and time management to make sure we carve out some time for ourselves each day. Whether reading a book, running, or just taking a long bath, find the time and DO IT!
Remember, taking time for ourselves doesn’t make us bad mothers. In fact, it makes us better mothers. So, ditch the guilt and embrace the importance of ‘me time.’ Because let’s face it, a happy, relaxed, and rejuvenated mum is a force to be reckoned with. So go forth, fellow mums, and prioritise yourself. You deserve it (and your family will thank you for it).
