I was recently talking to a friend of mine about how I couldn’t seem to get to bed early. I was so exhausted all the time and I couldn’t even completely blame my kiddos because if I’d go to bed and hour or two earlier than it wouldn’t be such a big deal when they all decide to have a sleepless night on the same night. Even on the evenings when I really plan ahead and try to go to bed shortly after my kids do (around 7:30 or 8:00) it doesn’t seem to happen and I find myself still up at midnight. It should be noted that I am NOT a night person, nor have I ever been. However, the days are going by all too quickly with laundry and dirty diapers and school and naps and grumpiness and… well, you know, being an adult. I have such little time for myself that I tend to sty up way too late and try to stock up while I can once the house is peaceful after bedtime.
If you’re a parent than most likely you’re guilty of neglecting yourself too. It is so important for you to take a little time for yourself each day and over time I have developed a list of things I can easily do when I need a little “me” time. If you need to recapture some “you” time, start out by just picking one or two of these to do a day, and see what you can build up to. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel!

1. Watch your favorite television show or listen to your favorite podcast. Let’s be real, you’re busy and probably don’t have time to sit around watching a show and eating bonbons, right? Even if you’re doing this while you’re folding laundry, or listening to a podcast while you’re driving somewhere instead of listening to the Frozen soundtrack, again, at least you’ll be doing something for yourself; multitasking at its finest!
2. Give yourself a manicure or pedicure. I already talked about this in a previous post, but one of the reasons I love taking care of my nails is that not only do I feel more relaxed while I’m doing it, but I continue to get little boosts every time I see my shiny nails!
3. Eat a meal in peace. Confession time, I usually eat my lunch around 1:00 or 2:00… sometimes later. Why? Because as much as I love my littles (and I do) it is a huge pet peeve of mine to try and eat a meal and be interrupted every 5 minutes. Lunch time gives me about 20 minutes to unwind while I eat and Netflix and chill. 
4. Go for a walk or run alone. Going on walks with my kids is great, but I really love if I can sneak in a quick run once my husband gets home and it’s just me with my music in my ear. This is the perfect way to unwind and get some “me” time, plus, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t just shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” 😉
5. Read something. I don’t care if it’s a novel, your favorite blog, or a magazine. Do yourself a favor and read something other than Click, Clack, Moo (although we do love that book too).
6. Write in a journal. Writing in a journal can be such a great way to unwind at the end of the day. I love getting all my thoughts down on paper. Not a big journal writer? Just make it a goal to write down one things that happened that day, or write down three things you’re thankful for. If even that’s too much for you, I find that even planning things out in my organizer can ease a lot of tension.
7. Treat yo’ self. I’m not talking about dropping wads of cash on something, but on my particularly, shall we say, trying days, it’s amazing what a pick-me-up a Diet Coke or a little sugary treat can be.
8. Soak in a hot bath. Showers are great, but there is a big difference between easing all your stress away in a hot bubbly bath and racing to see if you can shower before your toddler unwinds the entire roll of toilet paper. If you’re feeling extra tense, then add some bath salts to the water. If you’ve been a reader for awhile than you already know how much I love to make my own and today I’m sharing a super simple fizzy bath salt recipe, perfect for helping you feel more relaxed and more like “you”.

• 3 parts Epsom salts
• 2 parts baking soda
• 1 part citric acid
• 10-20 drops of essential oils of choice (optional)

Combine all ingredients together and store in a glass container. Make a little extra to give to a friend that you know needs to take some time for herself too! You could even package it up with some nail polish or something else she can use to treat herself a little.
When using, drop a couple tablespoons in a foot bath, or about a cup into your bathwater.

How do you like to take time for yourself?

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