7 Ways to Make More Time for Yourself as a Mom

This year, you might be working on ways to sleep more, sneak in more fruits and veggies, or get a few more steps in. And, while those are all healthy pursuits we applaud, the one thing you need to make them a reality is to have more time set aside for you.

Just. For. You.

via GIPHY

So today, we’re sharing seven tips to do just that. (And, yeah, it can mean time to take a bubble bath, but it can also mean ANYTHING you’d like to do and enjoy!)

7 Ways to Make More Time for Yourself as a Mom

1. Have a sitter on a regularly scheduled night. I recently learned this tip from a fellow mom business owner and it’s genius. Instead of finding something to do and then getting a sitter for it, just get a sitter every week, every other week, or every month — just make it on a set schedule. Then, you always have a date night or girls’ night (or solo mama time) to look forward to.

2. Start a morning ritual. Okay, this one can be hard with newborns and infants since they wake up at all times, but! If you can, taking even 10 minutes for yourself in the morning can do wonders for your mood and energy level. It sets a great feel-good tone to the day. Get our best tips to start one as a mom here.

3. Outsource one thing this year. Make a list of everything you do — from getting the kids ready to packing lunches to taking out the trash to doing laundry to cooking to cleaning. Then, go through that list and select one thing you that you don’t love doing and can outsource in the new year.

4. Go on a social media break once a week. It can be for just an hour or two, or it could be for an entire afternoon or day … or weekend! But limit your time on your phone and you’ll magically free up time for other pursuits.

5. Talk with your partner. When’s the last time you sat down with your partner (or biggest parenting support person) and talked through your roles? Is there a way to streamline things? Is there a way to not do something you both dread — or do it smarter or differently? Sometimes you just have to take a step back with another set of eyes to see if there are any areas where you could free up time or make life simpler.

6. Allow yourself to relax … and play. How many times do you find yourself trying to do three things at once while your kiddo is begging you to play? And, I know you have a million things to do, but why not — in that moment — slow down and actually just relax, play, and have fun? It doesn’t have to be for an hour; even five minutes can be a big energy reset for yourself with the right mindset. And it may actually save you time in the long run (read: no kiddo meltdown from both of you being annoyed at not doing what you want to do).

7. Start a self-care ritual. So mornings aren’t your thing (or aren’t a possibility)? All good! Try setting a self-care ritual for any constant time of day so that it becomes a habit. A few easy and fun ideas: take three deep breaths after you drop your kids off or before you pick them up, read a book for 10 minutes before bed, go for a walk or do some easy stretching after you eat lunch, play an inspirational podcast (might we suggest this one?) when doing errands … the possibilities are endless.

And, hey, bonus! When you start taking more time for yourself and time begins to feel more on your side, you just might find that you do have time to get that workout in or try a new healthy recipe. It opens up a whole new world of possibilities!

Okay, commit time. How will YOU make more time for yourself in the new year? —Jenn