Too Busy for "Me" Time

[amber]

Well, I feel kinda silly... I really tried to keep up with the forums here, but in particular, I've been slammed with work both at my day job and with some freelance work that I picked up, along with just the day-to-day work of having a 4-year-old. The beginning of the year seemed to kick me, and I just now feel as though I'm getting some "me" time. One of the biggest things was that I realized after chatting with some book friends was that I have only read one book since the beginning of the year, and I can't help it but to normally have 3 books going at the same time.

What are some ways that y'all have to carve out some downtime between work and family?

[Lori]

I FORCE myself to stop working between 5 and 6. No matter what's on my plate I stop and make dinner and have some family time.

Work will just keep pouring in... so I've found that you just have GOT to stop :D

[momathome]

I know EXACTLY what you mean! In fact, I blogged about that very topic on www.vaconnection.wordpress.com (http://www.vaconnection.wordpress.com).

What I learned was by setting limits for myself, I actually worked more effectively. What a lesson to learn!

[TRamsey]

Amber,

You have gotten excellent feedback from both of these ladies. You do need to self - imposed limits. Maybe you could set up set times during the day that are designated to work, family, and you time.

I personally am a recovering workaholic, so I understand how hard it can be to make sure that you take care of yourself. I use to work constantly, any spare minute that was not earmarked for my family/husband/son where all given to work.

As Lori pointed out work can be never ending, but atlas there is only 24 hours in the day. Priorities need to be made. What I find is that women often sacrifice their own needs to fit in everything else that they need/want to accomplish in a day. The truth is that sacrificing "me time" will become counter productive down the road.

Think of yourself as your bank account for a second. What happens when you keep writing checks without making a deposit? In your case the "deposits" are your "me time". Many working mothers do not equate the fact that designating time for themselves will actually make them more productive. By getting enough sleep, eating right, getting enough exercise, and allowing yourself to pursue your own interests/hobbies; you will have more energy to accomplish all that you are taking on. Without it stress and feelings of being overwhelmed will take over.

Good Luck to you and make sure that you "schedule" time for yourself!!

[GaMom]

Hi Amber,
Very cool site! I love your design flair!
Hey we are neighbors! I was looking around your site and see you are certified and it showed your address. We are in Kingsland! Small WORLD!

[amber]

Now that's a shame that I didn't know you before I moved from St. Marys. I'm living up in Atlanta now, trying my hand at starting my own design firm.

[cuellarhatcher77]

Husband, family and friends help. They will take the kids when I am ready for some "me" time. Mothers wear too many hats. It can be overwhelming at times but a good support system helps.

[Lori]

My Mom has my two youngest for a blissful few days. I do miss them as soon as they leave... but I've been battling the flu while moving and ma 6 months pregnant... ARRRGH. :eek:

[amber]

Ugh... I'm so sorry about the flu... but Yeah! for some peaceful days. :) I'm looking forward to mid-May when my mother takes my daughter for two weeks to visit with my stepfather out in New Mexico. Like you, I'll miss her, but I think it will be nice and quiet around here.

[MarceeT]

Hi Amber,

I understand how you feel, I have a 2 & 3 yr old and recently made the transition to wahm, I love it , but at the same time I feel like I have less time than I did before. I am getting in a routine though, and making sure that I allocate time through out my day that is for me. I have friends that deal with the same issue, yet they say they feel guilty if they take time away from the kids to go to the gym or salon, or park by themselves, and I tell them that it is important for them to do this, if they don't they may start to inadvertently resent their kids or marriage (not meaning they don't love them, but you know what I mean). So just make sure that no matter what you set aside some "me" tme for yourself, whether is 15 minutes alone outside, or a solo trip to the coffee shop, you gotta do it.

Marcee