We all know how much we adore our children, but from time to time we all crave a little break, a rest, that little piece of me time, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Whether you have a few minutes, an hour, or a whole day free, here we share our ideas of things you might like to consider doing……
Wake up before anyone else
Sure, it means getting up that little earlier than you might normally, but imagine half an hour just for you, to do a little yoga, stretching or breath work. Imagine sitting with a coffee and a good book. Imagine taking a morning walk. What you use the time for is up to you, but hopefully it will help set you up for the day ahead.
Home workouts
A little exercise can be a great way to start the day and there are so many options to choose from. From yoga to pilates, dance workouts to HIIT sessions, go for what takes your fancy, start small and build up slowly. Even if you can only grab 10 minutes, it’s a step in the right direction.
Pamper night
Light some candles, take a big bubbly bath, put on your favourite chill out music, or simply enjoy soaking in the silence…..and if you’re feeling really adventurous, you might even give the old razor its annual outing 😉
An hour to yourself
Head up to bed an hour earlier than normal and treat yourself to some uninterrupted time. Whether you read a book or treat yourself to some body brushing and a facial, watch a Netflix series that no one else in the family would watch, or do some meditation, use the time for you.
Health smoothies
There’s something about consuming healthy food that can give us a real pick me up. There are some fantastic smoothie recipes on the internet. Why not start each day with a green smoothie, pack it full with all the good stuff and hopefully it will leave you feeling energised and ready to take on the day. If nothing else it will ensure you get a good intake of the good stuff.
Date Night
If you can get a babysitter, have a date night. Get dressed up, have a nice meal out, go dancing, relive your first date, just enjoy time together.
Do something crafty
There’s so many options to choose from. Grab an adult colouring book, paint by numbers, learn how to knit or crochet, paint a vase of flowers, learn how to make candles or soaps, make a wreath for your door, make a photo book/memory album or jar, there are so many ideas online. You could do it as a one off or as a new weekly hobby.
Go to the movies or theatre
Whether you go with a friend or alone, sitting in the dark for a couple of hours, being transported to another world is the perfect escape.
Dance
Head to the kitchen, put on your favourite playlist and dance like no one is watching!
Take a trip to the beach
If someone can watch the kids, get up super earlier, drive to the nearest beach and sit and watch the sunrise. This is a firm favourite of mine, something I’ve done so many times. Walking on the beach, listening to the sounds of the sea is one of the most wonderful escapes.
Podcasts
Find a brand new podcast or audio book and enjoy a few moments of it whenever you can. Go for ones that help you develop new skills and knowledge or simply give you a giggle.
Do your hair and makeup
Sit in the mirror, pop on a hair mask, paint your nails, try a new makeup or hairstyle, something very different to your normal look, be brave, you may just find a new kind of you.
Order a takeaway
Sometimes just a night off from cooking for everyone could be just the treat you need.
Go tech free
Some may find the idea terrifying, but why not try a whole day tech free? As long as you feel you can still be contacted in an emergency, imagine a day with no pinging emails, no notifications popping up, no hours of scrolling social media comparing yourself to others, wondering if you’re enough. Just shut off and enjoy the silence and time for you.
Do something different
Why not do something completely different and away from the norm? Axe throwing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, paddle boarding, try something brave and different, you might just love it!
Retail therapy
Whether you give yourself a wardrobe upgrade or simply set out to buy yourself a single treat, enjoy the time browsing and coming home with something nice for you.
Walk or run
Never underestimate the power of a simple walk, jog or run in nature. Exploring the great outdoors can do wonders for wellbeing. Enjoy taking in the sounds of nature or move with a great podcast streaming in your ear.
Spa day
You could opt for a day of pampering, somewhere to relax and enjoy the calm, perhaps treat yourself to a little add-on treatment for that extra something special.
Meet a friend
Never underestimate the power of a good catch up with a friend.
Book a day off work
For the ultimate treat, book a day off work when everyone else is at nursery, school or work. If you were due to be at work, you shouldn’t have any other plans to get in your way, so enjoy a full day doing something that fills your cup. We hope the above ideas will help give you a little inspiration.
Whatever you do, just enjoy time for you.
To be there for others, you need to be there for you first, you need to be kind to yourself on those challenging days and do all you can to be the best version of you. Life goes by so fast, so treasure the small things, the precious moments and enjoy it!
