I’m pretty much a stay at home kind of girl.There is so much to do at home that most weeks I resist even going to town. But in my 25 years of being a mom I've learned that it is SUPER important to take any opportunities to get away that come my way. Because Mom's need to recharge and rest too!
Sometimes I get tired of all the responsibilities of being a mom. Can I get an amen?
Surely I’m not the only mom out there that needs a little time away? I know I’m not.
My encouragement to YOU today is not to quit but to search for the type of rest time that helps you be a better mom!
How do Mom's get recharge time?
I am blessed in this season of life to have older children. That makes “running away” a bit easier but even if you have littles in the house you can do this!!!
But you have to get creative. Over the years I’ve done several of those to find the time away which I needed to keep my mommy game fresh.
Trade babysitting with someone
Make a meal for an older lady in exchange for some babysitting
Ask your hubby for a Saturday morning off.
Below are some of my current recharge ideas. It is hard. All the prep to go. Chaos when you return. So many things can make me want to say "forget it" but it is SO worth it.
Every.Single.Time. I come home with more spring in my step plus more energy for the days ahead. It is litterally like I’ve been unplugged and yet put on a charger all at the same time.
3 Favorite Ways to Recharge
Run away for the day. Writing a blog takes a little time each week. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been running away for a few hours to the library or coffee shop. I love love love the feeling of undisturbed work time. Maybe you need to grade papers, write lesson plans or just work on a craft project. I encourage you to find a place(library, church classroom, or a friend's basement) where you can get some solitary time. It allows me to think and process when I don’t have children, housework or anything else pulling at me.
Leave on a getaway. Right now I’m sitting several states away from home. The opportunity came up for me to “getaway” with 2 ladies who have cheered me on, cried with me and been amazing friends for the last 3 years. We haven’t all gotten together in the same place for a long time. So when this adventure came up, I was all for it. We’ve chatted, shopped and just hung out. It has been so GOOD for me to not be at home for a few days.
**cheers for my hubby who said it would work even though it is father’s day weekend”
Spend time away with your husband. This year marks 25 years of marriage for us. One of my favorite things to do is to run away with Steve and spend a few days going on our own adventures. We often line this up with his continuing ed to save on the cost. I’m hoping that we can swing that again this year! It is a great way for us to remember that we are a couple who loves each other deeply first and parents (etc) second.
Don't BURN out!
Being a mom is hard. If it isn't the physical exhaustion of chasing toddlers then it is the emotional and mental fatigue of mothering teens. Make sure that you are caring for yourself in a way that helps you. This is going to look different for you than it does for me. But PLEASE don't let that stop you!
Caring for ourselves is often the last thing we do as women. From experience I can tell you that when you continually run on empty you will eventually burn out or have serious health problems! It’s IMPORTANT to make time for yourself to recharge.
Do it! You won’t regret it!
