As parents, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your little one's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So it's time to focus more on us! Here are eight ideas on how moms like us can find that important time for themselves in Antelope:
1. Enjoy lunch with a friend
Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, lunch is a great time to meet a friend. It helps break up the day and gives you renewed energy to face the rest of your day.
- Meet friends at Sauced. We had so much fun for my friends birthday. Great food and, who wouldn't want to throw an ax??
2. Find your "people"
Join a local parenting group on Facebook, get together with other parents from your child's school, or find a local club or organization that matches your interests. (as always check out the guidelines to all groups before adding)
- I am a member of a bunch of mom groups:
- Sacramento Moms Connect
- Love Upcycling? The people in this group have great ideas on how to upcycle things lying around your house. Upcycling ideas, help and inspiration.
- Need some extra support do to anxiety or depression? Try this sliding scale organization for therapy services. Life Practice Counseling Group
- New to motherhood? Needing support? Try this New moms group
3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day at Asha Urban Baths. My friends and I love this place! I hear they remodeled and cannot wait to get back there. Another place to check out is Serenity Spa. They have an array of treatments from massage to facials to treat you like the queen you are! Your newly energized self will thank you.
4. Spend time outdoors
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden" while secluded in the woods of Massachusetts. More than 50 years later, many scientists agree that Thoreau's meditation on life and nature is spot on. Give nature a try; you won't regret it. Some of my favorite trails for a beautiful meditative walk are Dry Creek and Auburns Hidden Falls.
5. Try a new hobby or activity
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try. From individual hobbies like photography or quilting to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, there's something for everyone. I have been using painting as my new "zen time" I put on some instrumental music and just paint. No judgement, no mistakes just freeform painting. It is very healing!
6. Plan a romantic date night
Enlist the help of grandparents or exchange date night babysitting with a friend. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie or theater performance, or take a walk outdoors at sunset. Where you go doesn't matter, but having your partner along will make the night special.
- Want a truly special night with your partner? Plan a night out at a local park or your backyard with My Pretty Picnic. She has many different options to make your night spectacular. Fill out her Consultation questionnaire for more information
7. Savor the solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Read a book after the kids are in bed or at school, take a walk in your neighborhood alone, or go for a drive to nowhere special. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive."
Here are a couple apps or podcasts I find solitude in:
- Calm, there is a paid version but the free version is good enough when starting your meditation journey.
- Untangle Podcast: Mindfulness for Curious Humans.
- Crazy Zen Life: They are yoga besties that discuss motherhood, yoga and all the life in between.
8. Check the Antelope Macaroni Kid calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events Antelope, many of which are also perfect to attend alone, with a friend, or with your partner. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and charge your emotional battery by doing something you enjoy — even if you don't take the kids! I post options just for friends night out too! One option is the Sacramento Zoon Happy Hour!
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked. I've found that taking care of myself helps make me happier and healthier -- which, in turn, makes me a better mom at the end of the day.
