Making Time for Yourself

With children comes a lot of responsibility. Being single and having unlimited freedom is a thing of the past. No more all-night parties and last-minute trips out of town. Welcome to motherhood! Doing things for “you” will become few and far between. From changing diapers and hourly feedings, to play time and reading books, you will find that your baby will consume your whole life.

Amongst all those chores and necessities, how do you create time for yourself within all the chaos of raising kids?

• Ask for help: Family and friends are sure to want to hold your little baby, or take your little one to the park. During that time, take an hour or so and pamper yourself. Head to your favorite store and shop for yourself or even take a nap.
• Sleep when the baby sleeps: I used to think that when the baby slept, I had time to finally get things that I needed done. Wrong! I would always work away while the baby slept, and when the baby woke up I was exhausted. I finally gave into the notion that sleeping when they baby sleeps was actually a brilliant idea. I would find more energy to tackle the day when I got those extra minutes of shut eye.
• Enlist daddy with feedings: Dad loves to help and what better way than to ask him to feed the baby. If you are nursing, use a breast pump and save an extra bottle or two in the freezer. Then when you need some extra time to yourself, dad can take care of a feeding or two.

No matter what you do, make sure you take some time for yourself. Schedule one day for yourself every month. Get a pedicure or a manicure. How about an hour massage? Whatever you do, enjoy it! You deserve a much needed break and it will make you a better mommy.

By guest blogger Hollie from Real Moms Real Views