ME TIME OR MOMMY TIME: WHY NOT
?
When I first became a mom, I was so focused on making sure my baby had everything she needed. Those first few weeks were tough. The first time she looked at me with her big, beautiful eyes, I felt inadequate, overwhelmed, and I doubted that I could actually be a good mother. I was diagnosed with postpartum depression. I had emotions I had no idea how to process, and I almost didn’ t recognize myself. I felt lost and overwhelmed. It took several close friends, family, and of course, my doctor to help me find myself and adjust to my new normal. I needed to learn how to take time for myself and ask for help.
Self-care IS necessary! You cannot pour from an empty cup, especially as a mom. Fast forward several years and another baby. I now have two teenagers with activities and busy social calendars and sometimes it can be overwhelming. I recognize that instead of being overwhelmed there is a balance I need to create. And I understand that it doesn’ t mean having to choose Me time or Mommy time. It’ s understanding that sometimes I can take time for me while being a very present involved Mom.
B y: V i c t o r i a C o r p r e w
How do you take Me time and Mommy time at the same time? Here are a few things that help me:
● I set time at the end of the day just for me and enforce it!
● Letting them see me practice self-care and involving them. I’ ve started walking in the mornings and invite the kids to walk with me.
● I also involve them in our weekly dinner plans which helps me to prepare at the start of the week and keeps me from feeling stressed trying to figure out what to eat at the last minute.
● Music is a big deal in our house so a spontaneous dance party, sing along or worship is something that happens pretty often.
● This last one is a big one- asking for and receiving help. No one can accomplish everything alone! It truly does take a village. There is no shame in letting the village step in to drop off, pick up or even hang out for a few hours so I can have some down time.
Managing self-care when your kids own your schedule can feel almost impossible— but it’ s not. Yes, I am a Mom, but I was Victoria first. I cannot forget that I have needs, dreams and my limits and I deserve to be cared for as well. I have to redefine what self-care looks like during this season and allow it to become part of my routine, rather than separate from it.
28