Taking Quality Time For Yourself
Why Do Parents Need To Take Time For Themselves?
It’s becoming increasingly clear that parents need to take some guilt-free time for themselves. Time to relax and indulge in a hobby or a passion is so important. Obviously, with a busy family life and perhaps a hectic work schedule too, it’s not always easy to carve out some much-needed me time. There are huge benefits to doing it though…
Less Stress
Taking some time out can do wonders for your stress levels. This has a domino effect, meaning you’re more patient at home and can be a better parent. Being stressed is detrimental for both our home and work life. We perform less efficiently, our mood deteriorates, and we find it difficult to relax. It’s beneficial to lower your blood pressure by engaging in some fun and positive activities. Even if it is just having a good soak in the bath and reading a magazine!
Value You
It’s very easy to become obsessed with our families, and why shouldn’t we? Being passionate about our children and partners isn’t a bad thing, but sometimes it doesn’t leave room for much else. All too often we neglect our skills, talents, and interests because we feel guilty about spending time away from the family. This shouldn’t be the case. You’re setting a great example by showing your kids what balance and passion look like. Valuing yourself will make you a far better role model and it’ll make you happier too. You want to teach your children that their interests are important and should be nurtured, not wasted!
How Can We Make Time For Ourselves?
Delegate
The first way to make sure you have some precious time to yourself is to delegate. Some of us don’t like to share out responsibility because we like to micro-manage every situation! Take some of the pressure off yourself and free up some of your time. Delegating responsibility could mean having child care twice a week. Or perhaps having a friend or your partner take the reigns for a few hours each week. This will leave you time to enjoy some relaxation, without feeling guilty about it.
Plan
Alternatively, schedule time to ‘have off.’ Let your family know that between these set hours you are having some time to yourself. This way you can be sure that you have an hour or so a day to yourself without feeling bad about it. If you schedule this time into your routine then it will become natural after a few weeks or so and nobody will complain about it. It also makes it easier for you to plan to meet up with friends because you know exactly when you’re free each week.
Post by A Baker.
