A Mom In Need Of A TIME-OUT

It’s the hectic holiday session and the busiest time of the year, added to that is the already busy demands of being a mom. I can only imagine what mom is right now in need of a TIME-OUT.

Whoever came up with the word time-out to discipline our kids, forgot to mention taking time-out as a mom as well.

So let’s take this popular word and steal it a bit. Taking time out for yourself is essential, and helps you to remain focused and energetic for your kids as you go throughout your day.

Time-out helps you to create balance so that you are not overwhelmed with being a mom, especially during the most hectic times of your day. Not only will this benefit you, but your children need you to be functional for them as well.

Therefore time-outs help you to relax, relate and release any stressors in your day. So here are some tips from my TIME-OUT acronym that will help you to relax a bit and take the stress off of being a mom.

Are you a mom in need of a TIME-OUT? How have you been balancing your self-care needs?

Please feel free to share your own experiences or ask your questions or concerns below. I will be happy to help you!

“TIME-OUTS are not only for kids; they are for moms too. Give yourself one!”

Time to Relax

I know it’s easier said than done for you as a mom to take a break. You may ask, what time do I get a break with everything going on? Scheduling a break throughout the day may be unthinkable, but it is possible.

You don’t want to build stress up to the level that you are more likely to take your frustration out on your kids. My advice is that when you get to your limits, you have to quit and take the time out.

The laundry and dishes can wait a bit for even 15 minutes of relaxation. Whether you have to put a dishcloth over your head and put up a do not disturb sign with the alarm clock ticking, do what is practical but take a breather so that you can get the boost of energy needed.

Inspiration

What inspires you as a mom? What are you fond of about parenting?

If you do have some time, spend a moment to write down your thoughts about being a mom and note the many wonderful blessings that come with your role. Let it be a time of positive thinking not the negative aspect of it.

Encourage yourself! You can do what it takes to be the best mom for your kids. A Mommy Inspired Gratitude Journal is a great way to organize your thoughts and to change your focus from the mundane things.

Meditate

When you do take a break no matter how small it is, try to be still and not think about the laundry list of things to get done. Take a moment to just not think or move.

It’s that simple. You’re just giving yourself time to remove the stressors of the moment for the rest of the day. It may be a hard thing to do, but you will feel so much better when you take that moment to just stop and not think about absolutely anything.

Exhale

Breathing exercises are super helpful to reduce anxiety and stress when needed. If you feel that your getting really overwhelmed, angry, or frustrated, take a moment to just breathe. That’s it!

Open your mouth and inhale and exhale. Inhalation exercises strange enough can help you to refocus and find composure in any stressful situation. The best thing to do is to just walk away until you’re ready to focus on anything that may cause a stressful trigger.

If you make this a common practice, you will realize just how easier it will be to actually talk to your children, especially if there was a conflict or a highly stressful situation.

Order take out

So you didn’t make dinner on time or rather you are always the one cooking. If it is in your budget, take a weeknight time-out to order out and just relax.

Many times we are so busy prepping and preparing meals that we ourselves may not even get the chance to sit quietly and enjoy them. Most times by the time I may finish preparing and serving dinner, it’s time to clean up and I may find myself eating dinner late afterward.

In our household, we try to have freedom Fridays. This is where the stove is off and mommy is not in the kitchen at all or my function is limited.

It will be a night for take-out, going out, preparing your own food, snack night, etc. It’s one day where you’re not thinking about what you have to cook, but rather what can you do to relax.

Unwind

At the end of a long day, whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, it is still hectic juggling two worlds. Nobody has it better than the other person.

We do however need to unwind at the end of a day. Unwinding means to “loosen up”, “slow down”, “relax”, “rest” etc. It does not mean to slow down and then go do laundry. It is a time to be finished with the day and the demands of the day and make your rest a priority.

Making rest a priority can easily release tension or stress that was built up during the day. A mother who is less stressed is more likely to be more productive for their children.

Many times we tend to skip the importance of finding the time to unwind and then we are frustrated or overly tired the next day. You have to make it a priority to rest. Leave the things that can wait another day and then get your rest.

Take a Break

Take a break from everything! Not just one thing but everything. That means the laundry list can wait until tomorrow if it has to.

Scheduling your day in two ways, by organizing events based on their importance can help to ensure that you do have time in your schedule to take a break. Whether it’s a lunch break etc., try not to skip it by doing things that can wait unless it is on your high priority list.

If you didn’t complete the laundry today, try again tomorrow. I am sure it can wait.

Tips for moms with newborns and up to 2 years old: Nap time is time-out time for you. Let the dishes and the laundry go and take that time to relax as well.

Overall I do hope that this TIME-OUT acronym will help you to take the time to give yourself a needed break throughout your time as a mother and to really help to reduce the stressors that may come each day.

For more self-care related post visit:

• Why Self-care As A Mom Is Important
• Benefits of Self-care as a Mom
• How to Live A Balanced Life

Did you find the strategies listed in this article helpful? What were some of your favorite tips? How have they worked for you? Leave a comment below, I’d love to know what you think.

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