In today’s society there is so much pressure to be the perfect wife and mother; the Pinterest worthy lunches that look more like an art project than a meal, the insane amount of extra- curricular activities, and let’s not forget the mothers who tackle an outside job on top of all of the household demands. 

It can be a real challenge to find time for ourselves in this world of go-go-go.  Now before anyone gets all huffy and puffy about how selfish it is to put yourself before your family, which is not what I am saying at all.  I am saying that if you are feeling like you always come last; I want to show you some ways to make yourself first without leaving everyone else in the dust.

Here are 5 Ways to Prioritize YOU!

Learn to say, “ NO!”

This is one of the hardest things to do, begin to say no to people, play dates, and extra responsibilities.  When you start to say no to things you really don’t want to agree to or enjoy doing, you begin to gain back control over your time.  If you are attending so many events that you are feeling drained instead of rejuvenated, then you are doing too much.  It is great to be social with your kids but there is a limit to how much you can do without feeling overwhelmed.

Schedule your time

Treat “Me” time as an appointment or date with yourself.  Schedule it and write it in your calendar.  This makes it more tangible so you can see it and remember this is an appointment that is non-negotiable.  Take it one step further and write it on your spouse’s calendar so they know that this is a time when you will be using for yourself.

Don’t use the kids’ down time for chores

When your kids are napping or watching television, use this time to do something for yourself.  Kids should be a part of cleaning up and housework so they learn that it is their responsibility too.  Learn to let the chores go and sit down with a book, exercise, call a friend to catch up, or work on a hobby that you truly enjoy.

Wake up early

Although I would love to stay in bed and snuggle all morning long, waking up early is often the key ingredient to getting time to myself.  I wake up, eat breakfast, drink coffee, exercise, work for a bit, and by the time my kids are awake I am ready to give them my full attention.  I start my day more relaxed because I have gotten the things that are important to me out of the way.  I can definitely say the days that I don’t wake early, I feel like I am behind all day long and frustrated that I haven’t had time to myself.

Learn to ask for help

I know we all want to be Miss Independent, but if someone asks if you need help, take them up on it.  It is okay to agree to let someone else take over the P.T. A. fundraiser or pick your child up from school.  You do not have to be present for every single second of your child’s life.  In fact, by having your own life too, you are teaching your children a valuable lesson.  They need to know that by you having some time for yourself, this makes you a happier, more relaxed mother and it makes them more self sufficient and well adjusted.  This is even more important if you are a single mom or dad, because there is no way for you to do it all alone.  Don’t try and be a super hero, it won’t work and you will end up burning the candle at both ends.

The irony about writing a blog about trying to prioritize yourself is that I have been trying to find time to sit down and write this for several days. 

:: How do you prioritize you? ::