It's no secret that we work at home moms face challenges simply because we are at home to see the mounds of laundry and the dishes piling up in the sink. Often, our kids are running rampant through the house while we try to quick get some quality work done during naps and episodes of Backyardigans.
Unfortunately, for most of us, taking a ?day off? work consists of going to the beach or the zoo or the park ? usually with the kids. Taking time for ourselves sometimes feels selfish and indulgent. But, in fact, the opposite is true.
When the batteries are dying in our wall clock, the hands begin moving slower and slower, until soon the clock is an hour behind. Then two hours. And finally, it stops altogether. In the same way, by not taking time off for ourselves, we are giving our husband and our kids a wife and mother operating on low batteries instead of at regular speed. And it won't be long until we run out of energy and completely stop functioning.
It's vital that you take some time each day to recharge your battery. You may choose to get up a half hour early or relax for a while before turning in at night. Ask your husband to watch the kids for a while in the evening, swap babysitting with another mom for a couple of hours after lunch, or even use the kids? nap time (I know that's your time to get things done but recharging will give you the energy you need to be productive for the rest of the day). If it's in the budget, hire a neighbor to come over and play with the kids for an hour so you can take some ?you time.? It will definitely be money well spent.
Here are a few things you can do to recharge each day:
? Take a bath. Soaking in a tub full of scented bubbles does wonders for the soul and the mind ? not to mention your skin!
? Read a book. Escaping into another world for a while is sometimes just what it takes to deal with reality.
? Exercise ? THE number one stress reliever! Scientifically proven to lighten your mood and that scale!
? Paint my nails. Pamper yourself with a manicure or pedicure.
? Take a nap. That extra sleep may do your body good.
? Take a walk. A brisk walk around the block helps to clear your thoughts as well as tone up those thighs.
? Go out for coffee. By yourself. Drive to the nearest Starbucks and indulge in your favorite latte. Drink it in your car while enjoying a CD you love or thumbing through that magazine you've been meaning to read.
However you choose to spend your time, remember that it's not selfish to want to give your best to your husband and your kids. The way you can do that is to recharge your battery once a day. Banish burnout and do your family a favor by giving them a wife and a mom who is operating on full power. They'll thank you for it.
