As a parent you never really switch off. Even if you do have 5 minutes peace to yourself there’s always something else you’re thinking about. This takes a massive toll on your mind and body and leaves you feeling permanently exhausted. I haven’t felt fully rested or recharged since Nolan was born! So as a parent it really is important to get those recharging moments in when you can.
One thing I learnt very early on in this world of Motherhood is that me time is precious and if someone offers to have the baby just accept it. Even now that Nolan is 19 months if someone offers to have him for an hour or two I never say no. Even if it’s so I can shower in peace or sit and watch an episode of something on the TV, those are luxuries now. I know a lot of mum’s feel some form of mum guilt for prioritising themselves but you have got to look after yourself to be able to look after your child to the best of your ability.
Here are my favourite ways to truly unwind, relax and switch off for a few minutes when I have some baby free time.
Pampering
There is nothing greater than having half an hour to just indulge and pamper yourself. My little luxuries include using a hair mask, a charcoal face mask and lathering my skin in Aromatherapy body oils. I love trying to recreate that spa like experience even if I can hear Nolan calling me from downstairs. If I’ve really got time I’ll even pop a layer of tan on.
A Longer than Usual Hot Shower
On these cold mornings there is nothing greater than jumping in a hot shower. Normally I shower whilst Nolan is napping but on the weekends when Gavin is home I savour every moment in that shower and finally get those extra minutes to shave my legs! Oh the simple things.
Playing Games on my Phone
Not the most productive thing I could be doing but having some time in the evening to just play a few games is something I really enjoy. Myself and Gavin lie in bed in total silence both playing games on our phones for half an hour every evening and it is bliss!
Watching a TV episode uninterrupted
Watching a TV show in peace is something I definitely took for granted before having a child. Now even if Nolan has been put to bed he could wake up at any point crying. The TV is always on the lowest volume and then I miss half the plot because I can’t hear anything. Having half an hour or an hour to watch an episode of something completely uninterrupted is heaven! I’ve just started Sex Education 2 so hopefully I can binge watch that in peace at some point.
Beauty Treatment
If you are lucky enough to have an hour or two to yourself then it’s time for the professionals to step in. My absolute favourite thing to do if I’ve pre-scheduled in some baby free time is to get my eyebrows done! I feel so much better about myself when I’ve had my brows waxed and tinted. It’s amazing how much more confident and good about myself I feel when my brows are on point.
I know for a lot of people baby free time is scarce as there isn’t anybody else to help out. If you get just 5 minutes to yourself ignore the pile of laundry and the bed that has to be made. Take those 5 minutes and use them for something for yourself. The house work really can wait.
