How to get me-time as a single mother

A few days ago, I wrote a blog post on why getting me time as a single mum is so important. You can read that blog post here. But today, I wanted to share some ideas on how to get me-time as a single mother.

We all know it’s not easy. Particularly if you have your kids almost full-time. For those that share care with an ex-partner, use your child free time wisely. You’re going to have to do things that need to get done of course, but schedule some time to just relax and do things for yourself too. You really need to recharge so that you can be a happier, more relaxed, healthier, version of yourself.

If you do have your kids 100% of the time, or close to 100% of the time (like me) you need to think about and plan out your me-time.

How to find the time, for me-time.

Schedule it in.
If you have family around, ask them if they can have the kids for the day once a week/fortnight/month.
Meet some other single mums, and swap free babysitting. The benefits of meeting other single mums are HUGE – you can read my blog post on it here.
Connect with other mums you know to swap babysitting.
Organise play dates with other kids from school or daycare.
Leave the office at lunchtime and use your lunch break for me time.
Wake up an hour before your kids (this may be a ridiculous suggestion if your kids wake up at 5 am).
When the kids go to bed, have a night off. Yes, that means don’t do any cleaning, dishes or washing. I know, as a single parent you really have to stay on top of everything, but let it go for one night!
Close the door to your office (if you have one).

What is me-time?

Let me start by telling you what me-time is not. Me-time is NOT having an hour at the gym whilst your kids sit at your feet (as my friend’s husband says it is – can you see my eyes rolling?). You don’t want anyone nagging you for a lollipop.

Me-time is time to focus on YOU, and doing what you want or need. This may be time alone, with friends, in peace and quiet, or with music blaring. It’s totally up to you.

Me-time is taking care of your body, mind, and soul. You want balance so that you are mentally and physically healthy, and well.

I like to have most of my me-time completely alone and in peace. My daughter talks to me ALL DAY. It’s literally NON-STOP. And of course, I’m engaging with her the entire time, so I really like to rest my ears and just have stillness for my me time. It’s exhausting being a parent!

It’s also important to include some social interaction as part of your me time occasionally.

Here are some me-time ideas.

Whether you have 5 minutes, 20 minutes, an hour, or a day, there are so many ways you can fit some me time in. I’m just finishing up a whole 6 days away of me-time in Bali, whilst my daughter is with her dad in Perth. My favourite things have been reading, yoga, meditation, swimming, napping in the sun, eating (without sharing), having a bath (with a glass of champagne), watching Netflix, writing, daydreaming, and thinking.

Whilst going overseas for my me time is a rarity (well, a first actually), I do get clustered days every few months for myself. In the past I’ve always used this time to catch up and try to tick off as many things on my never-ending to-do list, but not this time. Although I have done some things on my to-do list, I’ve spent the majority of the time just relaxing, carrying out self-care and reconnecting with myself so I am relaxed, energized and ready to be a full-time parent again. Check out my ideas for me-time below!

P.S. DID YOU KNOW?

Thrive Tribe – the global membership experience for single mothers – will be opening again very soon! Join the waitlist here.

PLUS You can book one-on-one coaching with Julia Hasche from wherever you are in the world!

Do you need clarity on whether you should leave your partner or not?
Have you just parted ways with your partner, and feeling lost?
Have you been single for a little while now and need assistance with getting your life back on track and feeling empowered?

Click HERE to read about coaching and to hear from some others who have gone through coaching programs with Julia, and book in here for your 30-minute complimentary Clarity Call.

The purpose of the Clarity Call is:

For me to get to know you and understand an overview of your current situation and where you are at.
For us to establish what you need assistance with to move forward.
To see if we are both comfortable working together.