Getting time for yourself during the summer can seem impossible sometimes. The summer is the most trying time for us stay-at-home mums because there’s no escape from our kids. We rarely get time to ourselves during the school holidays and when you’re used to having time to do the things you enjoy (while they're at school), that can be a huge deal. Getting some time away from the kids is so important, even if it’s just in an evening when they're in bed.
Forget the guilt and get some time for yourself
Banish the guilt straight away. You are allowed to want time alone. You are allowed to feel smothered. You are allowed to want to get away. There's only so much time we can spend with our kids and not feel like we want to pull our hair out. And don't get me wrong - I love my boys, I really do, but six whole weeks together when they're at home every hour of every day is a bit much.
When the boys are bickering constantly, when they just won’t leave each other alone and all I can hear is “muuuuummmmm!” I just want to hide in my bedroom and pretend I’m not there. Why don’t they ever call their dad?
Now, I know how difficult, and rare, it is to get time to yourself during school holidays. But it’s still important that you try.
Tell your partner you’re going in the shower and are NOT TO BE DISTURBED. You can do that you know! They can take care of the kids while you enjoy a long, hot (or cool depending on the weather!), shower. Have some real time focussing on yourself.
We need solitude, because when we're alone, we're free from obligations, we don't need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.
Tamil Ansary
Get up early to get time for yourself
During the summer months my boys find the uncanny ability to get up early - they get up and go straight on their games. Which means that if I want to be up before everyone else I have to get up even earlier than usual. But this is one of the tactics I use to get some time for myself during the holidays.
When everyone else is still in bed, the house is peaceful, and tidy (hopefully - but unlikely) and you can drink a hot coffee before the chaos starts again when the kids get up. I always enjoy having a coffee when the house is quiet - it is THE BEST time in the day.
Go to the supermarket to get time for yourself
In the summer the kids will thank you for not taking them with you and you get to have a little time to yourself - even if you are doing a food shop. For me, the short drive from our house to the supermarket (about 1.5 miles) is enough to make me feel a little better. The car is quiet and peaceful, and that’s all I need.
While I'm at the supermarket I can think about the things we need for the week without having my thoughts constantly interrupted and that means I'm less likely to forget anything. When I do my shopping I am in a world of my own, yes I think about the things I need but I kind of ignore everyone else in the supermarket and just get my shopping done.
Read a book
Reading is a good escape - you get to enter someone else’s life and watch the chaos descend (and realise it’s not just you that has to deal with chaos!). You get to leave your own life for a little while and engulf yourself in a story. It lets your brain chill out a little, calms you before bed, and is a great way to induce sleep!
I love reading before going to sleep at night, it helps my brain calm down after a busy day.
Get time for yourself at the Spa
Booking in a spa day during the summer sounds like fantasy doesn't it? Believe me I know. But if you can sneak one in it will do you the world of good.
Someone else looking after the kids for a whole day while you get other people to look after you. No cooking lunch. No picking up after the kids. Just you, a great book, and the peaceful spa. Heavenly huh?
I love Eden Hall in Newark is my favourite place to visit when I get a spa day, I've been numerous times and always go back. It's my peaceful place, my getaway. I love the lunch there, a 3 course meal just for me and I don't need to do any cooking OR washing up afterwards. It's brilliant. Add to that a room that's just for sleeping (or reading) and a lovely pool for swimming and I'm one happy lady. I don't think I've ever left there feeling anything but relaxed and refreshed.
It is hard to love yourself if you never spend time with yourself. 'Alone Time' is necessary.
Izey Victoria Odiase
I know that getting any time for yourself during the summer is nearly impossible but you do need to put in the effort to make sure you do. We all need time for ourselves and just because you're a stay-at-home mum and it's the school holidays doesn't mean your time alone should be sacrificed. Just as you put in effort to plan excellent days for your kids put that same effort into planning something for yourself too!
How do you plan to get me time during summer?
Grab this Captured! colouring page for your kids so you can get some time for yourself this summer!