With the constant hustle and bustle of being a mom, it’s important that we find some time to relax and recharge. Our whole family depends on it. And, although, this may at first seem impossible, there are a few ways in which we can step away and refuel, especially during the summer months.
Have a park pass? Parks are a great spot to enjoy the outdoors while reconnecting with our thoughts. Sure, you can take the kids along, but let them climb the playscape while you enjoy your favorite book, tunes, or Podcast. Bring along your headphones or a hard copy and give yourself some me-time. You won’t have to worry about entertaining. Parks seem to do that for themselves, and Novi has plenty of options to keep the kids busy.
Like to hike? Grab the stroller and go for a jog or take an evening stroll around the sub. Allowing yourself to have just a few extra minutes of peace and quiet each day will ensure you have the energy necessary to cart the kids around to summer playdates.
Speaking of playdates, sometimes all we need is good coffee and conversation. Heading over to another friend's place or hosting can mean a chance to let the crew run around while catching up. Connecting with other parents a great way to compare notes.
Feel as if your only socialization is by way of social media? Put those skills to good use, hop on Pinterest, and take on a summer DIY project that is yours and yours alone. Resist the urge to pin the infinite number of great-ideas-for-kids crafts and center your search on something you’ll enjoy. You can work on it while the kids are at camp, at a friend’s house, or in bed, slowly but surely. Concentrating on a craft in your own quiet space can be a great stress reliever. Sure, you have mad parenting skills, but this will help you to hone your other talents as well. In the end, you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment seeing your vision come to life.
Another way to showcase your crafting abilities to have other moms over for a paint party. Decorate canvases, wine glasses, or ornaments. Gathering supplies from a local dollar store is easy and inexpensive, and the mom-time is priceless.
Every once in a while, just a few minutes of quiet time to collect our thoughts while out and about is really all we need.“Sometimes, I tell my son that I need a mommy time-out just to have silence in the car for a few minutes,” says local mom, Missy Sherman. “Five-year-olds have so many questions. It doesn’t make him feel bad. He just listens to music for about three minutes, but hey, I’ll take it!”
Being a mom is wonderful and rewarding. But, it’s important we don’t lose ourselves in the process. We are individuals, too, and we need to take a time out every now and again to remember who we are. If you feel guilty even thinking about it, you could be long overdue!
Sara is a seasoned publishing professional and credited freelance writer, editor, contributor, and essayist, as well as an author and poet with over sixteen years of experience. She has an MBA degree and is pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This Novi mom keeps busy at home, too, with four kids between the ages of five and eight – Emma, Dominic, Carson, and Aubriana. She loves connecting with other moms and finding new and exciting adventures for her family.
