M is for Mommy Me Time

In my last post, I wrote about how Mommies should not forget to love themselves. And one of the important aspects of loving yourself is to have some me-time.

Ideally, it should be just you with your thoughts, and whatever activity you want to do in your me-time.

But in the first year of motherhood, it’s really hard for a Mom to find some me-time. Your baby is with you 24/7, and he is very young, all dependent on you for feeding, and everything else.

Even if you get some free time thanks to your family, it can’t be too long, as you keep worrying about your baby. (It’s the irony of motherhood, you want some time alone, but can’t stop thinking about your baby when you get that.)

It’s better to take the small chunks of time and make them into your me-time.

Here are a few ways to find that much-needed me-time in the first year of motherhood, and how to spend that time:

That 15 Minutes Nap

Newborn babies nap a lot, some for a longer period at times, some for 15-20 minutes. Mine was is 15 minutes category, so I just want to say to the person who invented that saying “sleep like a baby”, you mislead people, not a good thing to do to a new mother. (Kidding…Not!)

Anyways, let’s get back to the me-time, that 15-20 minutes of your baby’s nap can be a good me-time for you. Every once in a while, take that time for doing something for you. Not the house chores, but something that makes you feel good, like listening to music, reading, or just catching up on your sleep.

Me time while nursing your baby

Babies nurse frequently, especially in the first few months, those chunks of time when you are nursing can also be a good me-time. Your baby is safe and busy with his food. You can concentrate on yourself for a while.

I know this me-time gives you limited things to do, but where there is a will there is a way right? I learned to read a book using one arm. (Yeah I love reading that much!) I read books in those stolen chunks of time, as well as while rocking my baby to sleep at 2 a.m. or 4 a.m.

You can read a book, listen to music, watch your favorite series, do some journaling, etc.,

Take a Walk

Of course, you can only do that if any family member is home. What if no one is there, and no one will be for some time? And you are in dire need of some fresh air? What to do then?
Take your baby with you. (I know what you are thinking, how is that me-time? Well we have to adjust as per our circumstances right?)

Go for a walk while carrying your baby, but don’t carry him in your arms directly. Use a baby career; it will give you the freedom to move. And your baby will be safely tucked in the baby career. Most of the time babies get lulled to sleep with the movement and the rhythm of your heart.

So walk without any worries, just enjoy your surroundings and breathe in some clean air.

A cup of coffee and silence

Sometimes, that’s all you need in the me-time to rejuvenate yourself. Find your favorite spot, sip your coffee, and just let your thoughts drift. Close your eyes, and remember happy moments.

Do whatever you want to make you feel happy and energetic.
I started writing about parenting as a hobby on platforms like Momspresso. It was my favorite me-time thing to do. And now, I am a freelance writer and mom blogger.

Spend some time with your awesome-self Mommy, you deserve it!

Happy Me-time You!

Note: This post is written as part of the #BLogchatterA2Z Challenge for the letter M.