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When you get the urge to sneak out the window and head for the hills—even though you still adore your family—it’s time to tell you partner to give you the “me” time you deserve. Even if you have to invite Grandma to babysit or beg a good friend to take the kids for a while, be sure to devote time to yourself. Being a mother is wonderful and thrilling, but it’s also relentless and draining; an inexpensive evening on your own allows you to rejuvenate and unwind from the stresses of daily life so that when you get home, you’re ready to keep being the best mom you can be.
From Rumba to Zumba
Check out the offerings of your local community center or Y.M.C.A. for dance or exercise classes. Exercise can make a tired mom feel reenergized and better fit to keep up with the kids and their rounds of activities. Participating in these activities is also a great way
to meet other women in the community who will completely understand what you go through everyday. Even if your outing is to walk around the track with your best friend laughing about the antics of your kids, be sure to keep this date because it will keep you active and better able to cope with the stresses of life and motherhood.
Women’s Club
Many communities boast a women’s club that is open to women of all ages. These ladies may get together to quilt, to hear lectures, to watch documentaries, or to host bake sales, but they frequently form the backbone of the town. If your town doesn’t have a local women’s club, consider starting one. These clubs recognize that many women have common interests and an evening each month is the ideal time to share them. From garden walks to social luncheons, these clubs can be a pleasant outlet that allows you time away from the house to socialize with other people in your community.
Night Class
Being a busy mother doesn’t mean you should forget about your dream to learn how to bookbind, or refinish antiques, or study ancient artworks. There are many evening courses that meet just once a week on a myriad of topics. Courses taken through libraries, museums, or community colleges can be inexpensive, yet provide you with a sense of accomplishment. Even if you just want to brush up on your Spanish or meet with a book discussion group, you can improve your mind and skill set by signing on for an evening class that suits your interests and fits within your budget.
Coffee and Crafts
Check the bulletin board of your favorite coffee shop for knitting nights or scrapbooking sessions. Relaxing among other crafters with your craft of choice is a soothing way to spend an evening while
Game Night
Whether it’s Bingo or Poker with the girls, gaming is a fun and inexpensive way to relax. Instead of playing cards for money, play for coupons or even penny candy. Get a group of friends together to play classic board games. Combine game playing with pizza night or a potluck dinner. You can take turns holding this special evening at a different player’s house throughout the season. Playing games once a week or every other week can be a wonderful way to treat yourself to some well-earned free time.
Mothers work hard without a whole lot of time for themselves. Mothers who also work have it especially tough to find time to socialize or relax. Making time for yourself is healthy for both mothers and their families. Be sure to set aside time each month to do something you enjoy; it will give you the much-needed recharge you crave and the break you really need!
Guest post contributed by Carla Gregson for Tasty Bingo – looking for something exciting and new? Carla is a freelance lifestyle writer. She enjoys living frugally and sharing her experiences on various online travel publications.
Love these suggestions. Regardless whether you’re a stressed out mom or just stressed out… LOL they are cool ideas. 🙂
They def could work for anyone 🙂
Some great ideas here I use to love the time when my girls were at school it was just a few hours for me……………………which I guess why I would suck at home schooling………….lol
I understand. I stay home with my little one while my older one is at school and try to work at the same time.
You have some good tips here, after all a cranky mum isn’t good and who doesn’t need me time.
Very true! Happy moms equals happy family 🙂
Crafting helps me relax. I love the camaraderie in my ceramic painting class.
A ceramic painting class sounds fun! Is that a weekly thing?
Yes and it’s fun!
A mothers job is never ending. Some of them have to work and then have a full time job taking care of their families. These are some great ideas to help mom relieve some of their stress and do something fun. Thank you so much for sharing this
I totally agree that mothers do so much and sometimes deserve a little something special just for them