When you have children, it can be hard to find a moment to breathe, let alone relax and truly enjoy some “you time!” You might feel like you’re constantly running around and juggling several things at once. Maybe you can’t remember the last time you were able to fully unwind. This is especially true for working parents. Between your personal and professional responsibilities, it can seem like every waking minute is dedicated to someone else.
However, you don’t have to continue burning the candle at both ends. It’s entirely possible to carve out some “you time” during the day. Here’s how to make more time for yourself as a parent.
Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
When you have children, your sleep is precious. The thought of changing your sleep schedule in order to create “you time” might not sound very appealing. You just want to get as much shut-eye as possible! But adjusting your sleep schedule by an hour or so can open up opportunities for you to relax, indulge in your hobbies, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Can you get up an hour earlier? Could you go to bed an hour later so that you’ll have an hour or so to yourself while your children sleep?
Encourage Age-Appropriate Independence
The more your children can do, the less you have to do for them. The more free time you’ll get! Start letting your child help you with basic domestic tasks when they’re young so that they learn the importance of contributing around the household.
Younger children simply want to do what you’re doing. Older children want to feel more capable and independent. If your child can clean their own room and pack their own lunch, you’ll be able to leave these items off of your own to-do lists.
Split Childcare Duties Fairly
If you feel like you’re being worked to the bone, check in with your partner to ensure that you’re truly splitting your childcare and household duties fairly. Explore the possibility of giving each other scheduled personal time each week. For example, you might want to take a weekly class that meets at a certain time. Your partner may want to meet up with their friends on a specific night every week.
You can have these conversations with anyone who helps you out with childcare. Additionally, you may want to go over your budget with your partner. See if you could hire a cleaning service or outsource other household tasks.
Plan Play Dates with Parent Friends
If you schedule play dates for your kids with your parent friends, you and your child will both get to have fun! Your child and their friends will keep each other occupied for a while. You and your friends can catch up on life while keeping an eye on your kids together.
Consider Bigger Life Changes
What if you’re practically breaking under your current stress levels, but you truly can’t find any opportunities to relax with your schedule? You or your partner may need to consider making some bigger lifestyle changes.
For example, if you’re working, you might have to start seeking out a more flexible position or a job that allows you to work from home. If your partner is working, they may want to look for promotional opportunities or a job with a higher salary that you can hire help. Sometimes, making a big change for the sake of your mental health is worth it!
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Are you struggling to make time for yourself now that you have children? Talking to a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session. Anxiety therapy can help you find ways to decompress so you can show up for your child and yourself.