Whether you're into indulgent pampering or looking for something more active, find great tips — from parents just like you — on how to make the most of that ever-elusive me time.
Get to know yourself again
"Spend time getting to know yourself again and doing the things you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to try new things during me time. Our identity gets so caught up in being a mother and partner that we lose ourselves sometimes. Do the things you love!"
— Jacalyn Wetzel, MSW, LCSW-A, mom of four and author of Taming the Wild Child: A Practical Guide to Navigating the Early Years
Take a monthly day off
"Adult coloring, crafting. I take a monthly 'day off', even though my enormous to-do list just grows. I'm self-employed, so it really just means I'll have to do some work on a Sunday. I check out every craft store within an hour drive and shop for the next party."
— Menucha Citron Ceder, author, blogger, and mom of two
Maximize the mundane
"I hate to admit it, but even time spent commuting to and from work on the train is valuable me time in my dictionary. It's time I listen to my favorite music or podcasts and sometimes meditate as well. With that said, there's nothing like escaping to the beach down the road from home for a nice walk or just as the perfect setting for solo yoga."
— Johanna Torres, Mom.com editor and mom of three
Wherever you are, just be
"Go for a walk; go to the library and read a book. Book yourself a mani and pedi, and when they offer you a beverage, have that drink. Don't look at your phone or get on social media. Just be wherever you are and RELAX!"
— Erika Santos, mom of one
Private bath time
"Bath time! I mean, new moms know how great a shower feels when you have a newborn baby at home. I love it when my husband watches the kids and tells me to take my time. I take a bubble bath, play some music, and enjoy a glass of wine. I don't have to go anywhere or spend money … just relax and have some peace and quiet. It's golden when you have kids. Self-care is so important. Momming is hard work."
— Bonnie Gonzalez, mom of two
Find what feeds you
"Find what relaxes you or feeds who you are. Craft, if you're into it; sleep if you need it; take a bubble bath; read a book; watch your show; get outside; get your nails done; go to an exercise class — whatever helps to recharge you is what your me time needs to be."
— Ashleigh Adams, mom of one
Ask for help
"Don't be afraid to ask for help!"
— Christine, mom of two
Dedicate time to your passions
"Find something you are passionate about and dedicate the time to do it. At age 45, I discovered that I love tennis, and now I play three times a week."
— Marisa L. Russell, mom of three
Naps!
"NAPS! Seriously, I had a set time that was mine for 30 to 45 minutes, and I would just detox by reading, taking a nap, or drinking a glass of wine. The boys knew that this was my time, and they respect those boundaries to this day."
— Shazia, mom of two
Try indulgent self-care
"I love indulgent self-care for my me time — massages, manicures, pedicures, etc. I have also found going to an R-rated movie alone or a noninteractive museum is a really nice adult break from all the kid activities in my life."
— Nicole Coppola, mom of two
Do something that distracts you
"Get away and do something that will totally distract you."
— Cathlene Yapyuco Wong, mom of two
Feed your body and your mind
"If you can leave the house, do so. If not, take a nice bath (no kids in the bathroom!), and/or read a book. Personally, I listen to books or parenting podcasts as I run (feeding my body and mind at the same time)."
— Erika Greenblatt-Torres, mom of two