Why Moms Need Guilt-Free Time + 10 Activity Ideas

It never fails, every time I get some time to myself to run errands or do something without the kids…that Mom guilt creeps in. I don’t know why, I guess I just hate missing time with my girls, but I also love having a short break. It gives me a time to re-group, re-charge, get my mental state in order.

When I get this time away, I find I am more patient, happier to play with them and engage in their silly games and activities. So why on earth do I feel guilty when I leave for a bit. They love their daddy-daughter time, or spending time with Nana, grandma and grandpa, or even with my sister.

They are always happy and have fun, plus when I get home there’s nothing better than that scream “Mommy! You’re home” all while sprinting to give me a hug. That is seriously THE BEST thing ever.

But, here’s the thing Mama’s, we have the SUPERMOM mentality. We feel like we have to do it all, fit it all in and still be our own person. There’s this little nagging voice that often tells us we’re not a good Mama if we aren’t doing it all…and with a happy heart, smile on our face, put together and seem well rested.

Am I Right?!?

Does this sound familiar? I feel this way ALL. THE. TIME.

But, since we moved back to Kansas City and closer to family I have made it a priority to get more ME Time and it’s totally helping me with the fear of missing out on something of my kids, or feeling like I’m not doing everything I can because I’m not there all the time.

Now, I’m not saying you have to do this all the time. But spending time with yourself, doing something you like, or maybe not but something that needs to get done is important.

I thought I’d put together a list of things I have been doing, thinking about doing and other ideas I found online to help you find your guilt-free Mom Time activity.

10 Guilt-Free Mom Activities

• Working out – take a walk, a class, setup a YouTube video or go to the gym.
• Lunch Out – if your kids still nap you’re not missing anything! This is a great time to get out.
• Take a long bath or shower – do this first thing in the morning, in the evening, or while they’re out with dad.
• Coffee and a book – head to Starbucks or Barnes and Noble for a coffee, or tea, and read. If you’re on a budget, make a coffee and sit outside or in your room alone.
• Spa Day – whether this is a shower at home with your fave products, painting your own nails and fixing your hair…or an actual Spa Day this is always great for a mental bost
• Go Shopping – take long strolls down those Target isles you would normally rush though. Go to your fave store or boutique…heck even do your grocery shopping alone
• Friend date – meet up with a girlfriend once a month. If she has kids and you can’t get away without them, then make it a playdate. They will often entertain each other still allowing you time alone.
• Watch a show or chick flick – I often do this during nap time. Forget the chores for a bit and just sit down.
• Garden or yard work – let the kids play baseball, soccer, basketball or ride their bikes with friends, dad or whoever. Then you can spend time to yourself outside.
• Dance it out – this is great, turn the music up and dance!

It’s so important to give yourself that break. Give yourself time to breathe without having the kids by your side all the time. It’s time to GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION to have some guilt-free Mom time.

Remember, you don’t have to go all out from the get go. Start small and build your way up! Trust me, you need this and you’ll start thanking yourself every time you do.

Tell what something you do to spend some time to yourself, to recharge and mentally get yourself back into the Mom Game! I’d love to keep adding to this list with your ideas.

If you know a mom who needs to spend more time on herself, please share this post them.

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