Give yourself a break

give yourself time

taproot. notebook

Growing another human in your tummy can be hard work. Whether it’s your first or your fourth… you still get tired, emotional, achey and naggy. When I was pregnant the first time, I kept getting told to rest. And yes, it’s much easier to rest if it’s just you. But I really didn’t ‘get’ just how important some down time was. By the time you’re pregnant a second/third/fourth time… adding in one/two/three other kiddos…. rest becomes *really* important and way more difficult to get!

Thankfully, this pregnancy, my other three kiddos are that bit bigger. Last time I was pregnant with Baya, I had a 4 and 2 year old, so grabbing half an hour to myself, or a sneaky nap was pretty impossible. This time, with 11, 8 and 5 year olds, it’s a little easier. Of course, there is always something else I should be doing, but I’ve finally realised just how important allowing myself a little rest actually is. In the early weeks, I would go for a little nap, leaving everyone engrossed either in their games or, occasionally, a movie. Knowing Lola is big enough to get drinks/snacks should they be needed, and grateful that my girls understood that Mama really needed that nap ;)

Now, I’m not so in need of a nap, but I still try and grab a half hour once or twice a week. I go hide in my room, curl up with my maternity pillow, read a book, browse Pinterest, journal or just enjoy the peace and stare out of the window!

Those half hour windows of me time are bliss. I know that I’m a better Mama for taking a little time out, a little space to chill and just breathe. To be just *me* instead of Mama. With a husband who is mostly out of the house, and three kiddos home 24/7, my me-time has to be at home, no sneaking off to a coffee shop for cake for me! What is your favourite ‘me’ activity?

9 Comments

  1. Becky Brown

    November 13, 2014 at 09:58

    Favourite ‘me’ activity has to be a cup of tea, one of my favourite magazines, and a craft on the side (currently crochet and cross stitch!) I think ‘me’ time is so important not just for mums but dads and the kids too. Family life can be crazy and we all need to recharge batteries once in a while!

  2. Jess @ Along Came Cherry

    November 13, 2014 at 20:18

    Sounds perfect and it is so important when you’re pregnant, it’s such hard work. I definitely like the sound of having another one when my two are old enough to let me go for naps ;) x

  3. Adele @ Circus Queen

    November 13, 2014 at 22:30

    So good that you’re making time for you. We all need to build up our resources before we can give to others.

  4. Fritha

    November 14, 2014 at 13:57

    I really needed to hear this. I’m not pregnant but I really need to give myself a little break soon as I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed! x

  5. laura redburn

    November 14, 2014 at 23:26

    sometimes it’s hard to do it, but ‘me time’ is so important!

  6. Laura

    November 16, 2014 at 00:47

    I totally agree – it such a roller coaster and the best thing is to listen to your body and take some time out for you when you can

    Laura x

  7. Hannah

    November 16, 2014 at 21:07

    I had such a hard time getting this message to sink in for myself but I think I’m finally there now.
    For my “me time” it’s all about a hot bath and a book – bliss!

  8. Andrea

    November 17, 2014 at 10:59

    Going for a run. Husband has been a way a lot recently so it’s just been me and Ted. By the end of last week with loads of stresses, technical difficulties etc ( Ted started Interhigh) and me being the only available responsible adult 24/7 I was ready to get out for an hour of running on Saturday once hubby was back…bliss!

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