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Seven ways to find some ‘me time’

'Me time' is a luxury that many mums miss out on. After all, mums never stop: in between the shopping, ironing and cooking, there's the school run, impromptu appointments and play dates.

The majority of mums in the UK have just two to four hours a week to themselves, according to P&G's Changing Face of Motherhood survey, conducted in conjunction with the Social Issues Research Centre. That equates to just 26 minutes of 'me time' a day.


So how can you make the most of those precious 26 minutes? Follow these seven tips to slot some relaxation into the maze that is family life.


Plan ahead
Taking time out from being a mum is not only a logistical nightmare, but it also presents emotional challenges. Many mums feel guilty for taking personal time or putting themselves first, but according to family counselor Marilyn Lowther, granting yourself ‘me time’ is essential in fulfilling your role as a mother to the best of your ability. "Relaxing and resting enable mothers to bounce back and continue with their multiple roles with more energy and love, which can only be of benefit to their children," Marilyn explains.

She also suggests planning ahead to make sure it happens; book a spa treatment or weekend getaway months in advance so there’s time to prepare and no turning back!

Find a hobby
Mums’ evenings can seem like a never ending to-do list - checking homework, carrying out the obligatory teeth-brushing inspection and reading bedtime stories are just the tip of the iceberg. And as your kids get older, and bedtime becomes later, it becomes less and less likely you will get some time to yourself at the end of the day. But it doesn't mean you are neglecting your kids if you take some time out a little earlier in the evening. 

Mother of two Sarah has discovered a hobby in sewing and uses her evenings to create unique upholstery and accessories. "Since buying a sewing machine I have found I get so much pleasure out of creating things for my family, with the added bonus of time to myself," she says. Perhaps by making a deal with your kids that between, say, 6pm and 7pm is ‘mum’ time, they can be packing their school bags or having their fix of television while you relax.

Two birds, one stone

Being a mum, you put your children’s needs first, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get something out of it at the same time. When taking your child to swimming lessons, why not use that hour to have a swim yourself in the adult pool, or just sit back and relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi?

By doing this every other swimming lesson, you can still see your child’s progress – the best of both worlds. Joanne, 39, mum of five-year-old Lily, often enjoys a Jacuzzi session with other mums at the leisure centre, while their children have swimming lessons. "We can still watch them while in the Jacuzzi enjoying a conversation – it’s ideal."

Delegate
Mums often feel that they carry the world on their shoulders and that they have to do everything themselves. But there should come a point where they learn to say no or delegate tasks. This can be difficult to learn, but it is a necessity if you want to create balance in the home and prevent mum-meltdowns!

Even simple tasks like asking the kids to make their own packed lunch or getting your partner to do the pick-ups after the kids’ activity clubs can free up some time for you to take five, which other members in your family perhaps take for granted.

Reassess

Take a look at your daily routine as a mum and decide where you could make any small changes to use your time in a more savvy way. To save the guilt you may feel from meeting up with friends in the evening, try and arrange to meet for a coffee on your lunch break instead. Or to replace your post-dinner food shop, why not go straight from school and rope in the kids to help you?

Better still, do your shopping online, let someone else do the leg work and free up your evening!

Fun in the park
Particularly during summer months, look out for outdoor classes held in your local park. A family day out could also incorporate some mum time by leaving the kids with your partner or parents for an hour while you join in with a yoga or Tai Chi class, then catch up with them afterwards for a game of rounders or picnic.

Spending time with like-minded adults while your children get some exercise and quality time with their dad/grandparent/godparent is not only a great chance for downtime, but it also provides you with peace of mind that you aren’t neglecting your children while you enjoy a new hobby.

Double up

Friends Carole, 51, and Jane, 47 – both mums of twelve-year-old girls – combine forces and arrange to look after each other’s child once a week to allow for some ‘me time’. Carole explains, "It works because it’s fair for everyone; the girls have fun together, while Jane and I get to recharge."

Whether it means spoiling yourself with an afternoon at the hairdressers or spa, or running your errands in peace and with a clear mind, having the luxury of time to yourself can make all the difference in a hectic schedule. Knowing that you are also providing your friend with the same peace, as well as giving the kids something to look forward to, makes this a worthy ‘me time’ opportunity.

At the heart of Team Mum is the video series Raising an Olympian, sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, profiling athletes from across the world, their dedicated efforts to make it to Olympic Games, and the mothers who had tremendous impacts on their lives. Watch the videos on Yahoo! Lifestyle Team Mum.