It can be hard to know how to build a daily break into your day as a mama. With a little bit of strategy and communication, building a daily break into your day is a complete possibility.
Days with little ones can fill up rather quickly. If we are not intentional about building in a daily break as mamas, we can go days or even weeks with out doing anything that is refreshing to us. Our mental health can be affected when we go that long with out a break. In turn, that impacts our whole family.
If we are intentional about building in a daily break, we can be the best mamas and wives we were created to be. Here is how to build a daily break into your day as a mama.
Have a Secret “Time Out” Spot
Sometimes our kids need a time out. Sometimes we need a time out. Find a little spot that is easy to hide in for just a couple of minutes. A lot of mamas use their pantry and have a secret stash of chocolate. I don’t have a large pantry, so I end up stepping outside to “do laundry.” I hang it up or take it down off the clothesline. If there’s no laundry to attend to, I sit on the back steps and look at the sky and watch all the birds. Once I have a bit of time to collect myself, I step back inside ready to handle whatever comes my way.
Work With Your Support Network to Make Time for a Walk (or Whatever You Can Do for a Few Minutes That Will Energise You)
I wish I had learned this one earlier in my motherhood journey. When we are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, the best thing we can do is communicate to those around you. Talk to your husband, mother, etc. to help take over with the kids for a little while each day so you can walk, cook dinner in peace, or just sit in silence for awhile. I am usually surprised to find that they are happy to help!
Go for a Drive or a Walk With the Kids
When my kids were really little, I would often take them for a drive during nap time or when they were just not settling down. I would go through a drive through for a coffee and just drive. You can listen to a podcast, turn up some music, or just enjoy the quiet once they fall asleep. Kids don’t enjoy the car? Try strapping them into the stroller or pram and go for a walk. Getting out of the house is good for everyone. If they fall asleep, it’s like a bonus round of a break.
Girl, Turn on the T.V.
While television isn’t recommended for kids under two, once they get to that toddler stage give yourself some grace. There are times when you need to get something done or just need them to sit still. Turn on Bluey and go have a few minutes of sanity.
Pay Attention to Times When You can Have “Sabbath Moments.”
Sabbath is a time of rest each week. Sometimes in our lives, things are just hard. There will be several weeks, months, or years when you might not catch a break. Motherhood can feel like that. The first baby is a shock. Any subsequent babies require equal amounts of adjusting. It can be exhausting. When life feels non-stop overwhelm and exhaustion, it’s important to be able to find “sabbath moments” in your day. This simply means paying attention to when God provides little delightful joys. One of my favourite sabbath moments is a day when I had bought a few groceries and had a magazine and some ice cream in the car. My kids fell asleep on the way home, so I parked in my driveway, ate my ice cream, and read my magazine. It was truly delightful!
Whatever ways you choose to build in a daily break, finding small ways to keep your sanity is truly important. A burnt out mama is a struggling mama, and no one wants that!
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