I consider myself a person who has four jobs. I work a regular “9-5” job. I work for Building Families, Inc. as the initial contact for women interested in becoming Surrogate Mothers. I am a mother to two teenagers, Jaycie & Brandi. And, last but not least, I am the wife to a wonderful man, Jermaine. Four jobs trying to fulfill the needs of many people. How do I manage it? Well, I’d like to say I have excellent balance. When it is time to work, I work hard but I also play as hard as I work. And most importantly, I realize that I must take care of me so that I can take care of everyone else. Here are my top five tips for busy moms like me:
1. Treat yourself to something nice. Even on a budget, you can come up with something. It may be a pedicure at a salon or getting your hair done. Always look for coupons. If you can’t afford a cut and color, just go get a shampoo and blow dry. You’ll feel like a million bucks without spending that much!
2. Take time each evening for “me” time. It may be a bath (my favorite) or reading a book. It may only be 15 minutes but make it clear to the husband and kids that you are not to be disturbed during that time unless there is blood or fire involved.
3. Learn to be okay with messy. I said messy not dirty so don’t freak out. Two different things. If your house is messy and you somehow get a “night off” where you are the only one home, DON’T CLEAN! Take a bath, watch a movie without anyone asking you any questions, read a book in complete silence, drive somewhere nice to watch the sunset. Do something for you.
4. Give yourself an early bed time every once in awhile. We’ve all thought about how nice it would be to get sent to bed early like we sometimes have to do with our kids. Well, do it! Go to bed early! Put the kids to bed early. If they are younger, they won’t know better. If they are older, they can fend for themselves after 9 pm.
5. Put your phone down. Okay, okay…I know…I’m not so good at this. But I’ve been working on it! Our moms had the freedom to go to the salon, the grocery store, the mall, the post office and everywhere else and we couldn’t get in touch with them. Why shouldn’t moms today have the same freedom? We deserve it.
The bottom line is taking care of yourself makes you happy. And you know what they say, “Happy wife, happy life” and I also believe that Happy moms have happy kids. – Tracy