Managing Motherhood: Three Ways to Lose the Guilt About Taking Personal Time

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Davis_Anderson]Stephanie Davis Anderson
Mothers everywhere can understand and relate to the title of this article. The thought of taking a break to recoup and relax can cause feelings of profound guilt and trigger an internal struggle that seems to go against our very nature as a mother. In addition, despite the fact that we need this time for ourselves, we may struggle with feeling as if we need permission, need to explain ourselves to others, or view the desire for a mommy break as a bad reflection of our mothering skills.
If you want to release yourself from these negative feelings, please consider the following three suggestions:
Rename it "Personal Time". There is a reason this article refers to our need for a mommy break as personal time - because that's what it is! When we use the words, "taking a break", it conjures up thoughts of, quickie lunches, potty runs, or deep breathing on the patio from sheer exasperation. Thinking of it as just a break also means the guilt will naturally follow. However, calling it personal time implies a period of time where constructive things will happen of a personal nature. Say this new phrase out loud to yourself several times and you will feel the difference in even how you view your alone time. Over time as you work to change your view, you will notice a calmer, less conflicted self, along with reduced guilt that will lead to your putting more time and effort into planning the best use of your precious time.
Schedule a Specific Time Each Week. Time loves to get away from us and if we take a wait-and-see attitude toward our special time, it will never happen. With all the family demands placed on us as women and mothers, personal time will be the first thing to go if we are not proactive about protecting it. An easy way to ensure an available time is to put it on your family calendar each week. The actual amount of time needed each week will vary per person, just remember to be flexible and have a backup day for any unforeseen family scheduling issues. Setting aside a specific time each week will help you manage the guilt of taking personal time, will keep you from feeling as if you are stealing valuable time that belongs to your family, and will force you to view any time you take as something precious and valuable.
Plan Productive Activities. Keep in mind that the purpose of your time is to refresh yourself, not just to get away from it all. Although, that will mean different things to each person, make sure it is always something enjoyable to you. The activity you choose should leave you feeling re-energized and ready to take on your world - whether it's a trip to the salon, writing in your journal, a long quiet drive alone, or a trip to the gym.
Scheduling time for yourself need not be an exercise in guilt or lead to an internal struggle about your worth and skill as a mother. A refreshed mother is an exceptional mother, and over time as you learn to enjoy your personal time without remorse, you will begin to notice a more patient, positive, and happier self emerge with immediate benefits to your family.
Stephanie Anderson is a stay-at-home mom turned entrepreneur and owner of the The UnCluttered Mother at [http://www.unclutteredmother.com]http://www.unclutteredmother.com. The company blog offers everyday solutions to a mother's needs with tips on staying organized, managing a household, and offers free daily planning, home inventory, and goal planning worksheets.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Managing-Motherhood:-Three-Ways-to-Lose-the-Guilt-About-Taking-Personal-Time&id=6642105] Managing Motherhood: Three Ways to Lose the Guilt About Taking Personal Time