As a mom, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily grind of taking care of your family. Between work, errands, managing schedules, meals, the house, the dog, and everything between, it can feel impossible to take a moment for yourself. But taking time for you, or "mommy time," is crucial not only for your own well-being, but for your role as a parent. Here are the top 5 benefits of mommy time and why you might want to consider moving it up your To-Do list:

Benefits of mommy time:

1. Reduces stress and improves mental health: While being a mom is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things a woman can experience, it is arguably the most demanding  (and all the mamas say “AMEN!”). Taking time for yourself allows you to relax, have fun, recharge, and refocus. All of which reduces stress and improves your overall well-being! (and the well being of your nails and hair if you choose a spa day for mommy time).
2. Increases productivity and focus: You and I both know some, maybe most days, feel like a non-stop marathon. How can you focus or be productive when you can barely find time to go to the bathroom? Mommy time provides  a much needed breather so you can come back to your tasks with renewed energy and focus. The only thing more productive than a mom is a mom who’s well rested.
3. Models healthy habits: Take care of you so you can take care of the people around you! It is so much easier to have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness and self-control when you have taken time to tend to your heart and spirit.
4. Strengthens relationships: Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, taking time to recharge is so important to maintain healthy relationships with your friends and family. If you have less stress and more joy, you will be more present and engaged with your loved ones.
5. Improves overall well-being: mommy time is good for your physical and emotional well-being. It can improve your sleep, boost your mood, and give you the extra jolt of energy you’ve needed.
6. Mommy time can be a great excuse for you to catch up with your friend, and give the kids a chance to play with their friends! Translation: it’s good for you, and good for the kids!

Basically what we’re saying is mommy time is your secret weapon to overcoming whatever your toddler may throw at you today.

So what does mommy time look like? It’s different for anyone, but here are our favorites:

• Take a long bath
• Go for a walk or run
• Read a book
• Bake
• Stretch
• Get a massage
• Treat yourself to a manicure
• Meet up with a friends for coffee or a bite to eat
• Watch a movie
• Take a nap

I know what you’re thinking. But who will take care of the kids?

Here are a couple ideas:

• Find a group of girl friends equally motivated to set aside some mommy time, and create a childcare-mommy-time-cohort! Swap out days where you can take care of each other’s kids for a couple of hours so you can all take time for yourselves without breaking the bank.
• The obvious but incredible, GRANDPARENTS! Grandparents are often eager to spend time with their grandchildren, and what might be a small break from the kids for you could be the highlight of their whole week. This also applies to aunts, uncles, and friends who are more like family.
• If you just need a couple hours away, a sitter isn’t a bad idea, and won’t cost a ton of money. Check out www.care.com or www.sittercity.com to find vetted and trusted sitters near you!
• Never underestimate the power of a good playdate. Set up a playdate with a friend who has kids your age and spend the afternoon together. That way you can have time with a friend, and the kids can keep eachother entertained.

Mommy time with friends:

Here are some playdate ideas that will keep the kids entertained so you and your friends can have some recharge mommy time together! This may not be as luxurious as a day at the spa or a cozy night in with your favorite book, but playdates are such a great way for kids to get their wiggles out and for you to have time to catch up with a friend. What’s fun about playdates is if you can get a couple girlfriends together, there’s more eyes to keep an eye out for each other’s kids and more playmates for the kids!

While these might be some fun ideas for younger kids, the truth is getting them TO the playdate is the most challenging part. Once you do that, kids are pretty creative and self-sufficient at staying entertained. But in case you

need a little inspo, here are some things you can do on for a mommy time playdate:

• Craft day! Check out these fun craft ideas that are guaranteed to keep the kids occupied.
• Dance parties might be loud and rowdy, but it will tire the kids out and give the mamas some time to catch up.
• Call us old school, but sometimes kids just need to run around! Go to the park or somewhere outdoors so the kids can play. This is another great way for kids to burn up some energy and give some room for the mommy’s to have mommy time. Pro tip: if you have the kids somewhere fenced in, like a backyard, you don’t have to worry about them running off or other safety concerns, which can make for a more peaceful time for you!
• Find a fun and challenging game or activity that is hands off for you, like a hoola hoop competition or see who can jump on one leg the longest.

Whatever you choose and however you do it, make sure it's something you enjoy and that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! Share on TUVU what you love to do for mommy time, and help other moms who are in your same boat. Remember, taking time for yourself helps you be the best parent possible. So go ahead and schedule some mommy time today! You’ll be glad you did.  

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