Lifetime Moms

With the New Year come new priorities and new goals for the future. As mom entrepreneurs it’s important to take time out for YOURSELF. You see other busy Mom Entrepreneurs make time for themselves, but you can’t figure out how, and you don’t even have time to ask. Here are four quick tips on how to squeeze in some me time.

1. Take a break
   Have you ever been overwhelmed and feel you can’t stop for fear that it will only push you farther behind. When you are in a high-stress situation, your thinking is often cluttered and you become less productive. Take a break, whether it’s just 15 minutes or a full-day, stop and enjoy your day and clear your mind. Even though it sounds counterproductive it really works. Taking a break can provide some clarity and help you complete your tasks on time.
2. Take time out to socialize each week
   Take some time away from your business each week to socialize with friends, your partner, fellow entrepreneurs or even alone. All work and no play makes for one grumpy stressed out mom entrepreneur.
3. Take a few “Mommy Minutes” as often as possible
   Ponn Sabra, author of Empowering Women to Power Network, puts herself on “time out” and takes “Mommy Minutes” as often as possible. Ponn sits in a self-made sauna in the bathroom with the hot shower running or enjoys a favorite goodie (she sometimes hides special ice cream sandwiches in the back corner of her freezer where no one, even her husband, can find them.) Ponn also insists that “adults need naps, too!” Whether for ten minutes or forty-five, it is important just to take a nap. The revitalization you receive from a catnap is very powerful. If you are unable to nap in the middle of a chaotic day, it is important to take yourself out of the situation to regain focus. You will have more energy if you meditate and clear your head.
4. Go “off duty” regularly
   In Linda Goodman Pillsbury’s Survival Tips for Working Moms, she recommends choosing a regular time when you are “off duty.” For example, you might say that after 8:30 every night, the kids cannot bother you with “Where are my blue jeans?” “I need cookies for a school party tomorrow,” etc. (Of course, you are there for emergencies.) Children will soon learn to ask for what they need before you go off duty or wait until the morning. This works on very young children up to teenagers.

While trying to build my businesses this past year I can say I’ve totally neglected ME, and I think it’s affected both my business and family. This year I plan on taking steps to balance my life with work and fun.

How do you plan on taking time out for YOU, this year?

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