Okay. So the snow is piling up outside and your kids are home to enjoy it. You’ve managed to keep them occupied with a craft project, game or movie indoors — or outside building a snowman with friends. Now it’s your turn… even if it’s just for a few minutes. Here are 7 snow-day activities for you, Mom. You totally deserve the “me time”!
1) Take a nap. When you have little ones, finding time to get some “extra” sleep can seem like a dream. And, granted, this requires your kids to be safely looked after, while you doze off. But if you can manage it, take advantage of an opportunity to relax and rest your body for all of the endless, non-stop activities you participate in with your kids every day. A mere 10 minutes of shut-eye can make a huge impact on how you deal with the rest of the day.
2) Apply a facial masque. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon, right? No one’s going to see you but your kids, right? And it only takes about 20 minutes to refresh your outer glow. It’s also not very expensive to do at home. Next time you’re at your favorite store that sells such things, be sure to pick up a tube or packet of a delicious-smelling mud or gel masque. Smear on, wipe off. Look gorgeous.
3) Read a chapter. Notice I didn’t say, “Read a book.” That’s because there’s always a chance you won’t be able to get through the whole book like you did in your pre-kids years all in one day. However, by focusing on one chapter at a time, you will get a feeling of accomplishment moment by moment — and you get to escape into a literary world with Mr. Darcy (for example), for a few moments.
4) Take time to listen. Don’t feel like reading in your few spare minutes? Listen to a book on CD (or tape) instead. You can find everything from the Classics to Best Sellers at your local library’s used book sales or online bookstores, so keep an eye out for your favorite authors and stock up for future listening sessions. You can play the book in the background while you’re cleaning the kitchen or playing with your little ones. It will make the time pass, and you get to enjoy a good story.
5) Organize something. Yeah, I know. It’s not the most relaxing option, but… think how great you’ll feel when you’re done — especially if it’s something you’ve been putting off for a while. Remember all those times you’ve passed the linen closet and seen the mangled assortment of washcloths and medicine bottles toppled over and miscellaneous beauty tools taking up random spaces? Pick one thing — a closet, a corner, a dresser, or a cabinet… and get it in order. Next time you pass by it, you’ll actually smile knowing it’s one less thing you have to find time to do.
6) Try a new recipe. This activity requires a little bit of planning, but it’s very easy. Before the snow day, you will have to purchase and store away the ingredients so you’ll have them on hand. When the snow day hits, you’ll be ready to get started. Simply line your countertop with all of the necessary items, and dig in to create a culinary masterpiece.
7) Plan for upcoming events. Is your sister’s anniversary coming up? Write a card now, complete with name and address and a stamp so all you’ll have to do is drop it in the mailbox. Need something green to wear on St. Patrick’s Day? Dig it out of your closet and set it aside so you know exactly where it is. Wondering if your kids’ swim goggles will still fit them when summer comes around? Have them try them on so you will know whether or not you’ll need to replace them with a larger size. Thinking even a little bit ahead of time can make a few days of the year easier for yourself.
Whatever you do with your snow day, make sure it includes a little bit of time spent on yourself. (Bonus points if you can get your kids to rub your shoulders as you listen to your book on CD while wearing your delicious-smelling facial masque with your eyes closed.)
Please share your favorite “me time” tips with us. Comment below or click on “Tell Your Story”.
