10 ways to get in ME time!

If you're anything like me, or most of the Mom's I know, finding ME time is a challenge! First of all, you need to let go of the Mama guilt that says you shouldn't leave your children for even 30 minutes. We, as Mama's, need time to recharge our batteries and I promise you'll come back from ME time more able to care for your kiddos! Here's a list of 10 ways to get in a little ME time! Some are free, some are cheap and some are really treats since they cost a little more.

1) Go for a walk, run, bike ride, roller blade outing.
Just get out into nature and move your body! The exercise is good for you and the time alone will help reset your mind and body! I actually recommend doing this daily as it's really best for you to stay fit and healthy for your whole family!

2) Coffee Shop Chillin'
Whether you drink coffee, tea or hot cocoa, you can go to a coffee shop to sit and read, write, pray, think, or whatever else helps you relax. You can even meet up with a girlfriend or two to just chat!

3) Retail Therapy!
Just about every woman I know loves to shop! So head out to the mall and either do some window shopping or buy a few goodies for yourself, your Hubby, your kids or your home!

4) Spa day!
Treat yourself to a day at the spa! If you can afford it, most spas offer discounts on a monthly membership program. You can get 1 massage and 1 facial per month for a discounted rate. Other wise, spa days are great every few months or you can ask for gift certificates for your birthday, Christmas, Mother's day, etc.

5) Soak up the Sun!
Find a quiet park, beach or even quiet spot in your backyard. Grab a book, dvd player or tunes and just relax in the sun! Your body will appreciate the Vitamin D and your mind will enjoy the quiet!

6) Trade Babysitting with friends!
For a free way to get plenty of guaranteed ME time set up a babysitting swap with other Mama's. You watch their kids once a week, or whenever you designate, and they watch your kids once a week. You know your kids are in good hands so you can really relax and you don't have to pay for a sitter, freeing up more cash to spend on your ME time!

7) Volunteer your ME time!
Volunteering is a great way to spend your ME time! You can volunteer at a food shelf, woman's shelf, local hospital, animal shelter, pretty much wherever you feel most comfortable spending some of your time to give back! You'll leave feeling great!

8) Get a Hobby!
Pick up a hobby that you can do while on ME time! Anything from scrapbooking to baking, sewing or photography. If you've got hobbies to do while on ME time you'll be more likely to actually take the ME time!

9) Start or Find a Book Club or Bible Study!
Search out a Mom's Group or Book Club that you can join. Most Mom's Group offer childcare so you get some ME time while the kids get to play!

10) Movie Time!
Grab a girlfriend or just go by yourself to see the newest flick! Forgo the healthy eating for the time and enjoy a popcorn or candy bar!

Obviously some of these will be appealing to you and some will not. Choose whichever you would enjoy and go for it! Create your own list of things to do so you're never stuck trying to plan something last minute. You can even have a stock pile of activities and randomly choose one for each day out! You can go out on a ME day daily, weekly, bi-weekly, whatever schedule works best for you! Just get out every once in a while! Trust me, you'll be thankful you did!