I’ve started thinking about New Year’s resolutions already and I think I’ve narrowed it down to one. It’s not getting fit or losing weight or getting a better work life balance or any of those virtuous things. In fact, when I say it out loud it sounds pretty selfish.
I’m going to make time for myself, away from my two children and my job at least once a week.
This year I’ve really learnt the hard way about not doing this. There have been too many times that I have regretted my words or actions, because I’ve been stressed or tired.
I started going to an exercise class earlier in the year and I’m very pleased to say that I’m still attending it at the end of the year. Although I don’t think that I’m that much fitter than before, I get a massive buzz from going plus I get out of the house for an hour. It’s my time to reset, punch and kick my stresses out, and I have to switch my life brain off in an effort to concentrate! I feel like I come back in a much better mum state, albeit sweaty.
The same is true of cheeky child free days off work, which really do work wonders. I look forward to it for weeks and get to do what I want to do, without anyone climbing on me or asking me for snacks. Don’t get me wrong, I miss my kids terribly but it makes it all the sweeter to be able to do a surprise pick up at school.
I’m under no illusions that I do have things pretty damn easy, especially with a WFH husband, but I do have limits. Those limits have been tested a lot, and as my kids grow and our lives get even busier, it’s important that I look after myself too. I’m not my best self if I’m bogged down with work stress, washing and maths homework. My kids deserve the best from me, and if that means an hour away a week, then that’s a compromise we can all cope with.