Between the house, kids, husband, bills, work, and everything else that gets tossed on your plate, there always seems to be one person that gets overlooked: you!

But just because you’re up to your neck with activities and responsibilities, it doesn’t mean you need to leave yourself out of the mix. Let us help you find the time for ‘me time’ with these hints and ideas.

Alicia on “Make it a Joint Effort”

“Keeping on top of all those daily ‘must do’s’ can be a tough task. But there’s no reason for you to tackle all those responsibilities on your own! A great plan that saves time (and sanity) is to team up with your husband and switch up those family responsibilities. When it comes to our daughter Lucy and her endless array of activities, my husband Adam and I take turns with the small stuff (practices, rehearsals, and the like) but always show up together for big events like games and recitals. That way, both Adam and I can enjoy a little time to ourselves all while keeping our family buttoned up done at the same time.”

Sarah on: “Ditch the Guilt”

“Sometimes, our own worst enemy when it comes to carving out a little personal time is ourselves. Who hasn’t pushed their own needs to the side with the rationalization ‘with all that’s going on, how could I possibility take a moment for myself’? But keep in mind having a little me time now and again won’t make you any less of a super wife, mom, or employee; in fact, it’s usually quite the opposite. It’s a general rule of thumb that your mood affects those around you — whether for the better or worse! So, if you have any guilt about devoting a little time to yourself: cast it aside. It’s a mindset better left for the birds!”

Here are a few tricks to help you find (and keep) some time for ‘me time’:

#1. Bundle Up
While no amount of wishful thinking will help you escape your weekly errands and chores, there’s still a way to make all of your ‘must do’s’ work in your favor. Try to bundle all of your errands and appointments in as few clusters as possible. Not only will you save tons of time that would otherwise be wasted shuttling to and from your destinations, you’ll give your car a much needed break from all those ‘city’ miles, which as we all know, can really add up!

#2. Seize the Opportunity
Sure, we could all benefit from a little more time in the day (if not to get more done, then for a full night’s rest), but there are tricks to help you make the most of the time you already have. Try to line up some spare moments for yourself during family down time, such as when the kids are busy with after school clubs or during nap hour. And if conflicting schedules keep you from enjoying a little me time (all those practices and play dates never seem line up!) hiring a mother’s helper a few afternoons a week is sure to do the trick as well.

#3. Keep Everyone in the Know
Once you’ve managed to secure a little time for yourself, don’t forget to let your loved ones in on your personal plans as well. Discussing the details in advance and blocking the time on your family calendar will prevent you from having to ditch your plans at the last minute due to an unforeseen conflict. Then once you’re squared away with your family, kick back and relax — it’s definitely well deserved!