Motherhood is amazing. In fact, it is one of the most beautiful moments in a woman’s life. During motherhood, women get to explore different feelings they never knew existed, while also sharing unique moments with their kids and family. This experience makes women become more patient, caring, and loving human beings. However, while motherhood is very rewarding and fulfilling, it can also be challenging. As a mom, you’re expected to take care of your family and home as well as keep up with your career or job, if you have one. Wearing so many hats at one time can be very tasking, so sometimes you find yourself waking up very early in the morning to get ahead of a busy schedule, you stand up while eating dinner because you have to clean too, and you just kind of lose yourself. BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE LIKE THAT. It’s time to take a page out of Maxine Waters’ book and reclaim your time, mama. For some people, taking a break means going somewhere expensive and spending a lot of money. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, you can have a great time without stepping out of your house. Here are 5 not-so-guilty pleasures you can use to break free from the shackles of an ever-busy schedule.
Save Some Of The Good Snacks For Yourself
Sometimes when I’m out and about running errands without the kids, I open my middle console and enjoy some savory snacks without hearing “mommy can I have some too” every few minutes. I know we teach our children to share, but sometimes it’s nice to indulge in something tasty with the sweet sound of silence. My snacks of choice are RITZ Bits Variety 20 Count and Chips Ahoy! 18 Count Multipacks that I found at Walmart. The RITZ Bits Variety 20 Count has a mix of the cheese and the peanut butter crackers which is great, because a girl has to have options, right?! The Chips Ahoy! 18 Count is my favorite choice when I have a sweet tooth, because of course they’re delicious, but they also come in packs of two which prevents me from overeating! Give it a try, once you snack alone in the car snacking will never be the same again!
Get Lost In A Good Book
Reading is a great way to escape reality. It helps you forget about the world around you and immerses you into the world which the writer is trying to describe. So, even if you have piles of laundry to fold and toys are scattered all over the floor, you can still choose to escape for a short while to pick up a good book and have a great experience right in the middle of that mess. Trust me, it will still be there when you finish that chapter.
Swap Out Cartoons For Old Sitcoms Sometimes
Just like scents and music, tv shows can bring feelings of nostalgia. There are certain shows that make us remember our childhood and teenage years – which are in most cases some of the best years of our lives. There are also tons of family friendly classics like The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and GoodTimes, so it’s okay to swap out one episode of nonstop cartoons and watch a show that you enjoy too. I have started to do this when my kids are having independent play, so while they are running around the house, letting their imaginations run wild, I will turn on an oldie but goodie and sometimes they will come and watch an episode with me!
Soak In The Tub Often
The problem that a lot of moms have is that we try to wait until after bedtime to get a bit of relaxation and we don’t have to. While the kids are watching a movie or having a nap, you can soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes with good music and a sweetly-scented candle in the background. Doing this on a weekly, if not daily basis promotes relaxation and also relieves stress.
Sleep When They Sleep
Sleep when they sleep is NOT just for the newborn stage. It’s understandable that as a mom, you want to be as efficient as possible, and will do whatever it takes to make things work, even if it costs you your sleep. The idea of having a stable home is great, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your sleep. You must realize that you’re a human with limits. Make sure you take a nap when you need it and get enough rest during the weekends. This will help you stay balanced.
There you have it, my top 5 NOT SO GUILTY PLEASURES. Be sure to head to Walmart.com or in store to grab RITZ Bits Variety 20 Count and Chips Ahoy! 18 CountMultipacks for yourself so that you can enjoy a good snack and some quiet time too!
