I get it, money can be tight, and the need for some me time can be real. Being a stay-at-home mom of two toddler boys with a husband who works unpredictable hours can be stressful. There isn’t always a magical solution for available child care and an all-expenses-paid trip away for the weekend to relax and recharge. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some me time options for $10 or less that I enjoy doing any day or time when I feel like motherhood is taking over my whole being.
1. Pick up a new book
Reading may seem like a luxury that just isn’t going to happen for you right now, but I would encourage you to find time to read if that’s what fills your soul. If it’s not going to happen, though, finding something to listen to, even on Audible, or a podcast, while getting other stuff done is also refreshing. I like to wander the aisles at Goodwill and see what books I can find; there have been a few times I have found some of my favorite author’s books there and for a great price. Or if you’re going for free, a library card is a great thing to have.
2. Go for a walk
Grab your pup or just your headphones, and get out for some fresh air and light cardio! This is so therapeutic, and even just a few minutes can lift your whole mood. Take the long way around the sub and enjoy your favorite tunes or a great podcast!
3. Get a new candle
Something I love to do after I clean a room in my house is light a candle. I love the smell and look of a clean kitchen with a lighted candle. The next time you’re doing some grocery shopping, grab a new great scent and enjoy it later on that day.
4. Grab a new nail polish
Full mani/pedi nail appointments are always amazing, but when the budget doesn’t allow for that, just picking up a new color you like and having fresh nails can make you feel like a million bucks.
5. Walk through your favorite store
Wandering through stores by myself is one of my favorite things to do. Walking around and seeing what kinds of things are for sale is something that I’ve missed in my new routine of mad dashes in and out with two toddlers. Hello Target, my old friend!
6. Take a bubble bath
Grab a new bubble bath, bath salts, bath bombs, or whatever kind of bath things you can use to have on hand for the evenings when a relaxing hot bath just sounds amazing. To go along with this, a new body wash scent or lotion is a nice pick-me-up when you’re getting tired of what you have.
7. Turn on your favorite TV show
Having a show to look forward to where the opening song doesn’t include the words “be there on the double” is amazing. My husband knows mommy hides on Monday nights after 8 pm, and he handles bedtime.
8. Indulge in some new pajamas
I am the first one to say I thoroughly enjoy wearing my husband’s oversized work shirts and sweats to bed, but it’s nice to have a pair of pajamas that match and make you feel nice to go to bed in. New pajamas make me feel confident and sexy, and hey, who knows what could happen after that?! Plus, you can usually find an ultra-soft, ultra-affordable pair at Target!
9. Take time to work on your journal, planner, or scrapbook
Whatever it is that gets your creative side going, do that thing! I love writing in a specific kind of journal and decorating a planner I have. Whether cooking, sewing, drawing, singing, or whatever it is, make time for it.
10. Find a friend and go out for coffee
Go to coffee with a friend and enjoy some adult conversation. It is good for the soul to have girlfriend time to talk, laugh, cry, vent, and encourage each other. It is nice to catch up and put on “regular clothes,” all the while being reassured that you are not alone and can survive another day.
These are just a few ideas that I like to use when I am in a rut, but there really isn’t much that can’t be done for your me time if it’s what you need, and it fits your budget. The secret to doing the things that fill your “mom tank” is believing you’re worth it. You are worth investing in so that you can get up and do this all over again tomorrow. Take the time to do things that you did before you had kids, it’s important, and your kids will be better because of it.
